Phil Kelley wrote:

>The Little Gull is still at American Lake as of 1:30 today.Hopefully the gate
>will be open tomorrow for easier access.

Phil: We must have just missed each other - I was there almost exactly the
same time, leaving at 1:40pm. Was *very* frustrated by all the "NO PARKING"
signs, and kept driving around trying to figure something out. Some of the
side street options did not look very wise, but I finally ended up at the
end of Silcox Street, peeping through the trees and between houses, over a
small empty lot. Spotted the bird fairly easily, thanks to its flying
around and flashing those blackish wing linings. After I got the scope out
it landed on the water and preened, affording another perspective on its
plumage, and further comparison with the Bonaparte's and other gull species
(including Mew and California). Thus, good looks, albeit from an
uncomfortable situation. I left after only a short while, since the
neighborhood dogs were barking and I was getting some strange looks from
local humans...

Sometimes you get your lifers where you can!

Cheers,

Janet Hardin
Port Townsend, WA
wings at olympus.net