Hi Tweets -

The Black-headed Gull is still present this morning at the Everett
Treatment Ponds. I first saw it toward the north end of the south pond
feeding on the surface with about 100 Bonaparte's Gulls. Later it flew
to the settling ponds south of the road to Spencer Island, and about 5
minutes later back to near the pumps on the south end of the south pond.
Was able to study it for about 15 minutes the first time, and about 5
minutes the second (from about 70 feet in good sunlight). The bird is in
breeding plumage with a nice dark brown hood which runs up from the chin
and wraps over the crown of the head. The bird cooperatively hopped up
on the barrier so I could get a good look at the dark red bill and dark
red legs. When it flew the dark areas on the wings were visible. The
size difference between the Black-headed and Bonaparte's was somewhat
evident on the water, but much more so when they were side by side on
the barrier. When I left, about 1015, it was back near the north end of
the south pond. Nice looks at a nice bird. Good luck, and good birding.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville WA
bellasoc at isomedia.com