Good Morning Tweets

Thought I was going to wake up to snow today but ... No! So much for
weather forecasts and rare birds.

Got a late start yesterday but made a quick run to Gog-le-hi-te for the
Slaty-backed Gull. At almost 4 PM found Ruth Sullivan and a friend down
there. Ruth and about a dozen others had been there without any success
(Ruth from about noon). It was cold and late. Elaine and I went to all
the locations where it had been seen without success and gave up when it
got dark. Our last possibility was some fresh scraps from the meat plant
that provoked a flurry of activity but no S-b Gull.

This lack of success is in stark contrast to the day before when the gull
was seen by quite a few birders. It posed in bright sunlight for a full
view. Even the light eye and the pale pink ring around it was visible. It
went down the opposite side of the roof out of sight but everyone was well
satisfied and did not pursue continued viewing. As if shunned the bird
came and landed in the road, displayed fully and then lazily flew to
another roof peak in full view for a newly arrived birder (Vicky?). At
that point I left to get Elaine so she could see it. Not available.

A poor consolation but certainly impressive is the array of photographs
that Ruth has obtained of this bird ........ does ABA's Field Notes include
photographs? If so, one should be submitted.

How does Ruth find all these RBA birds? Observant plus consistent birding.

Great bird, we'll be back looking for it again today!!

Bob
Federal Way, WA
taylorrt at foxinternet.net