Dear Tweeters and Inland Birders,

On March 8, an adult (Kumlien's) ICELAND GULL, different from the
one seen by many in Kelowna from March 4 onward, was spotted at
Vernon, B.C., 30 miles N of Kelowna (please see attached note).
Also, yesterday, March 18, the near-adult ICELAND GULL was seen again
at the Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary in Kelowna, where it was originally
found. Keep your eyes peeled-- there could be one or more Iceland
Gulls somewhere in Washington or northern Idaho!

Wayne Weber
Kamloops, B.C.
wayne_weber at bc.sympatico.ca





-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Gehlen <philip_gehlen at telus.net>
To: bcintbird <bcintbird at egroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 12:54 PM
Subject: [bcintbird] Iceland Gull


Hi Birders,

This morning, March 8, I saw my first MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD on Bench Row
Road on the lower Commonage.
At the mouth of Vernon Creek, was an adult Kumlien's ICELAND GULL.
Although I missed the bird in Kelowna, this does not appear to be the
same one since this bird shows no signs of immaturity as described by
Chris Charlesworth for his third year bird.

ICELAND GULL:

- about the size of nearby California Gull.
- small round head showing some streaking on lower nape
retained from winter plumage.
- eye appeared light from a distance.
- legs were very pale pink, unlike Thayers' rosy pink.
- mantle was pale gray (approximately midway between
Herring Gull and Glaucous Gull).
- 4-5 outer primary tips were pale gray, about two shades
darker than the mantle.
- wings extended well beyond tail.
- the bird remained somewhat aloof of the main flock of
gulls but took flight with the others when I attempted
to approach for a photograph.

Phil Gehlen

Vernon, B.C.
philip_gehlen at telus.net