Hello Tweets,

The first-wintered-plumaged BLACK-HEADED GULL was again present this morning from 10:50am-11:35am near Fort Ward State Park at the south end of Bainbridge Island. The bird was observed off and on beginning a 10:50am,where it was first detected rested alone atop a floating ball along the side of the "fish farm",as we scoped from the land looking south. The bird then flew off and was not detected until 10 minutes later at the end of the dock,which is the same dock noted in all other messages regarding the bird. We stood outside the locked gate at the base of the dock,as the bird flew from behind the large cream-colored building on the dock west to a small boat,which was connected to the dock. During this time the bird always stayed separate from any other birds,so perhaps that is why it was easier to detect. The bird regularly flew back and forth in 5 minute intervals until 11:35am and during this time the rain began being steady at times. We were joined by 2 other birders just before 12pm,then additional birders arriving afterwards as we searched until 1pm. The good outcome is birders were allowed to walk to the end of the dock beginning after 12pm by workers,as conditions remained very wet. As other have mentioned an excellent find for everyone to see by Brad Waggoner,especially since the bird seems to be most accommodating!

While watching and searching for the Black-headed Gull we located only a small number of Bonaparte's Gulls with many other gull species(including Mew Gulls)from the distant "fish farms". In additional very large,dense concentrations of scoters gathered just west of the fish farms consisting of all 3 species of scoters(with smaller numbers of other diving waterfowl). Within this flock were a pair of LONG-TAILED DUCKS. 10-15 Black Turnstones wheeled around the fish farms too,as well as a flock of 75 Dunlin that eventually flew off to the east in the direction of Restoration Point. A single Cooper's Hawk was also present during our visit flying near homes in the basic vicinity,as we stood searching for the Black-headed Gull.

*****A POST to ALL BIRDERS*****

Near the end of our visit we were joined by Jerry Swena and Roger Moyer of Chehalis,who both informed us that they observed the LONG-BILLED MURRELET and the THICK-BILLED MURRE off the Point No Point Lighthouse at 11am(just before the rains began). It was exciting news to hear! They both obtained great looks at both species and we just wish to mention these sightings since they both do not post on Tweeters.



Seasons Greetings,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit513 at msn.com