Subject: [Tweeters] Slaty-backed Gull continues at Renton
Date: Feb 15 21:32:50 2006
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan - godwit513 at msn.com


Hello Tweets,

The adult SLATY-BACKED GULL made another nice appearance this afternoon/evening beginning at 4:15pm at the north end of Gene Coulon Park in Renton. The bird was viewed by several birders during our visit including Cameron Cox,Jessie Barry and Michael Fleming among others. The bird was first observed at fair distance in Lake Washington just west of the floating logbooms from where we were able to scope the bird from our vantage point. The lighting at this time was quite poor,but ample scoping views of this distinctive,striking gull were obtained revealing all the classic field marks. The bird during the beginning observations was observed heavily splashing in the water,preening and bathing while most other gulls nearby just loafed on the lake. Within 15-20 minutes the bird flew all by itself leaving the other gulls and finally landed closer to us,but still at a distance as it landed on the row of floating logbooms. The bird remained at this location for quite some time and continued it's regular preening and made just a few short flights to other logbooms. The bird would also occasionally swim in the water,but quickly returned to the logbooms. As the sun began to set and lighting declined we kept watching the bird,as well as obtained some less than good quality photos. These distant,somewhat blurry photos can be accessed at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/godwit/gull_photos/

The bird really stood out in every angle and was a great example of the species,as we watched the bird until we left at 5:30pm. The bird seems to be quite comfortable at the location but it seems to have a set schedule with all sightings being observed during the late afternoon.

The other interesting gull sighting during our visit was an apparent 1st winter/cycle "VEGA"GULL,which Cameron Cox and Jessie Barry located and both were able to get some photos of the bird. Other gulls of note included at least 1 adult Western Gull and a few adult Herring and Thayer's Gulls.

A single CLARK'S GREBE was also observed(prior to watching the Slaty-backed Gull),where it loosely associated with a large flock of Western Grebes just offshore of the floating logbooms from the north end of Gene Coulon Park. An immature Cooper's Hawk was observed near the restroom facilities,as we watched the Slaty-backed Gull.
2 River Otters were also noted from this location playing around in the water and catching fish near the floating logbooms.


Good birding,

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