Tweets,
I am the "other" birder referred to by Tim. I
spent about 45 minutes with Tim, Lonnie, and Ruth
along Wenzel Slough Road at its first southward turn
east of Keys Road. I spent another 45 minutes or so
with the large flock of gulls after they all left.
When I arrived Tim and Lonnie were viewing this bird
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087655 and
next two images) which I saw briefly as I made my
initial scans of the area, then it wandered back along
the flooded portion of the field out of view and I am
not sure we ever relocated it as a group. I found it
again all the way at the South end of the group just
before I left. I have included several pictures of it
and another bird that I believe is the bird found by
Charlie and Keith in previous days that show pretty
plainly that they are different birds. Note the first
birds much lighter coverts compared to this bird
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087048 and
the next two images) that we all agreed is good for
adult Slaty-backed Gull. Though Ruth counseled me at
length not to suggest that there are two Slaty-backs
in this flock I would be curious to know what others
think it is if not a 3rd yr Slaty-backed. As for Vega
(a gull I have no experience with), both of these
birds were significantly darker than the two Western
types I found in the flock. Continuing this aside I
saw a Herring Gull that fits with Charlie's comments
of tonight. It got my attention because of its dark
wing tips and dark back as I noticed its back was a
good shade darker than nearby Glaucous-wingeds but
when I got to the head it had a nice flat elongated
forehead and pail eye. Physically this bird looked
like any other Herring I have ever seen but seemed a
good bit darker mantled. A Bald Eagle did a fly bye
and put everything to flight and I decided I didn't
have time to sort through the flock again so headed
home. After we lost the first bird
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087655) we
located the "good" Slaty-backed
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087048) and
had great views for quit some time. While trying to
relocate the "other" bird Tim found this bird
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087287). A
very interesting bird that I am not going to offer any
heart felt suggestions for, though it was quite dark
(my images are a bit overexposed and it seemed more
heavily streaked on the nape and neck sides in the
field) its head shape in some angles suggests some
Herring genes. I am probably opening myself up for
some criticism by going that far with this bird. If I
have confused you thus far just go to this link and
click through reading the photo captions
(http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087048).
I also found two birds I think are decent for
Glaucous Gull though it has been seven years since I
have seen a Glaucous Gull. I am open to being educated
by those who disagree, five images beginning here
http://www.pbase.com/hoodedcrow/image/94087898.
Definitely a very interesting flock of birds,
with lots of Mew, Ring-billed, Glaucous-winged in many
plumage's, and a few California Gulls to keep you
busy. Thanks Charlie, Keith, Ruth, Tim, and Lonnie.

Good Birding,
Matt Pike
hoodedcrow3b at yahoo.com
Lacey WA


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