Subject: [Tweeters] Slaty-backed Gull still on Willamette
Date: Mar 21 17:08:59 2009
From: gneavoll at comcast.net - gneavoll at comcast.net


Portland waterfront SLATY-BACKED GULL, now nearing breeding plumage, in familiar spot on eastside dock between Steel, Burnside bridges between 3 and 4 p.m. today (3/21/09). Previous speckling on breast almost gone; "mascara smudge" around whitish eye soon may be only noticeable marking on head. Usual coterie of Glaucous-winged, California, Western gulls lined up with it on dock; pair of Mew Gulls in sparkling breeding plumage offshore.

STELLER SEA LION cruising Willamette just n. of docked sternwheeler steamer "Portland" on w. bank, heading upstream.

George Neavoll
S.W. Portland