I stopped by the viewpoints for the BLACK-TAILED GULL again late this
morning. I have seen it there at least twice previously and thanks to Shep
Thorp and his boat, had some fantastic close-up views this last Wednesday,
Between 12 and 12:30 pm this afternoon, the gull was located with a joint
effort by several birders from the viewpoint below the one with the
hummingbird feeder. It was within a large group of resting gulls on the main
log boom and it is normally found at that location. I finally counted a
group of 17 birders assembled watching the bird, a "lifer" for many of them.

Since the bird has been at this location for about two weeks, it could be
hanging around for the winter season. It appears to be out feeding with the
other gulls in the morning on Commencement Bay and at the mouth of the
Puyallup River. By mid - to late morning it normally returns to the log boom
to rest, preen and sleep. It is often very difficult to spot, since it has
its bill tugged under its wing. I would suggest to stay on a a bird you
suspect to be it and wait for the head to come up. At that point the long
bill with black ring and red tip will be diagnostic. I also find a somewhat
larger head and longer.sleeker body - a lot like that of a Ring-Billed Gull
- can be helpful. I normally start of looking for a medium sized gull with a
slightly darker mantle, which will have you look at a lot of California
Gulls, but don't give up! Also helpful, when the head is visible, is a white
forehead and a dark, crescent shaped nape. The yellow legs are shorter than
other gulls, but the bird is sitting down a lot. The tail of course, if the
bird is observed flying, is the best field mark. It sometimes can be seen on
the resting bird, when the wing is stretched out. The gull has also been
found from mid - to late afternoon, even though the light may not be good.
You are looking West and directly into the sun. I also suspect that it may
spend some time in the afternoon out feeding. I hope this may help in
locating this ultra rare Asian visitor.

Also seen today, while looking for the gull, were 2 male, 1 female BARROW'S
GOLDENEYES, the first of the winter season. In addition, I saw my
first-of-season male BUFFLEHEAD in Twin Lakes today.


Good Birding!

Hans Feddern
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA.
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