Adding to the recent discussion on the low numbers of COMMON TERNS and
BONAPARTE'S GULLS in the Puget sound region, let me share today's
observation on the later. I was birding Browns Point Park late this morning
with an out-of-town birder. We had a group of at least 50 to 60 BONAPARTE'S
GULLS sitting on the water and flying around, about 200 yards of the beach,
south of the lighthouse. They appeared to be feeding on something unknown -
definitely not small fish. There were a few gulls of other species mixed in
and about a dozen WESTERN GREBES swam over to join in. The flock included
very few birds in juvenile plumage.

We did unsuccessfully scope for the Black-Tailed Gull. The main log boom,
on which this gull has been observed previously, held by my guess-timate
from 200 to 300 BONAPARTE'S . which took to the air several times, leaving
some of the larger gulls sitting on the logs. In my opinion, there is no
lack of BONAPARTE'S GULLS in Commencement Bay, however there seem to be very
few juveniles. The same appears to be true with the large group of MEW GULLS
at this location.

Cheers and good birding!

Hans Feddern
Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA.
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