Tweeters: This afternoon we ran into a contingent of several birders enjoying the BURROWING OWL at Scuttlebutt's in the Port of Everett. As we were leaving, a very dark-mantled adult gull caught my attention on the first of several rooftops that are apparent justsouth of the owl site. Viewed from the entry road (plenty of parking here), the bird looked simply perfect for an ad. winter SLATY-BACKED GULL, except that I did not have the time to watch to see the bird lift its wings for the "string of pearls" view. The bird seemed to have a bit of black smudge on the lowermandible, hinting at molt from 3rd-year being completed. Scott AtkinsonLake Stevensmail to: scottratkinson at hotmail.com