Hi Tweeters,

Hi Yakkers,

Rimrock Lake, along Hwy 12 west of Naches, attracts gulls in the fall
when the land-locked kokanee salmon in the lake are spawning in the
creek between Rimrock and Clear Lakes. This is by far the best gull
spot in Yakima County and has very few hybrids to confuse things.
Gulls are confusing enough for people from the east side.

This morning I saw a juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake flying over the
stream at the west end of Rimrock Lake. It was flying with about ten
other gulls and disappeared. It possibly flew west toward Clear Lake.
It had a dark "W" on the upper side of its wings and a black band at
the tip of the tail.

I got photos of what I think is a juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull in
the gull flock. I placed one of these in the new photos folder on my
website. If you have any opinion on this gull, please let me know.

http://www.granstrand.net/gallery/newphotos

The adult Sabine's Gull found Friday morning was still at Rimrock
Lake. It tended to stay away from the other gulls and wandered around
on the mudflats by itself. There are photos of it on my website.

As fall progresses, the numbers of gulls at Rimrock Lake should
increase considerably. Between mileposts 158 and 160 along Hwy 12 is
Indian Creek Campground. At the east end of the campground there is a
wide pullout with a sign: "Naches 30, Yakima 44". Park there, put on
your rubber boots and walk downhill to the lake. Head across the
mudflats toward the gull flock.

Here is my list:

Canada Goose 16
Common Merganser 93
Western Grebe 2
Black-legged Kittiwake 1
Ring-billed Gull 5
California Gull 57
Herring Gull 3
Thayer's Gull 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull (possible) 1
Osprey 1

The mud is deep and sticky. Wear high rubber boots so you can get
close to the gulls for a better view.

--
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Denny Granstrand
Yakima, WA
dgranstrand AT gmail.com
Denny Granstrand's bird photos can be seen at:
www.granstrand.net/gallery/