Subject: [Tweeters] Everett STP and Black-Headed Gull
Date: Oct 25 16:11:33 2014
From: Steve Giles - giles.steve at hotmail.com


Hello Tweeters,

Jon Purnell and Sherrie Rogers requested directions to the Everett STP so here goes. Travel N on I-5 through Everett and exit on Marine View Drive. Turn left and wind several miles to a left turn which is the entrance to hwy 529 going North. Take the first exit on the right signed Langus Riverfront Park. Quickly you will turn right heading South-follow the signs to the park and then to the STP.



Drive past the Treatment Plant buildings on your right to a small parking area on the right(no fee required). From the parking lot you can survey aerating ponds to the South. Walk several hundred yards East to a locked gate which is a good vantage point to survey the ponds looking North. You can continue E a short distance and then walk North about a quarter of a mile along the East side of the ponds.



Friday afternoon Grace and Ollie Oliver and I spent four hours surveying the birds in the area. We focussed on the Gulls, especially keen on finding the Black-Headed Gull photographed last Sunday. We did find a likely candidate all the way at the North end of the ponds. It was sitting on the far bank near a Bonny-was larger and appeared to have two semi-circular black stripes on the head but the distance was great and it flew before we could confirm the ID.



There are thousands of waterfowl and gulls using the ponds now. They attract raptors and when the tide is high shorebirds use the area. I had 44 species during my time there.



Good birding

Steve Giles

Seattle