I visited these two landfills this morning to check out what gulls were around.
At the Fauquier landfill there were around 400 gulls present, of which 75%
were Ring-billed Gull. Also present were 5 Lesser Black-backed gulls: two
adults, one sub-adult (likely 4th winter given bare parts coloration), one 3rd
winter and a 2nd winter. This site always has good numbers of Lesser
Black-backs relative to total numbers - perhaps they don't mind flying the
extra distance to have fewer large gull competitors.
At the PW landfill a 1st winter Kumlien's Gull showed up as soon as I got
there. Shortly afterwards a 2nd winter Kumlien's appeared, which was quite a
treat. The only LBB there was a 1st winter bird (cf the much higher numbers at
Fauquier). There was also an intriguing 1st winter bird which had a
Glaucous-like bill - very heavy at the base, as with male Glaucous, with little
gonydeal expansion, and had pale inner webs to the outer primaries. It might
have been a "Nelson's" or a back-cross but was darker overall than any
"Nelson's" I have seen in the past. There were around 50 Laughing Gull
present, but they will clear out very soon, no doubt.
For those who like looking at gull photos, pics are here:
1st winter Kumliens: http://www.harrisbirds.com/Kumliens%20Dec%20Va3.htm
2nd winter Kumliens: http://www.harrisbirds.com/Kumliens%20Dec%20Va4.htm
1st winter LBB: http://www.harrisbirds.com/LBBG1WDEC4.htm
3rd winter LBB: http://www.harrisbirds.com/LBBG3WDEC1.htm
4th winter LBB: http://www.harrisbirds.com/LBBG4WDEC1.htm
Regards
Clive Harris
Cabin John, MD
