I checked the Kerr Dam area again this morning hoping that yesterdays storm
pushed in some waterfowl. Not much luck on that front. There was a raft of
about 40 birds out from the dam lookout area, but the distance and lighting
made id impossible for me. The only new arrivals since last weekend were a
RED-THROATED LOON at Palmer Point, about a dozen Horned Grebes seen from
various locations, and 2 first winter Herring Gulls at Tailrace Park. The
LESSER-BLACK BACKED GULL was still present at Tailrace.
Also at Tailrace was a somewhat unusual gull that I'm inclined to call a
second winter Herring based on size and shape, but the plumage just wasn't
quite right. The bird had a large all black bill, dull pinkish legs, dark
eyes, and a brown speckled mantle. It's head, neck and breast were clear
white with only a few dark markings on the upper, outer margins on the
breast. The tail was mostly white with a dark terminal band.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. Any comments are welcome.
On the drive home, I spotted 24 Hooded Merganser on a small pond, 2
Kestrels, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk and 4 Red-tailed Hawks.
Paul Glass
South Boston, VA
