FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Little Gull plus others Ky Lake 17 February 2004

[David Roemer <dlroemer@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hap's first winter Little Gull was again present above
Kentucky Dam this afternoon.  I viewed the bird from
the point above the dam near the beach, and was able
to obtain some poor but diagnostic video.  I first saw
the bird at approximately 1:30, and it fed within
sight for about a half hour before flying up the lake.
 

A day with air temperatures in the mid-forties would
be ideal for finding this bird as that is the
approximate water temperature.  The gull was at times
very distant, and would have been impossible to find
on a day with severe heat distortion.  Viewing
conditions were very nice today, and it did come close
enough to allow nice definitive looks.

The water level has dropped at the lakes as well as
below the dams, and the gulls have dispersed to a
great extent.  Many were loafing on the mid-lake bars
on Barkley, and also above the dam on Kentucky.  The
number of birds below Kentucky Dam was greatly reduced
today, but most of the previously reported birds were
present, including the Great Black-backed and the pale
Iceland/Thayer's type bird.  A 1st yr. Glaucous Gull
was seen resting above the dam, as were at least 2
Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Concerning the Iceland/Thayer's type bird, I reported
previously that I felt it was a Kumlien's Iceland. 
I'm going to backup a step and say that I think it's
too borderline for me to call with certainty.  I've
sent photos to some folks who see these birds
regularly, and so far the consensus has been that it
is a good Kumlien's Iceland.  Some features appear to
be intermediate between the two.  I have published a
couple of photos at www.surfbirds.com   Click on N.
America Stop Press and scroll down.  I'd be interested
in any feedback on this bird.  It and the Great
Black-backed are still frequenting the area of the
boat ramp.  Whatever it is, it's worth a trip to see.

dave






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