Greetings,
Sue Heath and I spent about two hours sorting through gulls at the Prince
William County Landfill today from about one-thirty until three-thirty. One
first-winter Glaucous Gull, a different individual from the bird I saw there
on Tuesday, was seen immediately upon arrival, and throughout our visit. One
adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen at the same time. We should have
returned to the car then, as it didn't get any better.
There were a few thousand Ring-billeds, several hundred Herring Gulls, 200 or
so Great Black-backeds, similar number of Laughing Gulls, with only one
first-winter Laughing Gull seen. A mixed pair of adult Bald Eagles were
present, at one point perched together on the edge of the capped pile.
When we arrived, the woman at the scale informed us that the landfill was
closed to birding. We went into the office to find out why and if it was
temporary, and were treated to coffee and doughnuts. A very kind man sorted
out the issue with the person in charge, and we were allowed in. It seemed
that the only issue at hand is how wet and muddy the landfill is. The area
where the garbage is being dumped (which is where the gulls are) is quite
soft with a steep access road, and without four-wheel drive I wouldn't have
been able to get up to it. Once up to the area the only place to park
without getting stuck is alongside the county vehicles that the staff use to
get to the trucks. This runs the risk of blocking one of those vehicles in,
so be certain to pay attention to this. It also runs the risk of being
blocked in. I was told by one of the workers that until it dries out some,
the area where the dumping occurs will remain very small and treacherous.
They've dumped mulch in the spot where I've been parking.
I also sensed some concern that while birders are walking around out there
that they might get stuck in the mud, or run over by one of the vehicles. Do
take caution to avoid this, as it would be a pity if access became denied
because one of us got mushed into the garbage heap. I also think they might
frown upon having to yank one of us out of the mud, not to mention the mess.
While I'm obviously making light of what could be serious, I did take one
step there on Tuesday and ended up knee deep and wondered how I was going to
get out of it. Fortunately it didn't require crawling on my belly nor did I
need help, but I can see either happening while trying to improve your
position on a Thayer's Gull.
Happy hunting, and ring me for a Thayers, Slaty-backed, Black-headed,
Glaucous, Mediterranean, or better...
Todd
703-209-8463, twenty-four seven.
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Todd Day
Jeffersonton, VA
Culpeper County
Blkvulture@xxxxxxx
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