Before the rain started I got out locally here in Polk County. Recently there
was some discussion on the lack of American Goldfinches, and I located a flock
of about 25 a few days ago in southern Polk County. Today when at Monmouth
Sewage Lagoons, I was wondering if there would be any Mew Gulls. There were
only 3 there as I remember on the Dallas CBC, and I have been there 3-4X since,
and have dipped each time. This is the exception. Mew Gulls have been
virtually guarenteed here in mid winter for as long as I can remember, and
often up to 20 birds or so. Are birders seeing them elsewhere? Any good
explanations for such?
While I was watching the waterfowl, concluding I ought to post about this, one
lone Mew Gull flew in, and so prevented the fountain of tears and so I can
finally put a check on my county year list for that species.
Otherwise, there was one Eurasian Wigeon in the wigeon flock on the farm pond
along Talmidge Rd, south of Independence. I then went over to BSNWR and saw
at a distance what I thought was an adult Western Gull, being large, dark, and
a clear white head. I have to admit that after a walk to the view point to see
Morgan Lake there was a Glaucous-winged Gull at the narrows which I admit might
have been that same bird, but as it was raining hard by then, I did not pursue
it more. At Morgan Lake there were 24 Canvasback, a nice healthy number.
Since this lake has been off limits/out of sight until last winter, I doubt it
has gotten much coverage so I suspect these may be regular.
