I was able to locate the Little Gull in the mud flats along Hoagland-Blackstub Road (Mosquito WA) around 8:30 this morning. During a fifteen-minute rain-free period, it was observed both standing and flying. The prominent wing and mantle patterns sharply contrasted with the rest of the plumage, and it had a dark area extending along the lower back- and side-neck, giving the appearance of a comma or partial collar. The bird's head had a dark cap, and the tail was flat and edged with a dark, shallow inverted "V." It's smaller size was noted when it stood in close proximity to a Bonaparte's. When an immature Bald Eagle flew overhead and caused everything on the ground to take flight, the Little Gull flew toward the north end of the island and disappeared. Then the skies opened and a hard, persistent rain thwarted any further birding.

Other observations include:
13 Great Egret
20 Great Blue Heron
1 Osprey
5 Bald Eagle
1 Belted Kingfisher
numerous swallows flying over the water
numerous shorebirds spread over the mud flats

Judy Hochadel

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