While looking for waterfowl at Pleasant Hill Lake this afternoon, I observed a dark-mantled gull on the water, in flight, and perched on a log next to several herring gulls. Here are the highlights of the other significant details I noted:
  *Approximate in size to a herring gull, but appeared slightly chunkier than a herring;
  *Yellow bill with prominent red gonys spot. Bill appeared decurved from a distance;
  *Bright pinkish-orange legs.
  *In flight, some white visible on the outer wing tips.

  I think it more likely to have been a slaty-backed than a western, but I lack the expertise to make that call with 100% confidence. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to share either. I hope the gull sticks around so that its ID can be confirmed by one or more gull experts.

  Directions to the site: (Old DeLorme p. 49 C-7): From the intersection with Rt. 39, travel east on Rt. 95. Turn left onto Covert Road. Covert Road leads to a marina and campground. I took a sharp right on a gravel road that drops steeply downhill shortly after Covert enters a wooded area. I don't know the name of this road, or if it even has a name. I parked at the bottom and walked a short distance to lake edge. The gull perched on a log out on the lake that is commonly occupied with cormorants. This perch is also visible from a parking area on the way to the marina. Of course, the gull could be anywhere on the lake, provided that it sticks around.

  Gabe Hostetler
  Wooster



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