Greetings birders - 
 
A local trip to the Cleveland and Avon Lake lakefront produced some very fine birds - namely gulls, in blustery and cold but better-than-January weather. The gull horde at East 72nd street is awesome, under the right conditions. Northwest winds keep birds close to shore and fantastically active, swarming in huge numbers right at shore. Otherwise, light winds will allow for birds to disperse, making for fewer chances to see the rarities. Good numbers of the big gulls (Herring, Great Black-backed, and the uncommon/rare white-winged gulls) have moved in and will likely now continue to be seen through Jan/Feb. We had 8 species of gulls today.
 
The big highlight was a first winter (first-cycle) CALIFORNIA GULL and a dark "barred" immature POMARINE JAEGER at Avon Lake Powerplant. 
 
 
EAST 72ND STREET/CLEVELAND LAKEFRONT STATE PARK
California Gull - single first-winter bird directly in warm-water outflow; studied well
Iceland Gull - single first-winter bird amidst Herring Gull swarm. 
Glaucous Gull - at least three different first-winter birds; different shades of "fawn"
Thayer's Gull - single first-winter bird, very frosted overall
Lesser Black-backed Gull - at least 4 first-winters, and 2 adults
Herring Gull - becoming very numerous now
Ring-billed Gull - vying with Herring for sheer numbers, still the most numerous
Bonaparte's Gull - lesser numbers here; likely more abundant in the harbors to the west
 
BURKE LAKEFRONT AIRPORT
Snowy Owl - the barred immature was scared off by airport officials who strategically fired FLARE GUNS aimed at the owl sitting on the edge of the runway. It was a real bummer to watch this. The bird eventually flew out over the phragmite stand and apparently over in the direction of the far (not visible) northern breakwall. 
 
AVON LAKE POWERPLANT
Pomarine Jaeger - absolutely mind-blowing looks at a stunning immature in the harbor. A relatively small gull flock allowed for instant ease in watching this bird rip through the Ring-billed flock, then leisurely sit just off the walkable jetty for historic views. 
 
jen
 
Jen Brumfield
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Sharon Center, OH
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