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March 2011

OHIO-BIRDS@LISTSERV.MIAMIOH.EDU

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Subject:
From:
Paul Dubuc <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Paul Dubuc <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:30:48 -0400
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In the numbing cold and eye-watering wind of the Erie shore, I had two brief
views of a possible Little Gull feeding over and beyond the breakwall at
Fairport Harbor (Lake Co.) today, 11:30 a.m..  But I can't be certain, only
having seen two before, and my gull skills being what they are.

For the record, this gull was smaller and flying lower than nearby
Bonaparte's, with a fluttery, haphazard quality to its flight as it fought
through a headwind and dipped repeatedly to the surface.  The bird also had
a discernible dark patch at the nape while viewed from a distance at which
Bonaparte's head markings weren't visible on flying birds.  Uniformly
pale-appearing upperwing, unlike the white-flashing contrast of the Bonies.
However, the strong sunlight was causing heavy shadowing on the underwings
of all flying birds, so the crucial field mark couldn't be ticked off in 45
seconds of viewing.  With this species being seen in Cincinnati and in
Buffalo, there may be a movement afoot.  Keep an eye out, lake watchers.

Otherwise:

Several thousands of Red-breasted Mergansers from Wildwood to 72nd Street
(Cuyahoga Co.), but otherwise unremarkable numbers of Lesser Scaup, Redhead,
Bufflehead, Coot, and one Horned Grebe at Mentor Headlands.

A Peregrine Falcon buzzed the shoreline eastbound at Fairport Harbor,
causing a major ruckus.

Five Eastern Meadowlarks -- unmoved to proclaim spring to this shivering
skeptic -- foraged silently while a female American Kestrel hovered over a
roadside field between Fairport Harbor and Mentor Headlands.

Bird warm,

Paul
--
Paul Dubuc,
Dayton, OH
at sign beween pauldubuc and gmail dot com
_____________________________________
"The moment a little boy is concerned with which is a jay and which is a
sparrow, he can no longer see the birds or hear them sing."
-- Eric Berne

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