I stopped by Conneaut around noon (hoping the black-tailed gull took a detour), but struck out.  There were lots of gulls present so it may be worth another look by potential Saturday observers.  Two snow bunting flocks were on the beach along with some Dunlins.  One greater black backed and a swan (sleeping, species not determined) were mixed in with the gulls.  I did see one sleeping gull with bright red legs, but never saw the bill.  It took flight and wing pattern resembled black-headed but couldn't confirm bill color (flew offshore, not relocated). There were several bonapartes that still had dark orange legs, so the red could have just been a trick of light.  But perhaps worth further investigation.

I observed a swallow from the ashtabula museum vantage point.  It was a distant view and I didn't see reliable field marks.  Another observer saw the same swallow and thought It gave impression of cave, but again field marks not clear.  Given time of year cave is a good bet (hopefully others will get better views tomorrow).  The swallow was last seen at the same location as purple sandpiper-  from behind the museum, look North towards lake and blue crane (west of river).  A breakwall and some open water is barely visible beneath crane.  Sandpiper was on breakwall and swallow flying in that area.

Had lots of fun today, even without the gull.  Best of luck to everyone this weekend!

Cheers,
Heather

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 18, 2011, at 6:17 PM, Irene Krise <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> Our group had a great day in the field and made a valiant effort in trying 
> to find the Black-tailed Gull,Purple Sandpiper and Cave Swallows with many 
> other birders along Ashtabula Harbor and Lakeshore Park. The Purple 
> Sandpiper and 2 possible Cave Swallows were seen by some birders around 
> 9am. A Bald Eagle and a first year Peregrine Falcon stirred up the gulls 
> several times during the course of the day and we hoped the BTG would make 
> an appearance. A Black-HEADED Gull was seen by some at Lakeshore Park. 
> Peruse those gull flocks tomorrow and keep a watchful eye out for 
> swallows!! 
> 
> Irene
> 
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