Went out late afternoon to check the breakwalls at Lorain Harbor for 
Purple Sandpiper but I did not find the bird.  As I pulled to the harbor 
the area was teaming with gulls.  The Bonaparte's flock I would estimate 
at 4500+. Many were in the water and thousands of Ring-bills, Herring, and 
Bonaparte's were in flight. After scanning the breakwalls I starting 
picking through the gulls on the water.  2 caught my eye immediately...a 
adult Bonaparte's still retaining most of its black head and a 2nd winter 
FRANKLIN'S GULL with extensive hood,dark gray mantle, and primarily black 
wingtips with some small white markings. I was able to get some photos of 
the Franklin's. While slowly scoping the Bonaparte's flock that was 
resting on the water I came across a 1st winter LITTLE GULL and with its 
bold dark bar on the wing which just popped in the flock of Bonaparte's. 
When I was leaving the harbor at 5:30 the gulls were coming in to roost 
for the night. Hopefully these birds will stay through the day tomorrow 
for others to view.

Best of birding to you.
Irene

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