This evening from about 5:30-6pm I watched a large flock (1500-2000) of
gulls settle in to roost on Alum Creek reservoir, north from the dam. This
is one of the top gull-watching spots (at dawn and dusk) in the central
Ohio area, and is sorely underbirded!  On this visit, south winds had them
all facing me and at quite a distance, so the only odd bird among the
Ring-billed and Herring Gulls was a poorly seen dark-mantled gull, probably
a Lesser Black-backed Gull.  I could have easily missed some of the more
obvious species that might show up here, like Great Black-backed, Glaucous,
etc.

Anyone birding in this area tomorrow (i.e. those planning on attending the
Columbus Audubon trip to Hoover) should consider starting a little early by
scanning the gulls from the dam at dawn (parking at the Alum Creek Below
Dam Recreation Area; map at http://goo.gl/maps/p2jkD).  A scope and warm
clothes are a REALLY good idea.

The bulk of the gulls often remain on the water or head to the swim beach
as it gets light, before heading south over the west end of the dam towards
the Olentangy river and presumably, the SWACO Landfill.  This spot has
turned up Glaucous and Iceland gulls in the past, and well, 'tis the season!

Good birding,
Paul Hurtado
Columbus, OH
<http://people.mbi.ohio-state.edu/hurtado.10>

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