Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2000
From: Laurie Larson
To: NJ Birds Mailing list
Subject: Thayer's Gull, Rufous Hummingbird
Updates, Friday, 4 Feb. 2000
For Larophiles: A first-winter Thayer's Gull was reported and videotaped last weekend at Florence, NJ. Other reports over the past few weeks have included Thayer's Gulls of other ages as well as an apparent leucistic Herring Gull (as well as the "usual" Iceland, Glaucous, and many Lesser Black-backed Gulls). Given the complexity of gull identification, and the difficulties of relocating any individual bird in a flock of tens of thousands, observers are encouraged to secure photographs, videotapes, and detailed notes when reporting unusual gulls. The landfill across the river from Florence is open on Saturday morning, but not on Sunday so plan accordingly. Reach Florence from Rt. 295 or Rt. 130 south of Trenton, take Delaware Ave. west to the Delaware River, and scope the gulls from the municipal boat launch area or from the Riverfront Park a few blocks further south.
The Rufous Hummingbird is still going strong in Blackwood, NJ. It's been featured in several newspaper stories. Karen welcomes visitors: kataylor@jersey.net.
No reports this week of the Eared Grebes, Sandhill Cranes, or Loggerhead Shrike.
Laurie Larson
llarson@princeton.edu