I was one of the over 100 birders braving the cold and occasional snow in search of the Ivory Gull today (Friday). As of sunset, there were no reports of sightings. Several of us exchanged cellular telephone numbers early in the day in hopes of quickly spreading the word of the bird's arrival, but 'twas for naught. It was interesting meeting birders today from Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio - among other places - in search of the bird. A group of 4 gentlemen even flew in from NE Texas for the chance for a sighting, and worked very hard at producing it, but in the end.... perhaps tomorrow. Weather changed overnight Friday to a stiff north wind and wind chills dropped into the teens (degrees F) that lasted the entire day. Television weather reports at mid-day showed a very unusual jet stream pattern of wind currents pouring down from the far north over western MI and headed nearly directly south, then creating a hairpin turn over the southern states and looping sharply back to the north over PA and NY. Skies cleared just at dusk and our group was treated to a striking full moon on fresh snow as we motored back to the Cleveland/Akron area. Though Ivory-less, we were delighted to meet so many interesting and engaging folks who shared our common love for birds, regardless of weather!
Bob Hinkle Chief Naturalist, Cleveland Metroparks Solon, Ohio 44139
