Saw this posted on WI bird list: Three adult, non-breeding, Ross's Gulls (glad there were more than one, as one Ross's Gull doesn't sound right) at the Stoddard Boat Landing today, Thursday, 12 noon, quite, still water, pure sunshine, lots of birds.
The Ross's Gulls were very cooperative, flying 20 yards from shore, and then off across the bay, out 1/2 mile. I was struck by their agility, wing pattern, their Mallard Orange feet, their head, very short, thick, black bill. No time for photos, but, could have gotten them, as they were close. Had to run on an errand of mercy. This is all south from LaCrosse on Hy 35. The waters from Shady Maple (one mile south of Goose Island) to Stoddard were laden with Tundra Swan, American White Pelican, Canvasbacks, Red Head, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Gadwall, both Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks and more. There was a murder of Crow attacking a Cooper's Hawk. I do hope the Ross's Gull hang around a bit. We do have Red-headed Woodpecker in Eastern LaCrosse County, in the heavily wooded bluff country, however, a few less than in the past. Good birding, * Mike Houle * houlem AT aol.com * La Crosse WI * USA * __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree
