Laughing Gull and No Laughing Matter

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

I have been spending a lot of time looking for Sabine's Gulls at Smith Reservoir in Costilla County, with no luck thus far. But I have turned up some interesting species along the way, including a 2nd winter Laughing Gull, one of a few records for the San Luis Valley. In addition to that gull, 4 Common Terns were perched on the sand bar on the west side of the lake today. Shorebirds are also making a great showing with Baird's, Least, Spotted, Western and Pectorals on the lakeshore. 

Sad to say, and no laughing matter at all, I have had unfortunate recent encounters with some of the human inhabitants that have been less than pleasant (aggressive unleashed dogs, folks littering, etc). Just be aware of that if you bird this fabulous lake. And don't let that deter you!

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO.