Great Black-Backed Gull, Valmont Reservoir (Boulder County), 12/23 but not 12/24

[David Dowell]

Around sunset yesterday, I observed an adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL among many Ring-Billed Gulls and several Herring Gulls on an ice shelf on Valmont Reservoir (the largest and northeastern-most of the three lakes).  It was a small one, only the size of a Herring Gull, but could be identified by its pink legs and feet.

I returned at sunrise to try to get better photos and see if any other gulls had shown up.  Instead, I found no gulls but many geese (2 Snows, many Canadas and Cacklers) struggling to deal with waves breaking the ice they were standing on.  Seven Bald Eagles were interested onlookers.   The continuing TUNDRA SWAN was present both last night and this morning.

When gulls leave Valmont during the night, I don't know where they go.  I checked Boulder Reservoir after Valmont this morning but found only Ring-Billed Gulls.

David Dowell

Longmont, CO