[CT Birds] Gull Stuff

[Dennis Varza]

Gull Stuff

Hi Folks
It is time to be aware of gulls again.

Topic 1 Gull Flocks
In the past there have been some exceptional gatherings of gulls at  
this time of year. When the conditions are right thousands of gulls  
can be found gathering off shore feeding. Mixed in with the flock are  
often Brant, and Ducks. I have even seen Blue-winged and Green-winged  
Teal feeding. What they feed on is a question. I believe it to be  
barnacle larvae, but there are doubts. Reviewing my field notes it  
seems that they occur mostly at the New or Full Moon between late  
February and Early May.

Last year when I tried to make a concerted effort to study this, it  
did not occur. What I and other did see were a number of isolated  
small gatherings. Reflecting on past years, it may be that one needs  
a period when the water is flat. The lack of wave action prevents the  
larvae from dispersing.

This year there was a full moon on 21 February and saw some  
indications of gulls feeding on larvae but again small and isolated.  
and there was wave action. Again I would like any reports if one sees  
anything like this phenomenon.

The phases of the moon for the next few months is:

New Moon:	March 7, April 6, May 5
Full Moon:	March 21, April 20, May 20

Water Temperature for the past several years is as follows:

		2006	2007	2008	
Feb 25	38.0	32.1	36.2
Mar 01	36.2	32.1	36.0
Mar 10	37.0	34.6
Mar 20		-	36.4
Mar 30	41.6	38.2
Apr 10	42.8	35.7
Apr 20		-	40.0
Apr 30		-	42.9

Topic 2 Small Gulls
It looks like the small gulls (Bonaparte’s, Black-headed, and Little)  
are getting a head start. If it is not too much trouble It would be  
nice to have counts/estimates of Bonaparte’s Gulls and well as the  
“rare ones”

Bonaparte’s Gull	2008	2	19 	50	Madison, Hammonasset St. Pk. feeding  
of the jetty at Meg’s P. (for larvae)
Bonaparte’s Gull	2008	2	29	91	Stamford, Holly Pond roosting at low tide

Dennis Varza
Fairfield