A first winter Thayer's Gull was flying with about 50 Bonaparte's and a handful of Ring-bills, and Herrings at about 8:30 this morning. These birds were just beyond the low, rocky point that juts out into Lake Erie about 1 km east of Port Ryerse, which is the first port west of Port Dover. A scope was essential. We observed the Thayer's while huddled on the pier, along with about 40-50 Tree Swallows! At least 6 Red-necked Grebes and a good variety of diving ducks were off shore as well.
>From the lookout above the Turkey Point Marsh (Lakeshore Road west of Turkey Point), a Virginia Rail was heard calling briefly--the unmistakable 'kiddick kiddick' seemed to coming from near the foot of the bluff. Farther out, 7 Sandhill Cranes were seen and heard. Virgil Martin Waterloo "Virgil Martin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
