CBC Lesser Black-backed Gull, possible Hoary Redpoll, Ottawa, 12/15

[MAURICE OVERWAY]

At the end of the day, while my brother, Jeremy, and I were at Dutton Park in Holland to check on 3 Black-crowned Night-Herons (not seen again), we were blessed with an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull resting on the ice.  During observation, the gull flew to and landed in the water on the other side of Lake Macatawa.  Driving to Lake Mac's south side, we were able to refind the gull in the water north-west of Verplank's Dock.  In both locations, the gull was intermixed with hundred's of ring-bills and stood out quite nicely.
   
  Dutton Park is on Howard Ave. on Lake Mac's north side.  Use the east most entrance, park as far as possible to the southeast; near the ticket booth for the Holland Princess Ferry and walk out on the pier to look for the bird.  Verplank's Dock is a private business at the west end of Eigth Street; west of downtown Holland.  Verplank's allows respectful citizens to fish and observe wildlife from their sea wall just drive around the gravel piles and park near the wall (very icy!). 
   
  FYI: if your in the area, you may wish to check on a possible Hoary Redpoll.  We saw the individual along with 19 Common Repolls and 30 Pine Siskins (sorry, no partridges and no pear trees).  We were unable to verify it as a hoary due to our lack of experience, knowledge, and time.  We will try again tomorrow along with others more gifted than us.  The bird was observed using the feeders hanging from the deck behind the house on the northwest corner of Butternut Dr. and Wildwood in Port Sheldon Township (1/2 mile south of Consumer's Power).  The feeders can be viewed from Wildwood as the house faces Butternut Dr.  We did not talk to the homeowners but we were on public right of way the entire time.
   
  Merry Christmas,
  Mike Overway
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