Ted Murin just gave me a call (9 Jan; 1:30 PM) saying he found what 
appears to be a 3rd year Slaty-backed Gull at the Rt. Causeway near 
Sandbar WMA.  Preliminary characteristics noted by Ted were dark gray 
mantle, pink legs, similar size to Herring Gull, and relatively thick 
bill.  Ted did not feel comfortable in totally ruling out other species, 
but felt sufficiently confident to get the word out to other birders.  
There is the start of an alewife die-off in this area and there are 
currently ~1600 gulls looking to cash in on the banquet.

Allan
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Allan M. Strong
University of Vermont
The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
007 Hills Building
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-2910
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