Date: 1/4/26 2:22 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Surf Scoter Continues in Crawford County
We finally closely read MattMatlock's instructions on where to park and walk to the river -- and there it was! Trimble Lock and Dam (Crawford County side) -- but not the public parking area. Instead, the Scoter was on the north/northeast side of the river bridge. For those who want to look for it, our best viewing was from here (a scope would be good to have): https://maps.app.goo.gl/yhVZXN9WTx32MMCv5Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 1/4/26 12:39 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Short-billed Gull in Crawford County Seems we've lately been chasing a few rarities found by some young whipper-snappers in our birding community. Today we went looking at Lee Creek Park along the Arkansas River for Matt Matlock's Surf Scoter. Haven't seen it yet but while we were scanning and shivering from the cold wind off the water, a SHORT-BILLED GULL flew in to join a group of Ring-billed Gulls along the river rocks. Finally it stopped preening so busily that we were able to confirm the ID and snap some distant pictures. Although this is highly likely to be the same gull Matt last reported on Dec 30, it was a great bird to welcome us into 2026! Excuse the shaky digiscoped video. The wind was a bit brisk. And, of course, Michael's photos will be much better. https://ebird.org/checklist/S292421487Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
