This afternoon an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Pond A13 in Alviso in a roost of c. 3,000 gulls. Additionally, a Sanderling was in high-tide shorebird roosts on A12, a Swamp Sparrow was in the marsh with the boardwalk by the parking lot, a Yellow Warbler was in shrubs by the gate at the entrance to the parking lot, and two female Barrow's Goldeneye were in Alviso Slough. Thousands of scaup were on A11 and nearly a thousand dabblers, including at least two male Eurasian Wigeon, were on A14.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull was slightly on the pale side for that species and showed distinctly pinkish-tinged feet, and had not yet finished growing in p10, which make it seem at least plausible that it might be the individual found at this location two years ago by Dessi Sieburth and Cameron Tescher: that bird showed these characteristics and also a primary pattern suggestive of ssp. taimyrensis. If this individual can be relocated and good spread-wing photos obtained, that would be really awesome. Alviso is a truly amazing setup for rare gulls in winter, and in addition to today's various other low-level rarities it feels excellent for things like Tufted Duck as well. It receives far less coverage than it deserves!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
