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Posted by Toe on 18:02:17 11/05/09
After seeing the wind pick up to 20-25 kts and gusting this afternoon, I decided to do a sea watch after work. I went to Virginia Key and walked along the shore to the easternmost area facing the range markers offshore. The first bird was a large duck flying south just before I was set up, then shortly afterward a Pomarine Jaeger also flew south. Later a flock of about 15 distant ducks went unidentified. Northern Gannets were constantly flying south along the reef, and a few Laughing Gulls flew just off the beach heading north slowly against the strong NE winds.
I noticed a single gull, considerably smaller than a laughing, flying north by itself in the direction of Fisher Island that caught my attention in the binocs. Unlike the laughings, this one was flying very gracefully, almost enjoying the strong winds. I quickly put the scope on it and got excellent looks. The wings had the distinct black bar from the bend to the wingtips on the leading edge, and with the gray back showing the distinctive pattern of a Sabine's. The bird is a nonbreeding adult.
If anyone knows a gull hangout in the southern Miami Beach area near Government Cut, this would be the place to check.
With strong winds the next 5 days, coupled with the time of year, this is the time to check the coast. I plan on being out there again Monday before work. I went there this afternoon hoping to see a Scoter, and found a Sabine's Gull instead. I hate when that happens!
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