Diane et al.:

Jane and I arrived at Schoolhouse Pond around 1:30 just as a caravan was headed over to Depot Pond. We'd never been there before so we followed along but the easiest way to get there is from Rt. 4 onto 301 north then take the first left onto Chysler Way and at the hard left bend, you'll see the pond. There must have been 1500-2000 Laughing Gulls there with a few Ring-billed and Herring Gulls (less than 20 total, I'd guess). So, if there weren't any gulls at Schoolhouse Pond, that's where they all were. 

BTW, if you look up Upper Marlboro, MD on Google Maps, Depot Pond is clearly marked. I know it's a location we'll look at in the future. Lesson learned for us, for sure! 
 
Tyler Bell

California, Maryland


----- Original Message ----
From: diane Ford <>
To: 
Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 7:45:56 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Frankly, No Gull

Hi all,
2:30-4:10
   Well, struck out on the Franklin's Gull at Schoolhouse Pond in the afternoon. They must have had other things to do. Lots of gulls passing over, but few alighted on the pond. The pond however had nice things around, and made for  a pleasant visit.  The surprise was a Beaver swimming later in the afternoon. It has made a lodge on the west side of the pond.

Northern Shoveler 7
Northern Pintail 1 (hen)
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 20 -maybe more, some flew in.
Canada Geese- and white domestic geese
American Coot 1
DC Cormorant 1
Bald Eagle - immature (looked carefully at this one-)
Pied bill Grebe 1
Laughing Gulls-over 100 flying over
Herring Gulls 10 fly overs
Great Blue Heron 2
Cardinal
Red winged Blackbird 2
Song Sparrow
White thrt Sparrow

D.Ford/Bethesda, Md