ML642571330

Observation details

This is the same bird continuing in the area since the winter of 2015-2016. It was first identified by Christopher Lindsey at Lower Monumental Dam. From looking at those photos, I believe it was 3rd cycle at the time. This assumption is mostly based on the advanced plumage with the bill still having a black ring. That means "our" Slaty is going in to it's 13th year. Since that first sighting, it has been seen predominantly in the Tri-cities near the Columbia River with the most popular place being the recently removed Columbia Park Marina. This is the first year it has ever been seen in Grant County to join Walla Walla, Benton and Franklin. We know it's the same bird because it lacks the full webbing on both feet and I have good photos to show that today. I saw the bird first on the Benton Side below Vernita Rest Area and Kayaked over only to have it fly back to the Grant side to get some fish guts before I got close. I paddled back across and up river to the western launch and then someone walked through the gulls and flushed it to Benton. I then paddled back over to Benton and enjoyed some time close up before it eventually flew back to Grant. I paddled across the river yet again and took more photos and 3 friends were able to see it there. For photos in Benton County, see checklist S275922070.