Point La Jolla seawatch – Sabine's G, Kittiwake, bird movement, 28 Nov 2019

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, a wet and wild one too!

Seawatching was very slow in the morning, winds changeable but mostly north, south, and east ha-ha!, but after the large storm front passed the wind set more to the southwest sustained and delivered some nice birds.  About 10:15 am the worst wind and rain came through then 10-15 minutes later some interesting birds started coming around the point.

Juvenile Sabine's Gull, first cycle Black-legged Kittiwake, many Bonaparte's Gulls, few Herring Gulls, nice movement of gulls heading southward around the point including a first cycle Glaucous-winged Gull.

Strangest sighting was a *mystery* shorebird that I saw at close range three times.  Also seen by Stan Walens.  The third time I saw it, just a glimpse as it exited away, it actually landed on the little footwall above the sealions.  It was medium sized, larger than turnstone or Surfbird, with medium length legs and bill, dark brownish all over paler on the belly.  Did not call.  Definitely not Surfbird, tattler or turnstone.  I only caught glimpses of it so really have no idea!

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