FIELD NOTES Doug Bell June 15, 1987 (Monday). Went back out to the McKenzie Ranch to shoot gulls. Went down to the Elle River, at the bar near the mouth of the river (3 mi. S. Cape Blanco, Curry Co., Oregon). At around 12:30 there were roughly 200 gulls bathing & resting on the bank of the river south of me. Many adults wandering in along the beach from the north & west (there are 5 large offshore rocks here - the rocks are probably 3 mi. out in the ocean). Couldn't hit the side of a lawn today. Shot at first gull when it came in to eat bait. Hit it on ground, but it started up again. Fired twice total. Next bird hit + dropped with one shot (DA8/175). Then fired off 5 more shots, hit 2 birds, but they kept flying, although one flew away going in erratic circles & throwing up. Finally shot one more bird with one shot (DA8/177). Caspian Terns (4) seen today over the river. Song Sparrow nest building. Brown-headed Cowbirds. Crows & Ravens. While talking to Bob McKenzie at the ranch we saw spouts & backs of several whales (grey) heading north. Some were about halfway between shore & offshore rocks (1.5 mi.), others were in closer. Bob McKenzie's son, who runs the sheep operation, is Scott. Drove into Coos Bay, camped at Sunset Bay State Park. June 16, 1987 (Tues). Raining. Sunset Bay is a beautiful inlet. About 30 gulls were milling about the creek outlet - all adults (2/15)