Date: 6/28/12 2:40 pm
From: Donald Sweig <skybirds.d...>
Subject: [MDBirding] C&O Canal: Pennyfield to Swains Locks.


Took a walk on the C&O canal with my friends Bill and Jane yesterday
afternoon, down river from Pennyfield Lock to the WSSC bridge, almost to
Swains Lock.

We had a soaring imm. Bald eagle in the parking lot and another (hatching
year) Bald eagle on the snag above the nest on the Virginia side of the
river, as seen from the tow path at the 18.3 mile mark.

On the river was a large group of 17 Common Mergansers ( all females and
immatures), numerous cormorants and Great Blue herons, and a fly by Great
Egret.

Down by the WSSC bridge we had four Wood Ducks ( an adult female and three
immature males) in the canal. Otherwise, two Yellow-billed cuckoos (
seen), lots of Great Crested flycatchers, King Birds, Phoebes, and a
singing (but not seen) Scarlet tanager.

We also saw lots of Blue Gill in the canal, many males defending their
nesting areas.

Always a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.

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