Hi Everyone,
Stan Arnold, Ed Carlson, and I completed a weekend survey of Swan Creek in northern Anne Arundel Co. today (7/28). The site is closed on weekends, but a few of us complete regular after-hours surveys and provide data to the Maryland Port Administration. The good numbers of shorebirds continued this afternoon, again concentrated on the close flats in the south dredge cell. The peeps seemed to number around 400, but exact counts were difficult as birds were constantly reshuffling and spread out along the weedy edges. The highlights were seven STILT SANDPIPERs, a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. Peeps were overwhelmingly SEMIPALMATED, outnumbering LEASTs at least five to one. We counted at least five WESTERN SANDPIPERs. Other species of interest were PECTORAL SANDPIPER (4), LESSER YELLOWLEGS (~12), GREATER YELLOWLEGS (1), LAUGHING GULL (2), and AMERICAN KESTREL (1). Good numbers of expected herons were present in the wetlands, including
a juvenile CATTLE EGRET. The summering RING-NECKED DUCK and LESSER SCAUP continue along with several RUDDY DUCKs. We watched a disturbing spectacle as a large Snapping Turtle pulled down a struggling Semipalmated Sandpiper. It appeared that the sandpiper's flailing and calling several times attracted curious shorebird flocks to the area.
*** NOTE: Swan Creek/Cox Creek is an active industrial site and mitigation project in northern Anne Arundel Co. Access is at the end of Kembo Road off Fort Smallwood Road near 695. The site is open ONLY Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please be in your car and leaving at 3:30 p.m. Remember to always sign in at the office, to be on your best behavior (people have worked hard to coordinate this access), and to stick to permitted areas. This Swan Creek map linked here details where you are and aren't allowed to walk. http://www.billhubick.com/docs/swan_creek_map.jpg.***
Good birding!
Bill
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Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland
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http://www.billhubick.com
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