The Little Patuxent River is already at the level at which it floods back into Oxbow Lake. Water comes rushing back into Oxbow Lake thru the outlet channel that leads to the river (the inlet channel has been shut off for years). At 2:15 p.m., the gage height was at 9.11 ft and rising.
This is the webpage Jay Sheppard and I watch to see how high the river is getting:
USGS 01594000 LITTLE PATUXENT RIVER AT SAVAGE, MD
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/md/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=gif_default&period=7&site_no=01594000
What does this mean for birding opportunities? Water covers the vegetation, flotsam and jetsam is floating everywhere, and birds float on the debris.
From MDOSPREY historical archives: On 7 Sep 2011 at 14:15 EST, the river height reached 15.05 feet and was still rising. Three Sora rails were floating on the debris. Also seen that day was 1 American Bittern. This was observed from water level at Big Pool Bluff.
Keep in mind that walking in woods with high winds and rain can be dangerous. We've had a lot of BIG Beech Tree limbs come down this Spring, Summer, and Fall. Use caution and wait till the weather calms down before venturing outside and especially in places where big things can fall on you.
Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD
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