Several lackluster surveys this past week led me to believe that this weekend would be dull and uninspiring, but I was fortunately proven wrong by a host of great sightings throughout the northeast section of the state. Some highlights:
Heidi Trasatti and Terry Miller birded Harford County with me yesterday morning. Our first stop (Swan Harbor) yielded a flyover SNOW BUNTING and a late TREE SWALLOW. Other highlights included American Pipit (single flyover), Gadwall/Green-winged Teal/Ruddy Duck/Ring-necked Duck in the second impoundment, and an actively-hunting pair of Northern Harriers. We then went to Les Eastman's house (thank you!) where the EVENING GROSBEAK and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD were more than cooperative. Our third and final stop was at Lakeside Ponds, where Lesser Scaup and a Wood Duck hen were the most notable sightings.
From there, I parted ways and drove out to Turkey Point where, after 1.25 hours of waiting, I saw 2 flyover CAVE SWALLOWs. Thanks to Sean and Matt for the tips! My final stop was at the White Marsh Wetlands, where I had my first American Wigeon (8) at this location.
Today, Dan Haas and I did a 3.25-hour survey at Swan Creek. No winter finches revealed themselves, but we did have a late COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and WESTERN PALM WARBLER, a high count of Gadwall (36), a flyover American Pipit, a Common Raven "kronk"ing in the distance, the most cooperative American Tree Sparrow ever, and great looks at White-crowned Sparrows. Between the 2 of us, we managed 62 species -- not bad for November. We also had a 75% Red Crossbill flyover, but it wasn't recorded in time and I'm not counting it. Hopefully they continue passing through our area this week.
Tim Carney
Baltimore/Anne Arundel
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