I birded the area around Blackwater NWR yesterday with Jeff Shenot. On the way down we tried for the Tufted Duck (not present; actually nothing present but 2 Pied-billed Grebes) and the Barrows Goldeneye (present but distant and not very cooperative, esp. because the gate to the pier was locked) along with a nice assortment of waterfowl including Common Goldeneye, Long-tailed Ducks, Surf Scoters, Buffles, and a Horned Grebe.
The trip was highlighted by an American Bittern seen hunting in the marsh from the observation platform at Blackwater (its the first left off of the wildlife loop after passing the visitor's center). Not sure how I spotted this guy initially bent down low in the reeds but it did come out for a few minutes, which provided the best views I have had of this species in MD: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64973768@N03/8336283416/in/photostream
Next we tried the marshes at the east end of Cedar Creek Rd, hoping for a rough-leg. We didn't see one but did see at least one distant Short-eared Owl and another not as distant Am. Bittern flying low over the marsh. We finished the day along Maple Dam Rd, just north of Shorter's Boat Ramp where we found 3 more Short-eared Owls all quite close to the road, giving good looks in the binoculars in the twilight (this was a few minutes after 5pm).
Good Birding,
Frank Marenghi
Annapolis, MD
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