Finally! Although it was a crappy view (very distant), I finally saw a long-sought County bird. After probably about my 15th try (in PG Co.) this winter (and I have been trying for many winters), I saw a Short-eared Owl this eve at Selby's Landing area of Jug Bay. Viewed with binoculars in good light, I saw it hunting over some marsh to the south of Selby's Landing (below/south of mouth of Mataponi Cr).
One was reported last week near here (at Merkle WMA, from a different vantage). I also looked there on eve of Mar 23, but did not see one. I have had similar experiences numerous times along the Patuxent, when one gets reported but for some reason only seen once and they disappear. Hard to say if the bird I saw is same as one seen last week, but it may be. Id'ed by plumage pattern and flight style. I could see the tawny light brown color, and its flight was notably different than a harrier, with a mix of short soars and erratic nighthawk-like flight (bouncy, with stiff wing beats) I saw it twice (7:16 for about ten seconds, and 7:29 for about 20 seconds).
I originally went there to search the field for some wild and crazy storm bird like a longspur, lapwing, or common snipe (high alert!). The field was very wet and held many birds, which made for a great way to unwind from the grind at work. I was surprised to not see or hear any woodcocks; there are usually a couple around. The full moon over the river was beautiful, truly a fantastic evening.
Cheers-
Jeff Shenot
Croom, MD
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