Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2003 22:39:05 EDT Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Joel Martin Subject: Re: Eared Grebe & Phalarope 9/27 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Bob and Walter, I was at the Chestertown pond at about 2:30-3:30 this afternoon, viewing the grebe and phalarope. The grebe was in the SW corner (near-left) of the pond, which is where most of the ducks were. I almost didn't find the phalarope, but finally located it in the NW (far left) corner of the pond, a good 400-500 yards away. The view was fairly clear and shimmer-free, mostly to partly sunny, sun behind me, but the distance was a bit of a stretch for the old Spacemaster. The bill did seem to be very thin, as long or maybe a little longer than the head. The upperparts were a bit darker than I'd expect for a Wilson's, closer to the value of the Greater Yellowlegs on the shore behind it. I could not see any streaking on the back. And as much as I tried, I could not see what should have been a distinct black patch behind the eye -- overall the head looked rather plain, only slightly darker on the crown and cheek. In my limited experience, Wilson's in basic plumage, in good light, have always stood out like white blobs. This bird didn't have that quality, yet it wasn't as dark or well-marked as I'd expect for Red-necked (which I've seen only once before). Had someone not already identified it I think I would have passed it off as a Wilson's. Anyway, these were neat birds and well worth the trip. Maybe they'll stay put a little longer. And thanks Walter for the great directions. Joel Martin Catonsville, MD jcdlmartin@aol.com ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================