Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:45:07 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Chris Starling Subject: Cecil Snow Geese / Harford Woodcocks Greetings, Yesterday morning before I left work (Edgewood Area APG -Harford) I went down to scope the waterfowl on the gunpowder north of Maxwell Point. The river is now completly free of ice and full od birds. 8000 ducks were counted consisting mainly of Lesser Scaup. At one point I thought I saw at least 2 Greater Scaup fly by (based on wing pattern) but I lost them in the flock. common Merganser numbers were around 2500. Of note also was one Common Goldeneye amoung the flock and 1000 or so gull sp. I was unalbe to locate the Red-headed Woodpecker that had been residing here since before Thanksgiving (moved on?). After scanning the river I moved on to the field across from the gas station here on post. This is where I saw a lone woodcock the day before. I began walking the ditch line along the road and was delighted when I flushed not one but four American Woodcocks. the birds flew a short distance and landed in the field. Satisfied with my find, I left not wanting to disturb any more birds. tonight I plan to check the field for displaying activity. I expect there are more Woodcocks around. Also yesterday at my house south of North East in Cecil County I had a Bald Eagle and a Red-tailed Hawk along with Common Merganser. This morning on my way to work the Red-shouldered Hawk was seen perched on the wires on Hances Point Road. Additionaly I was surprised to spy 375 Snow Geese flying over I95 at the 97 mile post. The geese were moving north. Good Birding, Chris Starling North East, MD ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================