Susquehanna birding.
Tyler Bell (bell@say.acnatsci.org)
Wed, 12 Nov 1997 11:06:33 -0800
Joseph Halpin wrote:
> I will be travelling north on I 95 this weekend and was looking at the
> possibility of making a diversion, taking off south of the Conowingo Dam
> to Rt 1 and returning to I 95 on the PA side. Being a novice birder and
> not having a scope, is this a wothwhile diversion with at least a modest
> probability of seeing some of the exceptional birds reported there last
> week?
Joe and fellow Ospreyans:
First, a question. Where is the Maryland/Pennsylvania border in relation
to the 2 railroad tunnels on the Cecil County side of the Susquehanna?
My wife, Jane Kostenko, and I went chasing the Pacific Loon on the
Maryland side of the river yesterday, 11/11. We were joined by Marshall
Iliff and Paul DuMont. All of us walked as far as the north side of the
first tunnel. Though we didn't see the Pacific Loon, we did see about a
dozen Common Loons and several Red-throated Loons. There were also
American Coots, Black Ducks and Buffleheads along the river. Paul had
been there longer and had a long list of stuff which I can't remember
but included Common and Red-breasted Mergansers. The loons were easy to
spy without a scope though we got excellent looks at them with a scope.
I think that a scope is necessary if one is really actively trying to
find the Pacific among the other loons as they tended to be out in the
middle of the channel.
We parked along Bell Manor Rd and walked north on the tracks about 2
miles to the first tunnel. When we were almost there, a car pulled into
a gravel parking lot which prompted us to think there must be an easier
way. According to the Maryland Gazateer map, pg. 77, if you continue on
Bell Manor Rd. then left on Pilot Town Rd. there are 2 potential
options. Either continue across Bald Friar Rd. onto a gravel road, which
might end up at the aforementioned parking lot, or turn left onto Bald
Friar Rd. and follow it to the end. Give it a whirl if you want to save
your ankles from the nasty LONG walk along the tracks.
--
Good Birding! ...and all this science,
Tyler Bell I don't understand, It's
mailto:bell@say.acnatsci.org just my job five days a week.
California, MD Elton John (Rocket Man)
http://www.acnatsci.org/erd/berc/