Re: Blackwater Birding

Gail Mackiernan (GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU)
Fri, 13 Feb 98 09:35:23 EST


I would recommend going down the Elliot's Island Road (out onto the marsh)
so as to arrive around 4:30 to 4:45 pm. This past Monday we had both
Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl out there at about sunset. They were
beyond the first (boarded-up) building and before the second derelict
building. Many many Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles as well. You can cut over
from the Blackwater area to Henry's Crossroads and turn south (right) onto
the Elliot road. (Consult a map or Claudia Wild's book).

R-Ls and S-E Owls have been thin on the ground this winter and it was nice
to see them. Be sure to go through any large blackbird flocks for Yellow-
headed or Brewer's, both of which have been seen (but not by us!)

As for restaurants -- this is harder. I go over to Cambridge a lot (the
Horn Point Lab) and we used to always go to Shorter's, near the 84
Lumber off Rt. 50. But it was closed for a while and last Monday was dark, so
I am at a loss for recommendations. None of the other restaurants along
50 are very memorable.

Have a good time!

Gail Mackiernan
gail@umdd.umd.edu