Woodcock NOT!
GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Tue, 7 Apr 98 13:17:45 EDT
Ospreyers -- Despite near-perfect consitions last night, we dipped (as the
Brits say) on Woodcock at the Hughes Road site recommended by several folks.
As dusk deepened into night, we were treated to a nice chorus (first) of
sleepy Field Sparrows and then a distant Great Horned Owl, but not the
hoped-for PEENT! Peentless in Potomac, alas!
We will try one more site tonight -- one person had recommended a site in
Howard County but I accidentally deleted this message. If that could be
reposted, I would appreciate it.
I must say that I have never had so much trouble locating Woodcock in spring --
obviously due to someone coming to visit who wants to see it. This must be
one of the "laws of birding..."
A brief turn around Seneca (Riley's Locks) in late afternoon provided nice
views of the (growing) baby Great Horned Owl in its nest, Gnatcatcher, Horned
Grebe, Red-Breasted Mergansers (about 30), and three summer plumaged Common
Loons -- one calling at intervals, which reminded me of home (Maine). Oh yes,
five or six Barn Swallows and a single male Purple Martin over the river.
But no Timberdoodle...
Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
gail@umdd.umd.edu