Pacific Loon NOT in VA waters -Reply
Howard Elitzak (helitzak@MAILBOX.ECON.AG.GOV)
Thu, 11 Jun 1998 10:10:39 -0400
Rob--
Your analysis is accurate, and consistent with the boundary delineated
in the ADC map. As you and I both indicated in previous messages, the
stretch of Roaches Run east of the G.W. Parkway (I.e., the portion
viewed from Gravelly Point) is in the District of Columbia.
>>> Rob Hilton <robert@csa.com> 06/11/98 07:43am >>>
Hello, Joanna,
Thanks for the note.
I would like to say that while I don't have a map in front of me here in
the office, the loon may still have been in DC water.
The reason is because *south* of Nationl Airport, at the mouth of Four
Mile
Run, where the Franklin's Gull hung out in August 1991, the DC - Virginia
border follows the Virginia shore all way around the edge of the *entire*
marina, all the way up to the George Washington Parkway bridge over
Four
Mile Run. Thus the entire creek mouth of Four Mile Run east of the
parkway
bridge belongs to the District of Columbia, with the usual stipulation of
mean high tide line determining the border. I know of no reason why the
area north of the airport is any different. So, asuming that is the case,
the Pacific Loon was still entirely in District waters. If the bird is
reported from the Roaches Run waterfowl sanctuary pool on the west
side of
the G. W. Parkway, then it will be seen in Virginia waters.
However, I will check on my Geological Survey quad map tonight and let
the
list know if I am wrong.
Sorry to burst a bubble again. I would love to see it in Virginia waters,
but I haven't yet.
Best,
Rob Hilton
robert@csa.com
At 11:06 PM 6/10/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Val Kitchens asked me to pass the word that she saw the famous
>Pacific Loon in Virginia waters today. The bird swam up
>Roaches Run as far as the boat ramp which puts it well inside
>the creek mouth and thus into Virginia. She watched the loon
>from the Gravely Point side of the parkway from 3:30 to 4:00pm
>on Wed., June 10.
>
>Joanna Taylor
>Arlington, VA
>
>
>