Re: Hunting for Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Eugene J. Scarpulla (gscarp@erols.com)
Sun, 16 Aug 1998 22:54:45 -0400
Fran Saunders wrote:
>
> Gene, can you give us an idea of what conditions are on the island at
> this point, and where the birds might be located in reference to the
> landing dock?______________
Fran,
Currently on Hart-Miller Island, the North Cell is very dry which is not
good for "typical" shorebirds but just fine for Buff-breasted
Sandpipers. My weekly survey route is a 6-mile slow walk around the
perimeter of the island covering the South Cell, North Cell, woodland
and marsh edges, and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay. Buff-breasteds
would generally be at least two miles from the boat dock in the North
Cell.
The South Cell (where the environmental restoration project will take
place) is closest to the boat dock but is covered with smartweed.
Buff-breasteds would not be expected there.
Currently, the boat to the Island only runs on Saturdays. We are on the
Island for 10 hours (7AM to 5PM). Call me (410-821-0575) after 7PM by
the Thursday evening prior to the weekend that you wish to go out. I
need to make the arrangements on Friday mornings.
Gene
Gene Scarpulla
Towson, Maryland
gscarp@erols.com