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