a late migrant surprise!

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Folks,

I dropped by the Accotink Bay area during lunch today, 12 Nov 98.  Whilst
eating my sandwich and counting Black Ducks (187!  incredible!) this blackbird
flew 20 yds in front of me going left.  It started dropping towards the water
when I noticed it held its wings in a stiff, strong dihedral as it dropped to
the water surface for a drink and its tail was straight across.

Chimney Swift!

Up it climbed and continued south down the bay edge.  I wish this creature all
the best in its southward flight.   The last Chimney Swift I have seen this
year was 17 Oct from the Manasas Battlefield area - another solo.  The late
date in the Md yellow book is 23 Nov and the dashed line peters out about 9
Nov.

Other birds noted at the bay were Pied-billed Grebe (5), Great Blue Heron
(14), C. Goose (200+), Green-winged Teal (200+), Black Duck (187), Mallard
(100+), No. Pintail (20), Blue-winged Teal (1), Gadwall (3), Bufflehead (20+),
Ruddy Duck (20), Killdeer (5), Greater Yellowlegs (1), and Dunlin (9).

Kurt Gaskill, kurtcapt87@aol.com

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