[MDOsprey] Broad Creek highlights
Walter L. Meserve Jr. (Skiptech@compuserve.com)
Sun, 23 May 1999 17:09:56 -0400
The Harford Co. Bird club did a soggy tour of Broad Creek Boy Scout camp
today, led by Beth Olsen and Jeff Effinger.
Species count was low(ish.. 64) but, we still saw some really interesting
stuff.
First, a non avian species, a Pipevine Swallowtail in BB range #3 in Camp
Saffron. Also, a Snapping Turtle digging up earth in preparation to lay
eggs. It was obvious this was her usual spot as there were old egg casings
being unearthed as she dug.
Right outside the bathrooms at the Trading Post there is a Yellow
throated Vireo on a nest.
Down by Lake Strauss we had exceptionally close and clear views of a
White eyed Vireo as we watched a mature Bald Eagle doing some fishing and
as we turned to leave, we realized it's nest was in the bush right next to
where we were standing.
On Robinson Mill Rd, a Wood Thrush is nesting ~right next~ to the road,
and she never budged a inched as we all stood with our binos locked onto
her.
We made a stop (I forget where) to look for Grasshopper sparrows and
came away with swallows playing with a goose feather. They'd fly with it,
drop it, then see who could catch it first.
The best for me, and felt almost as good as a lifer.... a male Ruby
throated Hummer doing his mating display. When I see a common bird doing
something I've never seen before, it is almost like seeing it again for the
first time.
Barb Meserve
skiptech@compuserve.com