[MDOsprey] Ruff at Easton

Susan Heath (sheath@erols.com)
Thu, 22 Jul 1999 11:17:58 -0500


Ospreyers,

Myself and several other birders had the pleasure of watching the Ruff
at Easton this morning for about 30 minutes.  I'm not much of a
shorebirder but this bird was beautiful!  It looks very much like the
picture of the summer molting Ruff in the new National Geo Guide.  Lots
of black on the chest and the back is a bit reddish.  The two tone bill
is quite evident.  There were lots of Lesser Yellowlegs in the pond for
comparison plus a Pectoral Sandpiper and some Leasts.

The folks at the sewage plant were most helpful and interested in the
bird.  They came out to look through a scope and view the bird for
themselves.  They gave me a list of birds that have been seen there and
were interested in MDOsprey and how we found out about the bird.  They'd
like a picture of the Ruff to hang up in the main building.  Can someone
oblige them on this?  If you have the capability and desire to fullfill
this request, please e-mail Mollie Faulkner (superintendent) at
mfaulkner@eucmail.com.

Also, they said they were willing to open the gate for groups of birders
wishing access to the pond on weekends.  Just e-mail them in advance and
they'll arrange it.

Good birding.

Sue
--
Susan Heath
Centreville, VA
sheath@erols.com