Re: [MDOsprey] Ruff at Easton

Leslie Roslund (Lroslund@bluecrab.org)
Thu, 22 Jul 1999 13:34:37 -0400


Ruff Seekers:
	The Easton Wastewater Treatment Facility continued to host the Ruff as of
10:00 this morning.  Several storms during the night brought a total of 2
and 1/2 inches of rain to the area, so the rapidly drying pools of a few
days ago have now been restored to a full pond at least a couple of inches
deep.  Several small high spots are present for the birds, along with
suitable regions around the edges.  Besides the Ruff, this mornings
sightings included both Yellowlegs, Pectoral, Least, Western, and
Semipalmated Sandpipers, and one lone Short-billed Dowitcher.

	Also on facility grounds in one of the lower evaporation fields there were
at least 40 Bobolinks, with many of the males still showing lots of their
most colorful plumage.

	The facility is normally closed on weekends, but as Sue indicated in an
earlier posting, the facility staff is going out of their way to be
accommodating for the interests of visiting birders.  Normal weekday hours
have the gate open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but if you expect to be on
the grounds later than that, just tell them when you sign in, and they will
leave the gate open so you can get out - as long as you are willing to lock
it as you leave.

	In view of the special interest in the Ruff, this weekend the staff has
offered to open the gate if birders request them to do so. Both workers
live within 10 - 20 minutes of the place.  Sue posted their email address. 
This morning they also gave me the following phone numbers to use to
arrange your visit, (and specifically authorized that I could post the
numbers):

	Pete Welty  	410 819-9046  (mobile phone)
	Mollie Faulkner	410 819-9060  (mobile phone)
	Easton Utilities WWTF  410 822-5725  (normal working hours phone)

	The Talbot County Chapter of MOS often visits this site on their regularly
scheduled bird walks - usually once in the spring and once during the fall
schedule.  Splendid cooperation of the staff has been provided for these
visits also.

Les Roslund
Lroslund@bluecrab.org
Easton, MD