[MDOsprey] Allegany Co. Shorebirds

Ray / Renee Kiddy (rrkiddy@hereintown.net)
Tue, 03 Aug 1999 22:25:30 -0400


Hi Everyone,

I visited the Potomac River at Cumberland (at the terminus of the C&O
Canal) Monday 8/2 and found:

3    Solitary
1    Spotted
1    Least
2    Pectoral

5    Green Herons
2    Ring-billed Gulls

This evening, 1 Solitary and 2 Pectorals were still present.  Over the
last couple weeks, there have been  similar sightings as well as small
numbers of Semi Sandpipers and both Yellowlegs.  Conditions are actually
pretty good as the low water level has exposed various rocky areas both
in the river and along the shore.

Visits to North Branch (aka PPG or the Rouge Lagoon) have also found
similar species and numbers.  The tarps over the ponds continue to be
very dry and not very productive.  However, the original Rouge Lagoon
area behind the other ponds has exposed mudflats that should be pretty
appealing.  Unfortunately, the surrounding area has grown up so much
that finding good viewing spots is difficult (but not impossible).  In
addition to the shorebirds, there was a singing male Blue Grosbeak on
both the 25th and 31st of July.

Greg / Fran - I will add directions to both sites in a later post.

Happy Trails ....

Ray Kiddy
Cumberland, MD
rrkiddy@hereintown.net