[MDOsprey] RE:American White Pelican - MD sighting 8/18/199
Hoffman, Mark (MHOFFMAN@dnr.state.md.us)
Thu, 19 Aug 1999 10:15:34 -0400
MD Am. White Pelican seekers:
To follow-up on Phil's post from 08/18, I observed the Am. White Pelican
from Jones Point Park from 2 pm to 3 pm on Wednesday, 08/18. The bird
started out near the trees protruding from the hydrilla, but swan almost due
east (but slightly north) to the shoreline. I had copies of the USGS topo
map with me, but it is hard to tell exactly where Fox Ferry Point is on the
far shore. (This is critical, as the MD/DC lines basically takes off from
this point and goes SW toward the west end of the Wilson Bridge.)
Fortunately, the bird drifted south, and eventually was as far south as the
northern end of the concrete pilings that boarder the NW edge of the unnamed
bay just N of the E end of the Wilson Bridge. This is clearly well into MD
waters (yes!!). It then flew to the area of the trees in the hydrilla and
was then flushed by a boater and flew well into the mouth of Oxon Creek.
A long overdue state bird, number two on my "most wanted list"!! #375
(Directions to Jones park are as follows (from MD): Take the Wilson bridge
across the Potomac into VA, and take the first exit. Stay in the right-hand
lane and take the very sharp right (don't go to Route 1). At the first light
(Washington St.), turn right, and then make the first left. After 3 blocks
(and passing a large building on the right, turn right (there is a sign for
Jones Point), and then left in front of the Wilson Bridge causeway. Follow
this road to its end on the river.)
Thanks to all posters.
Mark Hoffman