[MDOsprey] Sandhill Crane in Talbot County
Leslie Roslund (Lroslund@bluecrab.org)
Fri, 5 Nov 1999 13:10:10 -0500
MDOspreyers:
Talbot County Chapter MOS Members are currently enjoying the presence of a
Sandhill Crane. The bird was spotted recently by one of the members and we
have subsequently learned from the land owner that the bird has been here
for several months. (I spoke with the land owner this morning.)
During this morning's visit the bird was visible from Tarbutton Mill Road
near a fresh-water pond on private property. I found the bird at the same
site last Tuesday during the rain storm in much poorer viewing conditions.
The pond is about 100 yards from the public road, so viewing can be fine
unless the bird moves to tree-shrouded parts of the pond. It made that
move this morning when a Golden Eagle passed overhead flushing up the Crane
along with about 500 Canada Geese that were feeding in the field beside the
pond. (The view of the Golden Eagle was nice too.)
Best birder courtesy and respect for landowner property rights will need
to be exercised while looking for this bird. The landowner's driveway
extends from Tarbutton Mill Road to pass very close to the pond before
leading to the owner's front yard. It will be very tempting to walk down
that driveway looking for the bird if it cannot be seen from Tarbutton Mill
Road, but such use of the driveway is not appropriate and would not be
welcome, as the "Posted" signs indicate.
To see this bird, presuming it stays around, take Route 50 south from
Easton to Tarbutton Road, (deLorme, P.42, B-2). Turn left on Tarbutton
Mill Road and proceed toward the east for less than one mile and you will
see the subject pond across the field on your right. Ahead of you will be
the brick posts beside the tempting private driveway. Park along Tarbutton
Mill Road (traffic there is not too bad), and search the pond to your
heart's content. The Sandhill Crane frequently stands near the Pine Trees
closest to the driveway, but may be visible in the field behind the pond
during some of its feeding times.
Good Crane Watching.
Les Roslund
Lroslund@bluecrab.org
Easton, MD