[MDOsprey] Northern Shrike, Washington Co. MD

Jlstasz@aol.com
Sun, 14 Nov 1999 19:20:46 EST


Hi Folks!

This afternoon, 11/14/99, a little after 4 PM, I photographed a immature 
Northern Shrike at Blair's Valley Lake, Indian Springs WMA,  Washington Co., 
MD.

Directions: From I-70, exit at Clear Spring, onto Rt.68 N. At the 
intersection with Rt. 40, go straight through the light.  At the intersection 
with Broadfording Rd., turn right, then in about 1 mile, turn left onto 
Blair's Valley Rd.  Blair's Vally Lake is  about 3 miles on the west side of 
the road, just noth of Hanging Rock Rd.  Pass the parking area just below the 
dam, pass the parking area by the buildings on the east side of the lake, but 
do park in the gravel lot at the north end of the lake [you will not be able 
to see the lake]. The parking lot is marked with posts and a fallen cable. 
[north] along the mowed path that heads between hedgerows.  The shrike was 
about 100 feet north of the parking lot.  [Delorme 70,  A3]. 

The main lake is a little low, and it is possible with care to cross the 
upper lake bed,  just below the small beaver dam. The shrike was also seen 
perched in the taller trees just north of the lake in the old beaver pond and 
flying on the west side of the old beaver pond.  This is a public hunting 
area with mowed paths, fields, and hedgerows.  The habitat looks like a great 
place for a shrike to overwinter.

Good Birding!

Jim

Jim Stasz
North Beach MD
jlstasz@aol.com