Re: [MDOsprey] Canvasbacks & Fox Sparrow at Lake Elkhorn; no Dickcissel

Stan Arnold (blkrail@gateway.net)
Fri, 17 Dec 1999 18:48:24 -0500


Hi all,

I took another walk around Lake Elkhorn (south Columbia) this afternoon, and
came up with a pair of Canvasbacks, near the platform at the back of the
lake amid a dozen or so Ring-necks.  A nice Fox Sparrow was in the thickets
along the north edge of the lake all the way back near the bridge.  Also had
a Sharp-shinned Hawk flying overhead.  No Dickcissel today.

Concerning the Dickcissel, when I first found it, I did not note any black
at all on the throat or upper breast.  I only remember there being much more
yellow on the throat than the white depicted in the NGS guide.  To my
recollection, the bird I saw had no characteristics of even an immature
male.  However, I have little experience with this bird other than adult
males in breeding plumage, so my eyes may have missed some important
details.

Stan Arnold
Glen Burnie, MD