A brief sunny tax-day stroll at Sandy Point State Park from around 9 to
9:45 a.m. brought the following highlights:
- Three Great Egrets in the mud flats across from the Marina, first of the
year for us.
- A pair of Red-Necked Grebe, possibly first-year. Did not appear to be yet
in full season plumage. These are likely the same that have been spotted at
SPSP in recent days.
- Scaup, sp. (About 20)
- Barn Swallows, first time I have seen them here this year.
- Greater (??) Black-Backed Gull.
The usual assortment of Mallards, Cardinals, Canada Geese, Osprey and
Red-Winged Blackbirds.
Notes from earlier in the week: At Markle Wildlife Sanctuary in Croom, MD,
on 4/14/2004, the Purple Martins were in residence at the nesting boxes near
the Visitors' Center. A large (50-75) flock of Yellowlegs was in the marshes
and flats across from the Visitors' Center. Unfortunately, in the rain and
without a scope, I couldn't tell if they were Lesser or Greater.
Good weather, good birding!
Warren P. Strobel
Cape St. Claire, MD
2004 Year List - 89
U.S. Life List - 204
World Life List - 297
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