When Jane and I arrived at Hughes Hollow on Saturday, 5/29, a British gentleman, who had been looking unsuccessfully for the Purple Gallinule, pointed out the Common Moorhen. Fortunately, there is a world of difference between an adult of each species. Unfortunately, the spatterdock is so tall that it easily hides any birds feeding in it.

I don't think that I mentioned the moorhen in my post yesterday. Sorry about that!

Tyler Bell

California, Maryland

Wave that flag...wave it wide and high!
Grateful Dead, U.S. Blues

>>>  06/01/04 06:54PM >>>
>To:  
>From: Harvey Mudd <>
>Subject: Common Moorhen at Hughes Hollow
>
>Yesterday, May 31, Marion and I searched (in vain) at Hughes Hollow
for
>the Purple Gallinule from 6:45 to 8 AM.  While we were waiting a
Common 
>Moorhen stepped into view from among the spatterdock near the 
>island.  Once in full view it was unmistakeable with overall dark 
>coloration, white stripe along the side, only bits of white in the 
>undertail region, legs only dull yellow (where not muddy).
However, we 
>realized that, in case of a quick glimpse of only the head and neck
and 
>the bright red bill with a yellow tip, caution would be necessary
not to 
>think of Purple Gallinule.   I don't recall other reports of this
Common 
>Moorhen, so thought it worthwhile to draw attention to it.
>
>Harvey Mudd
>
>____________________________________
>S. Harvey Mudd
>NIMH/DIRP/LMB
>Building 36, Room 1B-08
>36 CONVENT DR MSC 4034
>BETHESDA MD 20892-4034
>tel: 301-496-0681;  fax 301-402-0245
>email:  


================================
Norm Saunders
Colesville & West Ocean City, MD