My eleven year old son Ben and I went out to Oxbow Lake just outside of
Laurel this evening, using the directions posted yesterday.  We were there
from about 7:30 until about 8:45.  It is a beautiful spot, but as was noted
in the earlier post, relatively inaccessible.  Although there is a narrow
path going at least part way around the pond, good vantage points
overlooking the wetland were difficult to find.  It seems like the few
level spots I found near the water were obstructed with vegetation, and the
few clear views were on 45 degree slopes.

However, after settling into a relatively good vantage point, we scanned
the area and found many Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, female Mallards
and Woodies with ducklings, and a few Green Herons.  Ben spotted the Purple
Gallinule first (he's got a great eye)walking in the open just on our side
of the taller vegetation (spaderdock?)on the far side of the pond.  I got
my scope on the bird and got a brief look at the gallinule as it walked
among and on the vegetation until it disappeared into the taller grasses
and leaves.  We were unable to located the bird again as it grew darker and
more overcast at dusk.

Total viewing time was only a few seconds, which is about all the Gallinule
in Montgomery County allowed me.  This is really a neat place, and I hope
to get back out there again when I have a little more time and the lighting
is better.  Thank you to Stan Arnold for the excellent directions.

Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS