Hi Bob,

At first I couldn't believe it. This is why I spent so much time slipping
and sliding along the mud trail. Then I left the trail and crept ever so 
slowly
down to the shore and spent a long time studying it. I was about 200 yards
away from the swan.

In referring to Sibley (Eastern) p. 63, and the Natl. Geo. p. 66,
I could see no visible yellow on the lores, and s/he had a flatter
back than I am used to seeing in the Tundra Swan. The bill was
very straight with no concavity.

I am a relatively new birder. The Trumpeter makes 196 life species --
I try to be meticulous, but everyone makes mistakes. I would
appreciate verification, it could be a Tundra -- the light was getting
bad, but I spent a long time looking for the yellow on the lores.

Blessings and good birding,
Gayle

Bob Ringler wrote:

>Gayle,
>   Please tell us more about your Trumpeter Swan.  This is a species that is still extraordinarily rare in Maryland and was seen once at Little Seneca Lake 13 years ago.  There is also the question of origin.
>
>Bob Ringler
>Eldersburg MD
>
> 
>---- Bach-Watson Associates <> wrote: 
>  
>
>>Wonderful birds at Little Seneca, Black Hill Regional Park,
>>Montgomery County, but the light was terrible (I got there very late)
>>
>>at the 121 bridge/Dam side
>>Mallard
>>Canvasback
>>Eared Grebe
>>Bufflehead
>>Canada Goose
>>Ruddy Duck
>>Lesser Scaup
>>
>>121 bridge/10 Mile Creek side
>>Canada Goose
>>Bufflehead
>>Ruddy Duck
>>
>>Grass trail at end east end of 121 bridge
>>(outlet faces Visitor's Center & Dock)
>>American Coot
>>Mallard
>>Ring Billed Gull
>>Red-Breasted Merganser
>>
>>Mud Trail at east end of 121 bridge
>>and I do mean mud tail, my boots may never recover,
>>but it's going to be a spectacular trail when it's finished.
>>(HONEST -- I didn't see the "trail under construction
>>do not hike" sign)
>>
>>in small cove on the west side
>>Trumpeter Swan !! Life bird for me 
>> 
>>in last sheltered cove before it opens out to 121 bridge
>>Mallard
>>Ring-Neck Duck
>>American Coot
>>Eared Grebe
>>Ruddy Duck
>>Bufflehead
>>
>>I agree with Mike Bowen, I believe there must be at least two eared grebes.
>>One was in the cove on the west side of the bridge and the other over on
>>the east side, barely visible, but clear enough.
>>
>>-- 
>>~
>>Rev. Gayle Bach-Watson, UCC
>>4405 Molesworth Terrace,
>>Mt. Airy, Maryland  USA
>>Home: 301-831-3874
>>Cell: 301-367-9306
>>
>>If I keep a green bough in my heart, 
>>the singing bird will come.
>>Chinese Proverb
>>
>>A bird does not sing because it has an answer. 
>>It sings because it has a song.
>>Chinese Proverb
>>    
>>
>
>  
>