In a message dated 5/20/2005 4:32:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
writes:
As
godfather of Blue Mash, you need to come up with nicknames for the 2
ponds to make it easier to refer to them.
If you get over to Blue Mash today or tomorrow and see any Blue
Grosbeaks will you let me know or post to the Osprey?
Hi Andy,
I thought of two very clever names for the ponds at Blue Mash and
henceforth they shall be called the "Big Pond" and the "Small Pond" P:-). The big pond
is the one inside the fence and the small pond is the one inside the park
(how's that?).
Anyway, I spent a good 5 hours over there yesterday morning with Ed Patten
and Mark England and Mike Moffatt who joined us late. Came up with a
respectable 65 species including one new to my list (Common Nighthawk flew over the
settlement pond mid-day) which makes #150. I went over Friday about 5 PM and by
then the ponds were very full and holding no shorebirds (except a few
Spotteds), but I did find (finally) a Great-crested Flycatcher right by the edge of
the big pond, catching insects and "wheeping"). There is a BG Gnatcatcher
nest right over the parking lot, above the white sign on the fence. No Blue
Grosbeaks yesterday though.
Also very few warblers passing through now, only Blackpolls were seen/heard
by us. Most of the birds we saw were breeders, except nighthawk, Osprey, and
Purple Martins (though if they put up a house...). The Barred Owls of the far
woods were calling up a storm, with one being seen, both being heard. Wood
Duck female with 7 young in tow. Still haven't gone far enough into the woods
this season to hear Acadian Flycatcher, but they must be there.
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD
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