Folks

On our unsuccessful attempt to find the Curlew Sandpiper at the west OC pond, Gwen and I headed toward home.  Around 4 PM east of Linkwood and along Rt. 50 I notice a flock of around 30 shorebirds.  We stopped and found an immature Ruff (Reeve) in the flock.  The bird was with a mixed flock of yellowlegs and Pectoral Sandpipers.  I determined the bird was an immature female.  A nice buff breast, dark scaly back, rather chunky bird with long primaries, tall with dull yellow legs, and a short, all black bill with only a little drop at the end.  In flight you could see the white rump path nicely since the light was behind us.  I had not seen this plumage in the state before and it was a life bird for Gwen.  

The specific location was between mile post 88 and 89 just east of Linkwood near a small white shed with green trim and a large John Deer farm implement.  The flock flew around 4:30 PM and headed south.  If you are in the vicinity, check any of the shorebird flocks and you may find this treat.  

George Jett
Waldorf, MD 20603