Hi Everyone,

After parting ways with Matt Hafner and company at the Berlin WWTP this
afternoon, I worked my way home via a circuitous route. At the Route 50
borrow pit, I scoped a sleeping WILSON'S SNIPE that J.B. Churchill had
spotted earlier in the day. Minutes later, a brief stop at the old Route
50 bridge was rewarded by a flyby Merlin. I think everyone I've spoken to
that spent time on the Eastern Shore this weekend saw at least one Merlin.


I ran into Dave Powell on John Hanson Road in Kent County, where we scoped
an attractive GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Greenland race) loafing amongst
the 100s of Canadas. Also present were good numbers of NORTHERN SHOVELERs
and RUDDY DUCKs, as well as a few BUFFLEHEAD, LESSER SCAUP, and AMERICAN
COOTs. A distant REDHEAD and a lone BONAPARTE'S GULL were great spots by
Dave.

Chesapeake Farms held at least 100 NORTHERN PINTAILs, as well as a few
GREEN-WINGED TEAL and NORTHERN SHOVELERs. There were also about 50 SNOW
GEESE and a few hundred Canadas at the pond. Dave picked up about 8
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWs while I worked on the backlit waterfowl. 

Hundreds of Canadas and over 1,000 Snow Geese were present at and near
Great Oak Pond, but we didn't spot anything any other species of geese in
the area. Dave and I parted ways, and a large skein of Snow Geese kept
pace with me for a couple miles down Fish Hatchery Road. 

I've posted some photos from the last two days, most of them from the
Rarity Roundup yesterday with Jim Stasz and Mike Burchett. Photos include
Long-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow,
Sedge Wren, Rusty Blackbird, and immature White-crowned Sparrow.
(<http://www.billhubick.com/new_set.html>)

Have a great week,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Elkridge, Maryland
<http://www.billhubick.com/>