The grounds of the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel are open but the National Wildlife Visitor Center is currently closed for business due to boiler problems following the storm. Hopefully, the VC will be open for business by the weekend.
   
  Today I walked some of the trails from 11:30 to 1:00 looking for downed trees across the trails (there were several) but the trails were passable albeit muddy. What a glorious day to be out and there was not another sole on the trails.
   
  On Cash Lake there were ~350 Ring-necked Ducks, 5 Hooded Mergansers, numerous Mallards and Am. Black Ducks and 2 AM. COOTS. Two Red-tailed Hawks were cavorting overhead. Also saw a Hermit Thrush. A Great Blue Heron was perched on one of the Osprey platforms.
   
  To find out about the status of the Patuxent Refuge (North Tract and South Tract) during/following inclement weather, you can call 301 725-0416.
   
   


            Steve Noyes, Volunteer Naturalist
  Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel MD
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