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Ft McHenry (05-24 evening walk) - Least Bittern!

From:

Keith Eric Costley

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Date:

Thu, 25 May 2006 16:35:03 +0000

The award for best bird species found at Fort McHenry National Monument Spring 2006 goes to…
Mr. Barry Marsh
for spotting the LEAST BITTERN on May 25, 2006
Barry will be receiving a no expense paid trip the to…
FORT McHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT in Baltimore, MD. on Wednesday, May 31, 2006.
Barry will be staying at the luxurious Barry Marsh residence, driving his car, and paying for his gas; but, we feel that he should spare no expenses - go for the premium! The bittern was in the main channel of the mitigated wetland, and stayed in sight for extended viewing through a spotting scope. Number 239 on the Fort bird list.

The bittern sighting was preceded by a nice collection of warblers that included: a female Blackpoll; a male Wilson's; a male Magnolia; and several “yellow” American Redstarts. Common Yellowthroats were here, and there. Later, we found three Ovenbirds, and a female Black-throated Blue Warbler.

Another wonderful surprise was a pair of Long-tailed Ducks in Spring plumage. I remarked, during the sighting, that they were in breeding plumage - Doh! - I was mistaken, and really needed to be medicated at that point. The ducks passed close to the group, diving periodically, then sailed away toward the wetland. 

We also had a silent Empidonax flycatcher that challenged the group. It had a yellow wash overall that seemed to be present even in the eye-ring and the wing bars. The throat was a brighter yellow. The eye-ring appeared to be strong with a tear drop shape. We determined that it was a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

Other highlights included: a Pied-billed Grebe; nine Black-crowned Night Herons; a Great Egret; three sightings of a Marsh Wrens (by 2 birders) and a nest found; and 30 [count 'em, 30] Common Nighthawks! Nine birders tallied 48 species 

We did not attempt to find the Western Kingbird last night; however, it was sighted ealier this morning.

Keith Eric Costley

Randallstown, Baltimore County