I went to Blue Mash (between 1:30 and 2 PM) to look for the Stilt SP 
reported by Rick Sussman on 8/27.  No luck.  Shorebird mix and numbers 
(at the big pond) slightly different from Bob Ringlers morning report.

Semipalmated Plover 1
Killdeer 8
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Least Sandpiper 8
no Pectoral or Solitary SPs

Bob's report reminds me to be more vigil on the ducks.  I was so "zoned 
in" to look for the Stilt SP that I did not look at ducks as thoroughly 
as I should have. I did notice 3 GW Teal but may have missed the 
shovelers and BW Teal among the mallards. 

Its to bad that no one can get a look at the leachate ponds inside the 
private area of Blue Mash.  Maybe this is where the Stilt, Pectoral and 
Solitary SPs were when I was there this afternoon.

On way to Blue Mash stopped at SWMP at Redland Rd/Crabbs Branch Parkway:

Least SP 8
Killdeer 6

Upper end of Lake Needwood off Needwood Rd (lowered levels for dam 
repair look prime for shorebirds)

Least SP 15
Killdeer 12
Solitary SP 2
Spotted SP 1

Saw Great Egrets at all locations.

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg, MD

Bob Ringler wrote:

>    I visited the ponds at Blue Mash this morning. Step ladder not neceaasry if you find the openings in the willows. Six species each of ducks and shorebirds were present:
>
>Canada Goose  2
>Wood Duck  3
>Black Duck  1
>Mallard  20
>Blue-winged Teal  5
>Shoveler  2
>GW Teal  1
>Great Blue Heron  1
>Great Egret  1
>Green Heron  2
>Semi Plover  1
>Killdeer  1
>Solitary Sandpiper  2
>Lesser Yellowlegs  1
>Least Sandpiper  2
>Pectoral Sandpiper  2
>Also 24 Black Vultures coming out of a nearby roost.
>  
>