Jeff,

Would you please let the compiler of the Jug Bay count know that I
would also appreciate a writeup (and/or photos)of the Ross's Goose
for the review I do of the MD CBCs.

Best,
Norm Saunders

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Maryland Birds & Birding 
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jeff Shenot
> Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 8:57 PM
> To: 
> Subject: [MDOSPREY] PG Co Ross'Goose
> 
> There was an adult Ross' Goose at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary 
> today (Prince George's Co.), that was in the company of a 
> large number of Canada Geese.  
> It was seen during today's Chrsitmas bird count (Jug Bay) but 
> is reported to have been seen there for several days now.  
> This may be the first one recorded during the Christmas Count 
> for this area.  There were no other snow geese present, and 
> although I looked carefully for about 30 minutes I did not 
> find any cacklers.  There were about 6,000 Canada geese present.
> 
> When I first arrived the bird was out on the river and very 
> distant from the shore, but later (~2:00) it came back up to 
> the field and ponds area below the visitor center, and was 
> there when I left.  A scope is recommended in case it is 
> distant - the Sanctuary does not want anyone walking around 
> the fields, to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
> 
> A word of caution - I don't know, but Merkle may be closed 
> during the week (the website says open only on Sat and Sun, 
> from 10-4).  If you try to see it, call first to see if they 
> are open (web site number listed is 301-888-1377).
> 
> Jeff Shenot
> Croom MD
>