Since December 17, I have been looking quite often at the geese on the 
northern end of Jug Bay in hope of seeing a small white one - the Ross' that 
was found at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary during the Christmas count here.  
Merkle is only a bend away downstream, just a short flight of about 2-3 
minutes for a goose, depending on how far it flys up Jug Bay.  So I am hoping 
that on one of its daily forays it may come up here to feed, drink or loaf!

It's raining right now and very dark for this time day, and when I spotted a 
white bird among the geese, unfortunately I could see it was a BIG white bird, 
not a small one.  I was expecting a swan, but to my surprise, with bins I could 
see it had an unusual scooping motion with its big bill, and I thought that's not 
a swan, it must be a pelican!  With the scope on it I confirmed American 
White Pelican; appears to be an adult.  It is currently feeding below the RR 
crossing, closer to the AA Co side of Jug Bay.  If anyone tries to see it, the 
bird could easily be seen from Patuxent River Park on the PG side, from the HQ 
(Jackson Landing), and due to its large size could probably also be seen  or 
boat launch at Selby's.  The park (PG side) closes at 4:30, but perhaps the 
bird will stay overnight.

Oddly enough one single adult AWPE showed up here late in December 2 years 
ago, and stayed for 3 days.  Since this species is long lived and migratory, 
perhaps this is the same bird?

Cheers!!!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD