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Subject:

T. Kingbird and Dorchester Highlights

From:

Kurt Schwarz

Reply-To:

Kurt Schwarz

Date:

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:59:45 -0500

I was the first on the scene this a.m. at 7:30.  The fog did not bode well.  I
traipsed up and down the road, to no avail.  About 8:00 I was joined by another
Howard Countian, Felicia.  I fished out a radio and handed to her, so we could
cover more ground.  But while chatting, the Kingbird obligingly alit upon a wire
between Adler Ln. and the gray house.  It sat there for several minutes, as we
studied it and digiscoped it.  It then flew off at the far west MD contingent of
Ray and Mike arrived.  But I kept it in view, and noted where it landed at the
top of distant deciduous tree among some conifers.  I put the scope on it and
bid the as yet unrecognized Ray and Mike to hurry over for a look.  

Since the bird presented a 3/4 view from the rear, we noted uneven primary 
projection, and pale edges to the secondaries and greater coverts.  I don't know
what that means regarding aging of this bird.  And I think my digiscope shots
captured those features.

We moved on, leaving Ray and Mike to wait for a better view, which, after
bumping into them at the Wawa, I found out they got.

Next stop was Elliot Island Rd.  The highlights were a Marsh Wren, many Myrtle
Warblers, and fairly low Brown-headed Nuthatchs in the pines before the marsh.
In the marsh, we saw a dozen Black Ducks, and three Greater Yellowlegs.

Moving west along Bestpitch Rd., an American Bittern was strolling the left side
of the road, but then disappeared into the reeds.

Blackwater was fairly routine.  Lots of Canadas, we did not try to sort through
them for a Cackling.  The only Snows were a flock flying over.  Ducks were 
mostly Northern Shovelers, with a few Ring-necked Ducks,, and a half a dozen
Northern Pintails.  We counted 22 American White Pelicans.

An attempt at the Hooper's doves was aborted when I managed to get my car
stuck in the mud while pulling over to check out some flying raptors.

My thanks to the folks at 5W Towing, who came to my aid, and REFUSED 
payment!!!!  We're not in Metro D.C./Baltimore any more!!!!!

Kurt Schwarz
HowCo
goawaybird at comcast dot net