Greetings,

Tempted by Sean's earlier posting, I went out to scout the waterways just 
north of the Susquehanna Flats. From Hances Point on the east side of the 
North East River I could see a myriad of tiny black dots in the shimmer way 
out on the flats.  Looked like an impressive amount of birds for sure.  

Closer and within scope-able range, I found more Gulls than anything else. 
Most of these were Great Black-backed, with a few Ring-billeds and two 
Bonnies for good measure. There were no fewer then NINE ospreys coursing 
about and a third year Bald Eagle as well. A Red-tailed Hawk screamed from 
the near-by wood line and a few Wood Ducks made their way around a large 
puddle on the near-by chipping range. 

Highlights were: twelve Common Mergs, one Red-necked Merg, scores of Tree 
Swallows, at least one NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED Swallow, a lone RED-
THROATED LOON and a Common Loon. The later was in full majestic northerly 
Alternate Plumage. A gorgeous bird, indeed!

Good Birding,
Chris Starling
North East (Hances Point), MD