After hearing about the Red-necked Stint from Matt Hafner, I battled ocean 
bound traffic and made my way to Ocean City.  Mike Walsh and myself observed 
the bird for about 10 minutes around 1pm on Skimmer Island.  After looking 
hopelessly through the heat shimmer from the Hooper's Restaurant parking lot 
we tried a different viewing spot on the bridge.  It is actually a lot 
closer and the shimmer was no where near as bad.  The tide was high causing 
the many shorebirds to flock together.  Thankfully there were many 
Sanderlings, Semipalmated, and Least Sandpipers for comparison.  Here are 
the notes that we took on the Stint --

Stint seen around 1pm
Observed for 10 minutes
Observed with Sanderlings, Semi's, Least, Turnstones, and Dowitchers
Noticeably smaller than the Sanderlings -- larger than the Leasts
Same size and shape as the Semipalmated Sandpipers
Not much shape difference between Semipalm and Stint
First noticed red throat
Throat and chest red (but starting to molt) to a nearly defined line
red coloring wrapped around to sides of neck
Back was gray -- no distinguishable color differences on back
Back of head and neck held more color than back of bird
Legs dark
Red on throat went up to and included chin
Belly was white
The Red-necked Stint was constantly being harrassed by the Sanderlings and 
Turnstones.

I hope alot of eyes get out there tomarrow.  Higher tide might be best since 
it concentrates the birds to the island.

West Ocean City pond is perfect for shorebirds and waders.  The flats are 
concentrated right up against the road.  There were shorebirds present but 
in small numbers (Semi Sand, Semi Plover, Killdeer, Least, Solitary, Greater 
and Lesser Yellowlegs).

Turf Farm on Tull Road in northern Worcester held Killdeer and Horned Larks 
but should be checked for Uppies as often as possible.

Smithville Lake in Caroline County is full of water and has no flats.

There were two Glossy Ibis at the Spring Road impoundments this morning 
(hard bird in Talbot).

And finally, three Black-crowned Night-Herons (one adult and two imm.) have 
taken up residence at the boat yard where I live in Oxford.  They seem to 
come this time every year.  Another tough bird in Talbot.

Jim Brighton
Oxford, Maryland


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