Late this afternoon I kayaked along the Patuxent at Jug Bay. I put in at
Selby's Landing, and kayaked to Jackson Landing and back, with a substantial
detour through the marsh near Jackson Landing. The highlight was
undoubtedly when a nonbreeding Black Tern flew by. Given the time of year, I
had hoped to find a Black Tern among the numerous Forster's Terns, and the
Black Tern flew overhead approximately 1/4 mile south of Selby's Landing. I
got great views of the bird as it flew almost directly overhead twice, and
skimmed the water's surface a hundred or so feet from the kayak several
times. Probably eight or nine Forsters Terns were present, either flying
overhead or perched on the buoys.
Another highlight included a pair of Prothonatary Warblers low in the
vegetation at the river's edge. Both the male and female came into view
probably less then a dozen feet from where I was. Also present were
numerous Wood Ducks, countless Red-winged Blackbirds, 1 Spotted Sandpiper,
several Double-crested Cormorants, several kingbirds, a young Eastern
Phoebe, and several singing Marsh Wrens. It was definitely a beautiful late
afternoon/early evening to be out.
Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS |