A Baird's Sandpiper was at the Summit Hall Turf Farm (Montgomery County) 
early this afternoon, viewed from the C+O Canal towpath, about 3/4 miles upstream 
from Sycamore Landing parking lot, and about 50 yards downstream from the mile 
28 marker. There are gaps in the vegetation separating the towpath from the 
turf farm, which is posted. With a little patience you can get views of some of 
the habitat from the towpath. Opposite the mile 28 post is a drying puddle 
some distance out on the turf. This is where most of the shorebirds were today. 
Some days they are scattered over the cut sod sections, and there is much 
habitat not visible from the towpath. 
 
I watched the Baird's for quite a while as it fed with Least, Semipalm, and 
Soly Sandpipers, Yellowlegs and Killdeer. It was noticeably larger than the 
Leasts and Semis, with a larger head and much more elongated profile due to the 
long primary projection. The bill was short, slim, and very slightly decurved 
The legs were very black. The overall color was very bright buff on the head, 
back, and breast. The solidly colored breast contrasted with the white belly. 
The shimmer at this distance was not too bad, but was sufficient that I did not 
try to digiscope. I believe that the bird was a worn adult, not showing the 
uniform scaly mantle and scapulars of a juvenile, but with the shimmer, I 
cannot be sure of this. I have not seen an adult Baird's on the east coast before. 
I have seen a few juvenile Baird's at this turf farm over the years, but weeks 
later, at the end of August into September. A few Pectorals and Semi Plovers 
have been here over the last two weeks, but I did not see them today.
 
Dave Czaplak



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour