Hi Everyone,

I couldn't resist checking Fort Smallwood after work to see if the rain
had forced anything down on the pond or beaches. When I pulled up and
stepped out of the car, I was pleased to hear several GREATER YELLOWLEGS
calling from the pond. I was ready to find the godwit I hoped would be
with them. It turned out to be a flock of exactly 10 Greater Yellowlegs,
each of them seen well. No godwits this time, but scanning carefully did
turn up three peeps, two of which I could call SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERs. 

I still had the main muddy island in the pond ahead of me, and here I
found an even better surprise - a lone adult CATTLE EGRET. The bird
allowed close viewing for a moment and then flushed to the south. This is
certainly the latest one I've seen on the western shore.

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, MD
http://www.billhubick.com