We live on the the St. Mary's side of the Lower Patuxent (in Lexington Park,
MD), and have a direct view of the eastern shore, bracketed by Drum and
Cedar Points, seeing the Honga Bridge and points south.  Fairly often, there
are towering clouds of black smoke visible that last varying amounts of
time.  I know several of the birders routinely prowl the eastern shore, and
am wondering if anybody knows if they are man made or natural, and if man
made, why?  It would seem that habitat must be impacted somehow.

And apologies if anybody thinks this is inappropriate.  I don't post often,
but thought the collective community might be of help.  

We continue to have a dearth of waterfowl, saw a couple of common
goldeneye's today, but just onesies and twosies.  Had a couple of Mute Swans
float by..we have not seen "yard" Ospreys yet.

Thanks to you all for your diligent and informative reports.  A great
resource.

Good birding!

Bill Moody
Lexington Park, MD
Clmnwcm at md dot metrocast dot net