Hi Gerry,

There were five breeding confirmations for Common Merganser during the 
recently completed atlas project. Two were in Montgomery County on the 
Potomac; one was on the Potomac near Hancock, Washington County; and two 
were on the Monocacy in north-central Frederick County. There were also 
three reports of possible nesting, two on the Potomac in Allegany County 
and D.C. respectively; and one on the Susquehanna just below Conowingo 
Dam. There was a probable recorded on the Moncacy adjacent to the two 
blocks with confirmed nesting. These were the first confirmed breeding 
records for Maryland. Common Merganser was the only entirely new nesting 
species for Maryland and D.C. recorded during the 2002-2006 atlas.

Good birding,

Walter Ellison

23460 Clarissa Rd
Chestertown, MD 21620

phone: 410-778-9568

e-mail: rossgull(AT)baybroadband.net

Observing Nature is like unwrapping a big pile of presents every time you take a walk.

Gerald & Laura Tarbell wrote:
> Dave and all,
>     Are you saying that you've seen Common Merg with young this far south
> before? Your picture sent me scrambling for the Atlas and Common Merg isn't
> even listed as a breeding bird for Maryland and/or D.C.
>     I then pulled up my trusty Thayer program and looked at their map. I
> know I have seen Mergs along the Clarion River in Pa during the summer, but
> assumed that was probably the southern end of their breeding range. The map
> shows them along the Susquehanna all summer, so I assume they breed there.
>     The early date is of course shocking, but the fact that you saw them on
> the Potomac is even more of a surprise. Were they confirmed for the new
> Atlas under construction now?
>
>     Jerry Tarbell
>     Carroll County
>
>
>
>