The new Atlas, Atlas II,indeed had Common Mergs confirmed (w/young) at 
several places along the Potomac, as some predicted would happen. But 
not hatching this early!

- Fred Fallon
Bowie

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
> 
>