Hey everyone-

I just got back from a great weekend of birding on the Eastern Shore as part
of the Delmarva Birding Weekend.  Luckily, I was able to make it in time
from Baltimore for the Shorebird Explorer trip, on which we saw some great
birds, including Gull-Billed Tern, Piping Plover, and - a CLAPPER RAIL! 
Yup, one was hanging out in the crossbeams under one of the docks in the
marina, and we all got some great looks from the boat.  After we docked at
the end of the trip, I went to the dock, and laid on my belly, looking
through my camera over the side of the dock.  By doing this, I was able to
get very close to the Rail for what will probably end up being some of the
best shots I will ever get of a Clapper Rail.  

Photos of the Rail and a heavily cropped one of the Gull-Billed Terns are at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicobirdphotos/

This morning, I stopped at the Warblermania! trip before paddling down the
Nassawango and heading home.  The Prothonotaries of course stole the show. 
All in all, it was a great weekend.

Also, for anyone who can contribute to the Tropicbirds team that I am on,
please email me with your home address and the amount you want to donate by
Friday night.  While I will be in Texas starting on the 30th, our Big Day
competition is not until this Saturday, May 3rd, so per-species pledges can
be accepted until Friday night.  Donations are either of a set amount or are
per-species seen (ex: 10 cents per species).  We expect to see around 200
species this year, so it will be a great trip.  Again, any contributions
would be greatly appreciated, and I will send you a letter for payment
purposes after the event.

Thanks, and Good Birding,

Nico Sarbanes
Baltimore