Yesterday (Thu, 31 Jul 2008) Dan Haas wrote:

>Also, no sign of the Least Bittern at Oxbow earlier this morning.
>However, it did appear as if a turtle (or some other infamous Oxbow
>Loch Monster) was moving about under where the presumed nest was
>located.  I'm looking forward to any future reports on these birds and
>their sightings. Go Bitterns!

I've written before about the very large snapping turtles in the Oxbow. I estimate Ol'Grandad to be over 3 feet across. The bittern nest was at the edge of what I consider his territory (I'm not an expert on turtles or birds). Jay Sheppard and I have been checking the Oxbow since our first report of the bitterns at various times of the day. The last time Jay saw the male bittern was on Wednesday. Since Dan's visit, I've been there twice and Jay the same number of times, with no luck.

Jay and I will still be at the Oxbow on Saturday at 8am to look for the bitterns, but can not speculate on the chances of finding them. For anyone who decides to still come, you'll at least learn a little bit about the Oxbow and enjoy the many birds that are there and easier to see!

While there early this morning, a flight of 10 Great Egrets were circling around to find just the right spot to land. It was quite beautiful to watch. I believe the Little Blue Heron might have flown in with them, but I was too entranced watching the show to notice.

This morning:

1 Trumpeter Swan #960
10+ Canada Goose
20+ Mallard
30+ Wood Duck
2 Bald Eagle (mature)
3 Red-shouldered Hawk
10 Great Egret
1 Little Blue Heron
15+ Great Blue Heron
2 Green Heron
2 Belted Kingfisher
2 Carolina Wren
1 Goldfinch
1 Eastern Phoebe
3 Eastern Kingbird
2 Indigo Bunting
30+ Purple Martin
10+ Barn Swallow
1 Tree Swallow
30+ Red-winged Blackbird

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD