Hi Winger et al...

No, we did not see the Western Meadowlark this morning and neither did any of the other 5 birders who were there. Bob Ringler had been there since 6:40 (essentially dawn on this cloudy day) and by the time we rolled up at 7:30 there were 4 other birders present. 

We were told that only at that very moment had anyone glimpsed a single Meadowlark (all of which were in the grassy swale behind the turf , which is where they obstinately stayed). Over the next three hours we were tantalized by brief or obscured views of a number of birds, which appeared to be Eastern Meadowlarks as best we could see. One "possible" was briefly sighted (washed-out back color) but never deigned to show itself completely. At no time did any bird come out onto the turf, although 3-4 flew off south (all, from their extensive white retrices, Easterns).

This was a cloudy and rather breezy day so may well have affected the birds' behavior. Hopefully you will have better luck tomorrow!

We also looked at several turf farms off Rt. 50 east of Vienna and saw only a few peeps and lots of Killdeer. Bob R. took off for Ocean City so hopefully he managed to see some good birds!

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD

------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Winger and June West <>
> Dave Brenneman and I are planning on going over to Hurlock early tomorrow 
> morning to look for the Western Meadowlark.  Did anyone see it today?  Any 
> advice?
> 
> Winger West
> Millersville, MD
>