Wednesday (11/12/08) was a milestone in our pursuit of building an observation platform that extends beyond the canopy to allow full view of Oxbow Lake. A contract has been let and at noon we met with representatives from the company that will produce the design. It has taken quite a few years to get here, but we should have the design by December. Then we will have a better idea of how much it will cost to build it and can start the fund raising effort in ernest. Hopefully, birders will enjoy viewing the lake (and the rarities that stop by from time-to-time) from the observation platform when it is built. What is the saying, "build it and they will come."

Here's what we saw Wednesday (11/12/08):

Trumpeter Swan #960
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Mallard/Black Duck hybrid
Gadwall (3)
Wood Duck (1 - very unusual to see just one)

Hooded Merganser (7 male, 3 female)

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Merlin
Northern Harrier (male)

Belted Kingfisher

Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker

Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch

Winter Wren
Carolina Wren

This morning (Thursday) we are conducing the annual inspection to monitor the health of the Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve. Hope the rain holds off until this afternoon.

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD