Folks,

Again, my apologies for my recent error-laden posts, but I did really
only mean well trying to get the word out.  That said, here is what
Chris Murray and I saw/did not see today on the Eastern Shore for
those interested:

-Snowy Owl: Reported on Assateague.  Yes.  About 2 to 3 miles South,
in the ORV Zone.
-Cave Swallows:  Checked for them at Berlin WWTP, Bayside Development
Ponds, Assateague, etc.  TRES were everywhere, but there was only one
little contender that flew off into the afternoon sun at Bayside.  No
confirmation possible.
-Eurasian Wigeon: Previously reported at Bayside Development Pond, not
present on Saturday late evening or Sunday afternoon.  That said,
there was a number of Wigeons moving on and off the pond, so might be
worth some further checks.
-Brewer's Blackbird:  Reported last week at Berlin WWTP.  Not seen,
but a small flock of blackbirds moved out on Saturday night that
could've been the group of Rusty Blackbirds.  It was becoming too dark
to be certain.
-Lark Sparrow: Reported and enjoyed by many at Vessey's Orchard.  Not
seen on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon.
-Common Eider: Reported at the OC Inlet on Saturday.  Not seen Sunday
afternoon.  We checked on eider side, but that bird was no where to be
found.

So what did we see?

Three Common Snipe, a lone Northern Pintail, several Northern
Shovelers and loads of Green-winged Teal at Berlin WWTP on Saturday.
Everything nearly frozen in the big pool on Sunday.
A Red Fox pouncing up the side of the embankment on Saturday and a
trio of River Otters on Sunday at Berlin WWTP we found of interest.

Falcons:
We had both a Peregrine early in the AM and a Merlin (on our hike for
the Snowy Owl) on Assateague this morning.  The Merlin came in low
over the dunes and flew right by us.  A nice treat.
We enjoyed a hovering hunting American Kestrel at Vessey's both visits
this weekend.
Finally, we finished up the day with another Merlin as we exited Rumbly Point.

I'll post the full list tomorrow, but for the most part, nothing was
too unexpected.

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis, MD