This report is provided on behalf of Talbot Bird Club Member Terry Allen.
Les Roslund
Talbot County
Easton MD 21601
-----Original Message-----
From: patty allen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 8:42 AM
To: les roslund
Subject: Blackwater Refuge 12-6-08
Les,
I had a bird walk at Blackwater yesterday sat. Dec. 6th. for the Christmas
Open House presented by The Friends of Blackwater. While the total number
of species was low, we did find a couple of goodies. In a large flock
(1,000+) of incoming geese we picked out 1 Cackling Goose. The size
difference is noticeable at once. Upon landing about 400 feet away in the
water, I was able to set my scope on this bird and everyone could see the
short neck, small bill and small body not much larger than a Mallard. Wish
Jean Crump had been there. Also seen were 5 American White Pelicans on
the water and in flight near end of wildlife drive, 4 Common Mergansers, all
females, one flyby flock of 4 Hooded Mergansers, over 100 Tundra Swan with a
few small migrant flocks overhead, 2 Ruddy ducks, 100s of N. Pintails and
Mallards with a few Black Ducks for good measure. One small covey of 4
Northern Bobwhite (always a red letter day to see or hear any Bobwhite), and
5 American Kestrels seen on Egypt Rd. on my way home. Almost 40 Bald
Eagles seen with several paired off. No Snow Geese. I think they were
off refuge feeding. Nice event by Friends of Blackwater.
Terry Allen |