Many thanks  to all who helepd with directions and suggestions for the Snowy Owl at Assateague Island. It was located and photographed Sunday around 2 p.m. on the dunes near Kilometer 24 in the ORV Zone. ... And a major shout-out to Ranger Craig for giving us a ride part of the way there, so we walked 9kms on sand, rather than 14. The owl is beautiful, and was a lifer for both of us, as well as Warren's 250th Maryland bird.
 
   Other birds of note on the island and adjoining waters were Northern Gannet (3), Brant (about 25), plenty of Bonaparte's Gulls, Northern Harrier, a Great Egret (over-wintering?) and a Field Sparrow.
 
   After walking back to our car, we used the last 45 minutes of good light to check out the pond at Bayside development off Route 611 north of Assateague. As previously reported, the Eurasian Wigeon was not present. However, there was a nice mix of waterfowl, including Redhead, American Wigeon, Ring-Necked Duck, Gadwall and Ruddy Duck.
 
Good birding, and Happy Holidays!
Warren & Lisa Strobel
Annapolis, MD
www.birdcouple.com