Folks:

I have done some diplomacy to facilitate access to Cooperative Oxford Lab (a joint US Dept. Commerce adn MD DNR facility) for snowy owl viewing.

Fortunately, the owl was discovered by the Lab Director, Dr. Bob Wood, who is the most concerned with facility access.  Anyone who can provide Dr. Wood with an 8x10 or larger glossy of the owl will do immense good.

The gate is open 8 am to 4:30 pm, weekdays.  Please DO NOT attempt to enter the property if the gate is closed.  Visitors to the property MUST sign in at the reception desk, through the glass-fronted entry.  Please note that you are here to see the snowy owl.  Non-US citizens must provide proof of immigration status.  

I am the contact person/host.  Birders are restricted to the paved parking lot.  Please DO NOT travel down the gravel driveway towards the waterfront/dock, either by vehicle or on foot.  The bird has been perched on the peak of the pumphouse, the tall grey building between the main brick building and the water, and is easily viewed from there.  When first seen, it was perched in the top of an evergreen tree on the south end of the property, again, easily seen from the parking lot.

I'll see what I can do about weekend access if the bird continues for the rest of the week.  There is a USCG Station on the property also, which may help.

Happy Birding!
Carol McCollough
St. Michaels & Marion Station