Hi all --

We went to the Eastern Shore yesterday and although it was a very pleasant
day out, didn't connect with too many of our targets:

No sign of the Northern Shrike in Queen Anne's (despite about an hours'
searching) although we did see one ROSS'S GOOSE and three CACKLING GEESE in
the huge mixed goose flock in the nearby field.

The lark flock along Leverage Road was far distant and behind a swale, very
frustrating as occasionally they would fly up a second and then drop out of
sight. Did not hear any buntings but again, they were pretty distant!

Looked for the Oxford Snowy Owl for quite a long time, met other birders, no
one had seen it and as far as I know it was not seen all day. Updates would
be appreciated for those of us who dipped!

Blackwater NWR has about 1/3 of the Wildlife Drive closed so you can't walk
the Marsh Trail -- saw 15 WHITE PELICANS bathing and looking very tropical
in the warm sunlight! Huge Snow Goose flock very impressive as it flew
around every time an eagle flew by -- which was pretty frequently! Lots of
large mixed blackbird flocks, mostly RWs and Cowbirds, some Grackles,
nothing unusual but we didn't go through every flock. Can't believe there is
not a Yellow-headed out there somewhere!

Elliot Island Road very windy and very quiet, nothing of note. Bestpitch
Ferry Road also quiet at dusk, several Harriers but no Long-eared Owls.
Another birder had reported an immature Golden Eagle from that area in the
AM.

Of course en route we got several calls on the DC WW Crossbills, a real
rarity in DC and of course, one we have not seen! Argghh!

Oh well, that's birding...

Cheers,
Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD