While Jane Kostenko and I were conducting the Patuxent River waterfowl survey that the Jug Bay Sanctuary compiles each year, I found a male Barrow's Goldeneye at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County. The count runs from 7:30 - 10:30 am and I have 6 count points which usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. This one took an hour as we tried to relocate the bird after the initial sighting when it moved downriver slightly out of view. When we relocated it, it was closer to the three pilings warning sailors away from the Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center's salt water intake.

I had just pulled out my cell phone to call some people when it began ringing. Bill Hubick was calling to relay a sighting of White-winged Crossbills in northern Calvert County. I'm not sure I osmosized the information very well while waiting to tell him about my find. Bill, and John Hubbell, riding shotgun, came down to JPPM directly arriving after we had finished the last count point within JPPM. Jane had the bird in the scope when they pulled in, always a good thing! Bill brought out his huge lens and began waiting for the bird to be refound. It had mysteriously vanished though we never saw any ducks fly off. I'm not sure whether he got any decent shots or not but I'm sure he'll post them to his web site if he did.

So, you're asking where is JPPM? Drive south of Prince Frederick on Rt. 4 until you get to Broomes Island Rd. Turn right at the light then drive a few miles. When you pass Ball Rd. look for Mackall Rd. (pronounced May-kl) then turn left. Drive for about 4 miles, past Parran Rd. on the left, Lloyd Bowen Rd. on the right and look for the divided park entrance on the right about a mile past Garrity Rd. Turn in to the first entrance which is open and not the main entrance which is not. Be aware that the park does not officially open until 4/15. The entrance road makes a couple of bends before it straightens out and parallels the river. Look for the cluster of large white buildings on the left. There will be a gravel road on the right immediately after a tree row. Turn down here and veer to the left at the river. Park just beyond the collection of stuff near the old Academy of Natural Sciences ERC pier. There's an ANSERC sign still hanging there from
 the day after I found the male Tufted Duck there back in the 90s. Be careful on the pier as it is not in the best condition.

If you are coming from the south, turn left onto Parran Rd. from Rt. 4, turn left onto Mackall then the same as above.

Be aware that anyone may be able to drive down to the pier site only on Sunday. During the work week, you will need to drive beyond the archaeology complex and park in their parking lot and walk down. You can stop into the office and ask permission to drive down to the pier but they may not grant it. I have a working agreement with the park for full access for bird survey work but that does not extend to everyone.

The bird was at first associating with the large scaup flock but later was hanging out with Common Goldeneyes. Be sure to scan through the whole collection. The dark flank with white striping on the BAGO is quite obvious compared directly with the whiter flank with dark streaking of the COGO. 

Tyler Bell

California, Maryland