Afternoon appointments had kept me from planning a trip to Berlin and 
Rumbly Point so far; but yesterday (Mon) pm, at the last moment, that 
day’s appointment was cancelled and so, in the middle of rush hour, I 
hurried across the Bay to Berlin. I arrived at the well-described site 
of the White-faced Ibis at 7 pm. Many C’da Geese, Willets, and Laughing 
Gulls were in the field, but no ibises of whatever face color.

On to Rumbly Point. From 10:30 to 12 I listened diligently, but - a 
stiff south wind, while keeping mosquitoes at bay, also suppressed faint 
sounds. Perhaps too it induced migrants to take advantage of the 
opportunity and move on. Increasing numbers of rails did call as time 
went by - mostly Clappers; also a Virginia, and after my accidentally 
making a noise, a Sora responded. But of Yellows and Blacks, I heard none.

The night sky at remote coastal sites is often relatively free of light 
pollution, yet sky clarity is usually poor - because of “true” 
absorption by aerosols kicked up by spray, except sometimes near the 
zenith.  So it was that the Big Dipper was high and prominent in the sky 
at the upper culmination of its circumpolar arc. How appropriate, I 
thought. After so many such experiences maybe this should be my new pen 
name.

Fred “The Big Dipper” Fallon
Huntingtown