Hi Everyone,

Yesterday evening (7 May 2009) Jim Brighton, Bill Hubick, and I made an attempt for the White Ibis reported by Roberta Ross and Kevin Graff.  We were just a little too late--we arrived at Sparrow's Point at about 6:40 pm to find only Canada Geese and a Ring-billed Gull where the White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, and Cattle Egrets had been (see Kevin's directions below).  Later at Patterson Park we ran into David Yeany, who had seen the birds (WHITE IBIS included) earlier in the afternoon (at about 5:00 or 5:30 pm, if I remember correctly).

From Kevin's 6 May post:

"From I-695 exit 42, go south on North Point Blvd to Sparrows Point Blvd, pass fire house on left, make a right before 3-story brick Severstal building, toward lot, see lot on right, park toward the back to a grassy field and look for glossy ibis, cattle egrets and geese. The White Ibis was feeding in flooded field w/ Glossy this morning. 
  
Be aware of heavy truck traffic and do not go to any roads beyond the field. just stay in visitor lot to view the bird. Sparrows Point Police doesn't give warning, only ticket.  I had a nice chat w/ a police officer and he made it clear to anyone else who plan to view the bird."

Next Jim, Bill, and I headed to Patterson Park to try for the Sedge Wren.  I guess it wasn't our day for connecting with target birds.  David had seen the SEDGE WREN just before we crossed paths, but the rest of us never were able to get a definitive look at it.  Fortunately, other nice birds were present, including:

Black-crowned Night-Heron     3
Eastern Kingbird     1
Marsh Wren     2     both were seen; one was singing
Swainson's Thrush     1
Veery     1     seen by Bill and Jim only (and David?)
Wood Thrush     1
Gray Catbird     1
Prairie Warbler     1
Ovenbird     1
Northern Waterthrush     1
Common Yellowthroat     6
Eastern Towhee     1
White-crowned Sparrow (Eastern)     1     David found this nice adult bird, and we were able to relocate it.

When we dropped Bill off at his house in Pasadena, he pointed out a CHUCK-WILL'S WIDOW--a new AA Co bird for both Jim and me.

I was back in Salisbury by 11:00 pm, graded papers until 3:30 am, and even took a nice nap before work.  I agree with Stan: tough to find time to sleep these days!

Have fun,

Ron Gutberlet
Salisbury, MD