Hi Everyone,

Congrats to Jim and Kyle on the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher! Not many people find a state bird for Jim Stasz, and that job is not getting any easier! Jim G., as a firm believer in the fine six-pack per state bird policy, I will be happy to pay my debt. You're going to need an extra fridge if this bird sticks around. 

After enjoying the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher for a couple hours, keeping vigil while others were on their way, most of us headed to Chesapeake Farms. In fact, it sounds like people were cycling through that area all day. When we arrived in the very late afternoon, there was still an excellent collection of 1,000+ shorebirds, but no sign of the Reeve. Eventually, as light was fading, it was just me, Ron Gutberlet, and Mike Walsh watching the pond. We noted some new birds arriving, probably coming in to roost, and I picked out a Reeve candidate in the far back. Despite the poor light, we began to feel pretty good calling the bird the Reeve. Distant photos at 1600 ISO seem to support the call, but I'll leave it up to you. Here's an awful, untouched image that shows primarily structure. I'd rather get the word out even if someone wants to talk me out of it.

http://www.billhubick.com/images2/prob_reeve_ches_farms_20090526.jpg

In any case, a pond with over a thousand shorebirds should be checked as often as possible! 

Good birding,

Bill 

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com