Hi Everyone,

I try not to miss an opportunity to get soaked at Fort Smallwood, so I couldn't resist getting out and standing in the rain this evening. The Anne Arundel birding scene was out in force today, and I was joined by Stan Arnold, Ed Carlson, Matt Grey, and Rob Ostrowski. We didn't turn up anything unexpected, but the bird gods look favorably upon birding under such conditions. Here's the full list:

Canada Goose--62
Mallard--7
Double-crested Cormorant--85
Great Blue Heron--1
Snowy Egret--3; flybys; two individuals, one flew by with 3 Cattle Egrets
Little Blue Heron--1; flyby adult
Cattle Egret--18; three flew to the north with a Snowy Egret; a flock of 15 approached from the southeast and continued north
Osprey--3
Killdeer--1
Spotted Sandpiper--2; flying north
peep sp.--1; southbound 
Laughing Gull--84
Ring-billed Gull--4
Herring Gull--35
Great Black-backed Gull--145
gull sp.--80
Caspian Tern--2 adults
Forster's Tern--4
Royal Tern--5; including one juvenile
Mourning Dove--1
COMMON NIGHTHAWK--1; flying around near the pond at dusk
Chimney Swift--2
Downy Woodpecker--1
Eastern Wood-Pewee--1
Eastern Kingbird--3
Blue Jay--4
Purple Martin--6
Barn Swallow--31
Carolina Wren--1
American Robin--2
European Starling--500
Red-winged Blackbird--30
Common Grackle--15
American Goldfinch--1

I've also posted a set of photos from Sunday's pelagic trip, where non-avian marine life stole much of the show. Highlights included four Leatherback Sea Turtles (!), Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales, Common Dolphins, and a Hammerhead Shark. Hope you enjoy:

http://www.billhubick.com/new_set.html

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com