At 12:30 PM today there were 4 Brant swimming and dabbling in the waters close off of Mayo Beach.  When I say close, I mean a dozen feet or so off shore.  They were swimming in the rocks and around pilings.  

 

Mayo Beach Park has gates and signs that say no entry.  In years past, I have sometimes been shooed out of the park.  In the past six months or more, however, the staff at the park has been welcoming, stating they like to be good neighbors and welcome those who walk and bird quietly in their park.  It’s refreshing to go there without feeling like a sneaky enviro-criminal!   

 

I reported the Brant to the staff today and told them that they are unusual here.  I also told them that I would post it to the OSPREY list and to expect that perhaps a few birders might come take a look.   They seemed welcoming and interested in the birds (they came and took a look).  They even shared the story of last year’s whimbrel, which brought in a lot of birders, apparently.  

 

Normally I park outside the gates (normally they are closed) and walk in through the person-sized open gates on either side of the big front gate.  If the gates are open, I suppose you could go in and park, but the hours are erratic and it’s probably best to not annoy the very kind staff. 

 

The Brant are in the Bay, just off the shore. I first found them on the farthest reaches of the beach, near the phragmites-surrounded little pond.  When I left them, they were swimming on the far side of the swimming area nets.  

 

I am still excited – so very, very close and so very beautiful!   With the snow geese this weekend, AA County is pretty goose-rich right now!  

 

Joanne

 

Joanne Howl, DVM

West River, MD