We took a run up to Carroll County from Montgomery County this 
morning, October 30.

The previously reported Brant was grazing on the grass by the dock 
area of Piney Run Park, just off the one-way loop road.  It was close 
enough to allow good photos to be taken.  That was around 9:00 a.m.

Intrigued by Bob Ringler's report yesterday of a Cackling Goose at 
Cranberry Reservoir, Northeast of Westminster, we stopped by at about 
10:45 a.m.  No sign of a Cackling Goose (and very few Canada Geese), 
but there was a fine, winter plumaged LONG-TAILED DUCK, a drake, in 
the northernmost part of the reservoir.  Too far for photos but well 
seen in the scope.  A few other ducks were here and there on the 
water:  3 Black Duck, 6 Ruddy Duck, and 2 Green-winged 
Teal.  Numerous goats graced the grass at the SE end of the 
reservoir. (And no, they weren't leashed.)

The short road down to the chain-link fence surrounding the reservoir 
is marked with a "Private Drive" sign, but Bob says that it's okay 
for birders to drive in a very short distance and park by the locked 
gates, but not okay to drive any further along the road.  There are 
prominent No Trespassing signs on posts along the road beyond where 
you can park.

Good Birding

Mike and Joy Bowen
Montgomery Bird Club
Bethesda

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom

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