Dave Larkin and I took a one day trip to Ocean City and Blackwater NWR on
Sat., Nov. 14.  In the heavy surf at the Inlet we saw at least a dozen
Common Eider and a skimming Black Skimmer. Also a Lesser Black-backed Gull
in the air.  Skimmer Island held two more Black Skimmers.  At West Ocean
City pond we met a group of rarities-hunters and saw 15 species of waterfowl
(but no rarities).   Approaching Blackwater, we encountered the large gull
flock described by Marcia Balestri-it was mostly Laughing Gulls.  We thought
there might be something interesting in the flock, but spent only a few
minutes scanning and missed the gull that Marcia saw.  In the Marsh Trail
parking lot we had a Palm Warbler and a Brown-Headed Nuthatch.  Lots of
shorebirds on the spur road just past the Visitors' Center; Dave thought
there were a few Western Sands mixed in with hundreds of Dunlin.  The day
ended with a flourish as we saw a Short-eared Owl at dusk from Shorter's
Wharf Rd.

 

Peter Lev

Towson, MD