While doing some footwork at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground I was enjoying the pre-storm chit-chat amongst the local passerines when out of nowhere I caught a glimpse of an incoming accipiter. As the bird drew closer it dove to about 30 feet from the ground and took a direct course paralleling the ground and the shore of the Gunpowder River.  I immediately noticed the size of this bird and as it passed in good light, i could make out the strong "eyebrow," distinct tail pattern, and overall GISS of an adult Goshawk.

I also had approximately 200 Tundra Swan, 100 mallard, 50 Black Duck, 50 Gadwall, one Ring-necked Duck, and 50 or so scaup sp. scattered from Maxwell Point to CAPA Field on the Gunpowder River. Present on land were three juv. Bald Eagles, as well as the following assortment juncos, house sparrows, house finch, goldfinch, fish crow, American crow, kinglets, pileated woodpecker, robin, and one brown creeper.    

Looking forward to Sunday's Elkton Christmas Count... First time counting with cross-country skis on!!!! 

Chris Starling
North East, MD