Hi Everyone,

I received a heads-up message from Lance Biechele about some bird sightings in Ocean City, which he asked me to share with the group. Following are his original message and a follow-up about the Common Tern. Due to the highly unusual timing, I asked for any additional details that might be available to document the sighting. Thanks for passing this on, Lance.

Cheers,

Bill

From: lance biechele <>
Subject: Ocean City Inlet

"Hi Bill,
   While we missed the numerous eiders at Ocean City Inlet
today (Jan 10) Sam Dykes of the Tri-County Bird Club did
find an American Oystercatcher on the N jetty and a very
well studied COMMON TERN sitting on the shore along the
beach. [snip]

Best Wishes,
Lance"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: lance biechele <> 
Subject: Re: Ocean City Inlet

"Hi Bill,
   Thanks for your kind reply.  The common tern was observed
first sitting along the shore and then in flight returning to its previous
site. 
   Noteworthy was the head of the bird, dark bill with a conspicuous
crown of black that extended across the head from eye to eye.  The
bird did not show any masking or dark eye patches.  The tail did not
extend beyond the length of the wings!
   Visibility was within 25 yards of the bird.  The bird was observed
by Sam Dyke and three other members of the Salisbury Tri-County
Bird Club. 
Hope this helps,
Best Wishes,
Lance"
  

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com