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Mayo Beach Feb 2

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Joanne Howl

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Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:51:07 -0500

A mid-day walk allowed me to get in a bit of good birding.  There are a good number of birds and swans on the Bay in this area today.  

Highlights, in no particular order were lots of GREATER and LESSER SCAUP, MALLARDS, BLACK DUCK, HOODED MERGANSER and some BUFFLEHEADS on the Bay, with SCAUP and a large raft of CANVASBACK in Ramsey Lake.  The KINGFISHER is still at Big Pond, along with MALLARD, HOODED MERGANSERS and a few GREAT BLUE HERONS.  The three common gull species also present, although in low numbers.  Several nice flocks of COMMON GRACKLE and STARLING, with fewer RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS and a COWBIRD or two - but not a single Rusty Blackbird in evidence.  

A group of three DOWNY WOODPECKERS was fun to watch - chattering, tail-spreading and flying together.  Thirty or so TUNDRA SWAN, some standing on the ice, some swimming, were also present on Ramsey Lake. One swan was sleeping standing up, one legged, on the ice with his long neck twisted around and his head tucked under his wing was the winner of the best pose of the day.  And best bird-balance trick as well. 

Best birds of the day had to be several COMMON GOLDEN EYE.  While not uncommon on the Bay itself, I've rarely seen them from the Mayo Beach area.  

Many other common species in evidence - it was quite birdy today - but just wanted to share the highlights. 

Notably missing were the Bald Eagles often seen at Mayo and the Snow Goose seen this morning flying over SERC (that flock didn't linger at Mayo!).  

Joanne

Joanne Howl, DVM

West River, MD