Hi Everybody: This is an extremely late post and I apologize for that. I thought I had posted this but probably had too many snowflakes on my brain from last w/e. After just reading Wayne Bell's post about having a VESPER SPARROW at his feeder, I realized I had not posted. I spent the majority of the day driving back roads in QA and Caroline Counties (once again striking out on Longspurs). I did find 3 VESPER SPARROWS by the side of the road in Queen Anne County on HACKETT CORNER ROAD around 8:30 AM. 

Later the same day I went to Tuckahoe St. Pk. and although the lake was frozen there was a significant number of waterfowl in the wetland area behind the lake with some open water. Among the many Canada Geese and Mallards were Wood Ducks (11 -my FOY), Black Ducks (3), A. Coots (6), Green-winged Teal (7) and one N. PINTAIL drake. The waterfowl was quite active and lifting up and flying around (for no apparent reason - did not see any raptors go over) but always relanding in the same general area while I was there. Only the Black Ducks did not fly and were seen in QA County only, all others were in both QA and Caroline Counties at various times.

Once again sorry for the late post and thanks to Wayne for his post about the VESPER SPARROW. I did not realize that they were extremely uncommon in the winter on the eastern shore. Fill those feeders up for the weekend; it sounds like we are getting another doozy of a snowstorm.

Jim Green 
Gaithersburg, MD

Work in moderation, BIRD IN EXCESS!!!