This afternoon I was able to get away from work (in Fredericksburg, VA these
days, alas) a little early and made it to the South Tract of the Patuxent
Refuge just before 4:00.  I first tried scoping Cash Lake from the grassy
hill near the parking lot.  I thought I could see the pair of LONG-TAILED
DUCKS in the far northeastern corner of the lake but wasn't 100% sure of the
ID.  Shouldering my scope, I walked about halfway down the lake to the first
viewing area.  By then the ducks had moved further out into the lake, in
front of the fishing pier, and it was obvious what they were.  A fabulous
county bird!  Thanks to Holly Vaughn for reporting them to eBird.

Elaine Hendricks
Greenbelt, MD  (PG County)