MD Osprey:

First, thanks to Nancy and Walter for posting the info on the Kent 
County/Chesapeake Farms sparrow.

I was there from 1:15 until 3:15 this afternoon (12/20) and the bird 
was a no show. About 6 or 7 other cars were there during my stay.

I always try to pay attention to the logistics of rarity sightings, 
so allow me to pass on some personal observations ...

1. Prepare to be frustrated ... not disappointed (as in missing the 
bird), but frustrated. Nancy and Walter are correct, only 3-4 cars of 
birders will be able to see into the break in the hedgerow where the 
bird was seen this morning (and where some bird seed was spread on 
the ground). Even all of those four cars may not be able to see both 
sides of the hedgerow break. So if you are not one of those four 
cars, be prepared to be frustrated since you won't be able to see much.

2. Even though the break in the hedgerow is on the left (east) side 
of the road (heading in), be sure to park on the right (west) side 
and look across the road. Otherwise only one car would be able to see 
the area and they would block the view for everyone else.

3. You will be frustrated since YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GET OUT OF 
YOUR CAR (I saw birders out of their cars this afternoon ... this 
will kill this for everyone!!!); so this makes it difficult to 
communicate with any other birders present. Cell phones work, but I 
would suggest bringing FRS radios with you so you can all talk with 
the others about if the bird has been seen or to pass the word if 
someone does see it. Years ago, people had proposed a "birders 
channel" ... I don't know if people are still using it, but it is 
11-22 (channel 11, subchannel 22).

4. Perhaps more people could see the hedgerow break if people parked 
their cars perpendicular to the road (there is enough shoulder for 
this) or parked at a 45-degree angle. This may allow more cars to see 
the area, but it may mean that birders will have to look out through 
front windows, which are notoriously distorted, or cause grief for 
birders in the back seats. I don't know about this one, just a 
rambling thought ...

5. The people with the prime parking spots will not want to give up 
their position, based on first come, first serve. An altruistic 
policy might be to periodically rotate, but this will be a tough nut to crack.


My impression is that this bird is not showing any site fidelity, so 
I don't think I'm going to go back unless I hear that it's been seen again.

Hope this helps ...

Phil



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Phil Davis      Davidsonville, Maryland     USA
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