Hi Everyone,
My biggest challenge to actually staying home for a full day was knowing that Harford County's first Ross's Goose was being readily seen in the morning and early afternoon. When I saw the post about Keith Costley's HARLEQUIN DUCK just minutes away, it was over. I tried...
The Harlequin made us earn the privilege of a sighting, requiring us to shiver in the biting wind for about 45 minutes. His appearance, though, was worth the wait. He cruised straight toward us and then slowly past, leaving all delighted by swimming nearly a direct line for the Anne Arundel Co. line. Many thanks to Keith for the excellent find! It was my first on the Western Shore. I was also excited to have the chance to finally meet Hank Kaestner, an excellent bonus. Also present by the time I left were Bob Ringler, John Hubbell, Jon Corcoran, Joe Hanfman, Dan Haas, Ed Carlson, Stan Arnold, Gina Cicotello, Jim Stasz, Ed Boyd, and Kevin Graff.
Here are a couple shots:
http://www.billhubick.com/photos/birds/harlequin_duck.php
I had by then talked Stan Arnold and Ed Carlson into accompanying me up to Harford Co. for the Ross's Goose. When we arrived at the pond, which is invariably surrounded by thousands of geese, my heart sank. There were five geese and about 40 Ring-necked Ducks. After cruising the general area a bit, I called Matt Hafner for some local expertise. He pointed out that such a small pond would not stay open but for the all-night presence of abundant waterfowl. They had to come back for the night. Excellent call! We took this to heart and stayed on until after sunset. The geese were only arriving in small numbers at first, but gradually they increased, and larger flocks began to arrive. Suddenly there it was, a very welcome sight. We managed to get some documentation photos shooting at high ISO. It was a nail-biting vigil, but well worth it. The experience was for more memorable for the wait. Thanks to Dennis Kirkwood and Rick Cheicante for the great find.
Saturday, 1/8
I spent Saturday cruising the upper Eastern Shore with John Hubbell, Jim Green, Matt Hafner, Dan Small, and Ron Gutberlet. Here are just a few highlights.
Hemmingways (east end of Bay Bridge), Queen Anne's Co.
ICELAND GULL--1 first-cycle, found by Clive Harris on 1/7 (thanks, Clive!)
Lesser Black-backed Gull--1 first-cycle
Red-breasted Merganser--6. Jim Green's closeout.
Terrapin Nature Park
American Tree Sparrow--1
Duckpuddle Road x Route 290, near Galena, Kent Co.
Two Snow Buntings among about 150+ Horned Larks - spotted by Matt and Dan
North East Town Park, Cecil Co.
Nelson's Gull (Herring x Glaucous hybrid)--1 first-cycle. Very Thayer's like, but with pinkish base to bill, freshly molted scapulars (unbecoming of a first-year Thayer's at this date, as Matt quickly noted), and some subtle structural clues. I'll post photos of this interesting bird soon.
Lesser Black-backed Gull--2
Good birding,
Bill
Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland
http://www.billhubick.com |