Hi Everyone,

John Hubbell, my wife Becky, and I enjoyed the continuing HARLEQUIN DUCK found by Keith Costley at Fort Armistead. It was floating conspicuously with a small flock of Bufflehead at around 11:45 a.m., then drifted to its hideout near the western end of the Key Bridge. It was my first February record for Harlequin, though I've had it from November through May now. For anyone still considering a visit, try to get there earlier in the day. I have visited four times in the last two weeks at around 4:00 p.m., staying until around sunset, without seeing that bird. Early afternoon seems much more reliable based on reports from Jon Corcoran and others. Still, I plan to move this site back into the after-work rotation, as the potential for rare gulls and ducks is obviously high. Knowing that a good catch here often lands a bird for two counties is a plus.

Back at the ranch, the end of hunting season leaves Rock Creek (just southwest of Fort Smallwood) a haven for waterfowl once more. A flock of 324 CANVASBACK has materialized, along with some Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, and six GREEN-WINGED TEAL. The Canvasbacks were the second highest count for the house after 780 on 2/6/2010. The teal were only our second record, following one hen on 3/25/2009. 

A BROWN THRASHER visited our yard on 2/6, the first and only sign of one locally so far this year. In other years they have been very regular all winter.

Good birding,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com