This afternoon after I completed a work deadline I went down to look for the
Upland Sandpipers. After getting stuck in traffic at the Chesapeake City
Bridge, I was at Mill Lane by 3 p.m. I was initially disappointed because
the water held only 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, but then I
saw motion in the grass, which turned out to be 3 Upland Sandpipers moving
away from me over the crest of the hill, and a few minutes later, a fourth
that came in from another direction and moved towards me. I got a good look
at its long neck, little head, and short bill. I guess if you go grazing in
the grass then you need a long neck to see over it all. They reminded me of
little chickens, the way they bobbed their heads as they walked, zigzagging
back and forth. When I looked back at the water, another five Lesser
Yellowlegs had moved in. The water was deep enough in places to completely
cover their legs.
Then I took MD310 east past Win-Bak farms (no horses visible, sadly) to
Mitton Road, where you never know just what you might see perched on the
horse fences. I was delighted to spot 19 Cattle Egrets, some still in
breeding plumage, preening on top of the fence, and 2 more in the field
below, along with 2 Great Egrets. A portion of the paddock was flooded and
here I saw at least 24 Lesser Yellowlegs. A bit farther down the road I
heard something singing (a bit odd for mid-August), and there on the fence
was a male Blue Grosbeak. Several male Goldfinches were also musical, and a
Chipping Sparrow was defending his territory with his crest raised up. I
also saw 2 Pewees, one of which was vocal. The fence had many empty cicada
husks hanging from the bottom of the rails. On the way back via Chesapeake
City I saw 1 male Indigo Bunting and dozens of Tree Swallows.
Thank you, everyone who posted about the Upland Sandpipers and gave
directions. You gave me a life bird--and a sandpiper even I can identify!
Pat Valdata
Elkton
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