----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Frederick Fallon <>
To: "" <>
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2011 12:18 PM
Subject: Virginia Rail, Sora, Stilt S'piper @ North Beach


At first glance all was dull at the North Beach marsh this AM. High water had left the muddy shoal shorebirdless while Snowy Eg's numbered a mere 9. But at the end of a1/2 hr watch, a Virginia Rail appeared, emerging from the grass to challenge a particular shorebird, raising what passes for a tail and lowering its head in threatening posture, then retiring out of sight.. Not so remarkable for being there, but for being seen. 

The shorebird was a Sh-billed Dowitcher with an unusually short bill. But later it was accompanied by a basic-plumaged Stilt Sandpiper, unusual for CV County and our first at the marsh.  

Down to one car, I had to return for Jane. Meantime Snowy numbers had grown to 69, and a Sora also emerged on the same opposite shore. Net totals were:
 
Snowy Egret     69
Gr Egret         1
Gr Blue Heron    5
Virginia Rail    1
Sora             1
Semi-p S'piper  35
Stilt S'piper    1-2
S-bill Dowitcher 1
Semi-p Plover    2
Laughing Gull    1
For. Tern        5

Fred & Jane Fallon
Huntingtown

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