Hi Everyone,

Ed Carlson and I did a half-day of birding today starting at Fishing Creek marsh in Chesapeake Beach, Calvert Co. We were hoping to relocate the Orange-crowned Warbler found by Jim Stasz and Ed Boyd, but instead found a NASHVILLE WARBLER and a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. We encountered two large rails in the back section of the marsh. The first was vocalizing at the same location previously described. A second was seen along the muddy edge parallel to the trail where the boardwalk ends. (Why two? The original called from its same location while the second bird was on the south side of the creek.) The bird we saw was very dull, uniform gray and we identified it as a CLAPPER RAIL. The other bird is currently listed as KING/CLAPPER RAIL, as I generally get nervous calling these to species unless timing and habitat make the answer obvious (or perhaps if there is extended vocalization). Jim Stasz has had both species here, and based on the location/habitat, it makes
 sense that either could be expected. Care should be taken with ID to species at this site. Also note that all species vocalized spontaneously. If you visit, I recommend going early and just taking your time walking around. There have been at least four species of warbler here in the last couple days, so its worth checking. (See previous posts for directions.)

We then worked down to Elms Environmental Center, where we thoroughly enjoyed the continuing BARROW'S GOLDENEYE found by Tyler Bell on 12/18. It was loosely associated with 87 or so COMMON GOLDENEYE and was often diving rapidly. It could be strangely difficult to relocate for periods, and this was certainly not helped by the choppy waters. There were also three BONAPARTE'S GULLs on the pound nets, seven LONG-TAILED DUCKs, and four HORNED GREBEs.

As we approached the Solomons bridge on Route 4, two ROCK PIGEONs flew by on the St. Mary's side. Rock Pigeons are local in St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties. Checking my eBird Rock Pigeon records for the county, running my fingers through the gold, I have amassed 11 sightings. I have one previous sighting from the bridge from 23 Dec 2007. So, now you know what to do next year on this date. If you don't get them, try again in 2015. 

Fishing Creek:
ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9399413

Elms Environmental Center:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S9399456

Good birding!

Bill


Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com

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