Jane Kostenko and I took advantage of both the incredibly warm weather and an opportunity to access a fossil beach where a coworker lives in central Calvert. We arrived around 10 and the temps were already around 54. There was a bit of a breeze so we took our jackets along but regretted that soon afterward. Fossil picking wasn't the best in terms of shark's teeth but lots of coral and sand dollar pieces which is unusual. Jane found a Calinectes sp. claw tip which is uncommon.

We had hoped to add a Great Cormorant to our Calvert list but it was not to be. Two days of beach access (Plum Point yesterday, Long Beach today) and scoping scored no GrCos :( We had some amazing views of a Bonaparte's Gull that seemed to follow us up the beach plunge diving in the calm water nearshore. It often landed in the water only about 15 feet from shore. When two more flew in to join it, it called out repeatedly until they landed nearby. Interesting harsh little call compared to the more typical gull calls. We tried in vain to turn one of them into a Black-headed but they would have none of that.


As the tide went out, a sand bar became exposed which brought in 9 Sanderlings. Our friendly Boney joined them on the edge of the bar though it stayed standing in the water. 16 Tundra Swans were in deeper water closer to Kenwood Beach and a few small groups of Buffleheads and Long-tailed Ducks were out in the Bay. 


Not much else noteworthy other than a Mourning Cloak butterfly which was a nice way to end the year!

 Tyler Bell


California, Maryland

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