The euphoria over the Barnacle Goose (and GWFG), widely reported today, need not obscure appearances by some other KE Co w'fowl. 
 
In the same stretch of the river as the aforementioned, were a pr of Hooded  Mergs, not common in the county, and on the roadside pond along Rt 291 leading back to town, a pr of locally very uncommon Common Merg's. At the sewage treatment pond, pairs each of N Shovelers and Am Widgeon.
 
Nearing home and detouring to Chesapeake Beach, many scans of the jetties over the winter months finally paid off today with the sighting of 3-4 PURPLE SANDPIPERs, almost unheard-of in CV. These were seen from the back of the Rod & Reel, at the very outer tip of the s. jetty, somewhat hard to see thru the intervening piers and boats.  Confusing the picture was a flock of ~ 30 starlings, bullying and displacing them. The best vantage is from the the deck approached thru the entrance arch. This is of course private property, so disctretion and a low profile would be in order.
 
In all, what a great day of birding finds! 
 
Fred and Jane Fallon
Huntingtown

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