Hi all,

The eBird checklists have yet to be entered, but I wanted to at least get
some info out there. Birding a bit of Dorchester county (mostly Blackwater)
revealed a few good birds. . .

- TWO beautifully marked imm. Golden Eagles were seen flying over the east
half of the Wildlife Drive (between the refuge headquarters and visitor's
center) at Blackwater NWR. The first was seen flying directly overhead with
a few adult and imm Balds, giving us great looks. As I followed the bird to
the north, it joined another. They then began to chase and fight a little,
locking talons a few times. Awesome show!

- Also from the Wildlife Drive, a flock of 103 Common Mergansers were seen
in the river, directly across from the Visitors Center. A difficult scan
through revealed one male Red-breasted Merg.

- From the Kayak Trail 3 White Pelicans were visible, as well as 18
Forster's Terns, and some G. Yellowlegs and Dunlin. A Golden Eagle, mostly
likely one of the two seen earlier, made a short appearance overhead.

- Down Maple Dam Rd, near Wolfpit, 3 more terns, and 5 White Pelicans. The
Pelicans took off and circled low maybe a dozen times directly overhead.
Another awesome show!

- Fox Sparrow in the woods section of Cedar Creek Rd.

- 2 Red-breasted Mergs. in Wingate

- A flock of 32 Boat-tailed Grackles at the end of Crocheron Wharf Rd.

Despite the chilly wind, a great day to be out!

Amanda Spears,
on a train somewhere near Philadelphia

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