This information is brought to you by Jay Sheppard:
The Common Ravens are again nesting under Rocky Gorge Dam, only this year the nest is on the Howard County end of the dam (which is where they were presumed to have nested in 2010 when a family group of 5 spent the summer there). Last year the active nest was on the Prince George's County end of the dam. The nest is generally not visible to anyone unless express permission is granted by WSSC to the fenced area below the dam. Today around 2:30 p.m., I gained access to observe the nest through the courtesy of the WSSC.
One adult was seen sitting on the nest. Soon after, a second adult appeared. The 2nd adult had a distinctive tail: very rounded and heavily frayed. The 1st adult (sitting on the nest) flew out later and had a perfectly normal tail.
Any birders within 7 or 8 miles of the dam should try to observe the tails of any ravens they see. If the 2nd adult with the very rounded heavily frayed tail is observed, please include that information in your report on MDOsprey, eBird, etc. That information will help determine how far that bird wanders.
I will try to keep folks posted on the progress of this nesting. With a little patience, one can expect to see an adult sitting on top of the dam or circling at various times during the day and evenings until the eggs hatch. In 2010, the fledglings appeared in late May. This nesting may be earlier in its schedule.
The earliest reported egg date for ravens in MD is Feb. 23....so today is not beating that by very much! If the eggs hatch in the next couple of weeks, it could be possible to back date the egg dates to a little earlier in February.
To get to the dam, go west from the city of Laurel on Montgomery Street until it crosses over I-95. Just past the bridge over the interstate is a playground to the north, right. Park in parking lot and walk to far end of the ballfield towards the dam. Cliff Swallows also nest in good numbers under the dam in late Spring.
Jay Sheppard
Maryland City, MD
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