Hi Everyone,

Here are some highlights from the all-day MOS conference field trip to Somerset Co. yesterday (2/25). We managed to have a great time despite the strong wind!

Newark (just south of the Newark STP on 113), 7:30 a.m.

LAUGHING GULL with 400+ Ring-billed Gulls
Just north a couple miles, a Merlin flew over the road.

Truitt's Landing, Worcester Co.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL--four flew in with a flock of Green-winged Teal (1100+ teal)
Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs

Lovers Lane Road, Somerset Co.

WOOD DUCK--4; great spot by John Dennehy in a tiny woodland pond. County closeout for Marcia Balestri.

Green Road, Somerset Co.

PINE WARBLER--1

Rumbly Point Road, Somerset Co.

Water levels were high and the road was impassable for most vehicles in some sections
Greater Yellowlegs--8

Crisfield

Impressive wind and whitecaps. Just in case anyone questioned the decision to cancel the pelagic.
Only the most expected species: Common Loon, Bufflehead, scaup.

Deal Island--Riley Roberts Road

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN continues. Thanks, Ron!
GREAT EGRET--12
SNOWY EGRET--3, including the pale lored immature
BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE--1, foraging close to the road in amazing light. Cameras were happy.
Terrible day to try for the Orange-crowned Warbler (crazy wind)

Polks Road

Goose flock absent for two days now.

The field trip was over as we returned to Ocean City, but many stayed on to try for the COMMON TEAL found by Mikey Lutmerding. We were excited to quickly meet with success. I also spotted an INTERGRADE GREEN-WINGED x COMMON TEAL closely associated with the COMMON TEAL. I understand that Matt Hafner confirmed TWO COMMON TEAL this morning, along with the continuing INTERGRADE.

While passing on news from the field, I just heard that Mikey Lutmerding confirmed TWO LARK SPARROWs at Pumphouse #2 on Assateague.

Ocean City Inlet (back to 2/25) - last hour of daylight with John Dennehy

HARLEQUIN DUCK--3
RAZORBILL--1. I really love seeing alcids from shore.
LAUGHING GULL--2

Great day!  Thanks to all the participants for having great attitudes under the tough conditions!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com

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