My good friend Josh needed to move his power boat from St. Michael's
to St. Margaret's today, so I volunteered to help (and bird a little
along the way).  It was a fast trip, with a few stops to photograph
anything of interest.

The highlights:
-The most Surf Scoter I've seen in Maryland this year, not counting
the inlet, were all on the river just as soon as we left St.
Michael's.  I estimated 37, but it was likely more...
-Northern Gannetts were also resting on the calm river in good
numbers, but one took off and flew East nearly entering the mouth of
Leeds Creek. I imagine if Les Roslund had his scope set up, he'd have
enjoyed it too...  ; )
-Red-throated Loons seemed to outnumber Common Loons 2-1 out on the
Bay, appearing in all three counties we passed through (Talbot, Queen
Anne's and Anne Arundel).
-Single Laughing Gulls appeared near Bloody Point light, Thomas Point
light and in downtown Annapolis.
-One scoter flew south towards Poplar that 'looked' like it had some
white on the wing, but the angle with the light and the speed of the
boat kept it at Scoter Sp.
-No Great Cormorant on either lighthouse where they regularly lounge.
-Bonaparte's Gulls were everywhere, in reasonable numbers 5-7 birds in
a group here or there, but I had hoped for more.

Ironically, as we pulled into Whitehall Creek (home), a raft of
approx. 40 Bonies were resting on the water, easily scoped from my
community pier.  No Little or Black-headed Gulls, but I can assure you
that each and every bird was looked-over, examined, questioned and
then released. ; )

I birded as I walked back from the dock to my home through farm, marsh
and woods.  Highlights there were: Hermit Thrush in big numbers
(easily well over a dozen, but 11 individuals seen).  The thrushes
were singing it up.  A few Swamp Sparrows. Both Kinglets, several Palm
(yellow), a few Pine, and one Yellow-throated Warbler (sang once) kept
company with a few sharply-dressed Myrtle Warblers.  One Great-horned
Owl perched deep inside his usual pine tree.  I think the nest is
closer to Josh's house at the entrance of the community since he gets
them hooting in the tree outside his bedroom window at night.

Best bird (IMO) was a BLUE-HEADED VIREO that appeared along the field
edge as I got close to home.

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
St. Margaret's, MD
nervousbirdsatgmail.com

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