[MDOsprey] Assateague, 9 October
Jlstasz@aol.com
Sat, 9 Oct 1999 19:21:33 EDT
Hi Folks!
I was hoping to find something really nifty at Assateague today, but the
birding was slow. There was almost nothing dropping in at dawn at Bayside,
and only a trickle of birds until 9 AM when everything really quieted down.
Hightlights: Mytle Warblers and White-throated Sparrows are in, but not yet
in overwhelming numbers. A few Blackpoll, Western Palm, and Cape May added
to the warbler variety.
I had a single, weakly singing, male Purple Finch and 3 flyover Pine Siskins.
The sislkins were nice: #312 for my Annual Maryland List [ties my best year
ever].
In the exact same patch of sickly looking oaks where I found one on 2 October
1998, was a Clay-colored Sparrow. To find this spot, park on the island in
the State parking lot [near the rotary with the fee shack]. Walk north on the
sand/oystershell road [used by National Parks Serbice staff to access the
north end of the island] less than 1/4 mile to the conspicuous "Pedestrian
Crossing" sign. On the right side of the road, about 100 feet further is a
small group of stunted oaks and an oddly shaped small pine. Look in this
area, on both sides of the road, or even on the road shoulders.
Good Birding!
Jim
Jim Srasz
North Beach MD
jlstasz@aol.com