Around 7-8am this morning I observed 3 terns (first time ever for me at the
Little Patuxtent Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve). My initial impression was
they were Least Terns (small size, black cap, back light gray, underside
white, black leading edge to wing, yellow bill, diving into water for
prey). BUT, I was observing them through bins, they were out in the middle
of the lake from my observation points, they wouldn't fly closer, and they
were really fast and active. Could they have been another tern - yes. If
someone is in the area and could take a look, please let me know what you
think.
Trumpter Swan #960 was not present this morning. I have since found out a
lot about him/her (thanks to members of MDOSPREY!). Both Swan #960 and the
Schoolhouse Pond Trumpeter Swan (#962) are 1st year birds. #960 was first
reported at the head of Indian Creek near Benedict on May 4th. They are
part of the same group of birds banded as part of the Ontario Wye Marsh
Trumpeter Swan program - maybe even siblings! Julie Kee of Wye Marsh
forwarded the sighting information about #960 and #962 to Harry Lumsden,
the provincial coordinator for the trumpeter swan reintroduction program in
Ontario. Hopefully, the sightings will be updated on the Wye Marsh webpage.
One of the previously reported Moorhens was heard and seen.
At least 2 Belted Kingfishers finally made an appearance.
Lots of Great Blue Herons (counted 11 at one time).
One (the) Great Egret is still there.
There were 3 deer. One of them was out on the point where the Moorhen is
located. It waded into the water from there up to its belly and was eating
the vegetation.
Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD
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