There was an adult Ross' Goose at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary today (Prince 
George's Co.), that was in the company of a large number of Canada Geese.  
It was seen during today's Chrsitmas bird count (Jug Bay) but is reported to 
have been seen there for several days now.  This may be the first one 
recorded during the Christmas Count for this area.  There were no other snow 
geese present, and although I looked carefully for about 30 minutes I did not 
find any cacklers.  There were about 6,000 Canada geese present.

When I first arrived the bird was out on the river and very distant from the 
shore, but later (~2:00) it came back up to the field and ponds area below 
the visitor center, and was there when I left.  A scope is recommended in 
case it is distant - the Sanctuary does not want anyone walking around the 
fields, to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

A word of caution - I don't know, but Merkle may be closed during the week 
(the website says open only on Sat and Sun, from 10-4).  If you try to see it, 
call first to see if they are open (web site number listed is 301-888-1377).

Jeff Shenot
Croom MD