Mike and Joy Bowen and I did some birding in Somerset and Dorchester
Counties today (12/28).
The TROPICAL KINGBIRD arrived at the spot in Somerset County at about 10:30
am and was still there when we left at about 11:00 am.  Other highlights at
this spot included Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Brown Creeper and Eastern
Phoebe.
We then proceeded to Blackwater NWR (Dorchester Co) and did see 18 AMERICAN
WHITE PELICANS.  A search of Hooper's Island did not turn up the Eurasian
Collared-doves, but driving over the causeway between Upper and Middle
Hooper Islands was most entertaining.  We saw 3 COMMON LOON, 1 HORNED GREBE,
2 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 2 LONG-TAILED DUCK, 1 female BLACK SCOTER, 2 SURF
SCOTER, 1 PURPLE SANDPIPER and 2 BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.  The sandpiper did not
flush and we all had a very nice view.
Very nice day,
Helen Patton
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 588-5418