Folks

Last evening, after making a presentation to the Charles County commissioners on proposed amendments to  protect the Mattawoman, I decided to spend an hour at Myrtle Grove to relax.  While hanging out at the field near the pond, an American Woodcock began displaying around 7:30 PM.  There were perhaps two birds while I was there.  No preenting, but lots of twittering.

Wood Duck were also in present.  They are likely setting up nests now.  Females were calling.

A Fox Sparrow began singing at dark and about four began to call.  I also got to hear the growl call of Brown Thrashers.  The growl is generally only done very early and very late in the day, but diagnostic.  Perhaps the animal is agitated by human presence.

On Tuesday, while searching for the Eurasian Wigeon at Perryman Community park, I had a brief look at flyby Bonaparte's Gull, and an immature Merlin.  The wigeon was likely way up Furnace Bay, but I did not have a scope.  I went for a picture.  

A poor estimate of ducks at Perryman were:

American Black Duck - 2
Mallard
Gadwall - 30+
American Wigeon - 6
Canvasback - lots way up the bay
Ring-necked Duck - 50+
Lesser Scaup - lots more
Bufflehead - 2
Hooded Mergansers - ~20

The two large flocks of American Coot were still present.

There were lots more ducks out of my 10 power binocular view.  Maybe Dan Hass could give numbers since he had his scope.

George