OSPREYers,

 

I linked up with Sherman Suter for the Calvert Co Spring Count, arriving a
bit late this morning due to the rain - about 0615.  Activity was subdued in
most places (and sometimes difficult due to the weather conditions what with
on and off drizzle or showers and some wind) but bird activity increased
late morning when the moisture let up and it sort of got bright - at least
relatively speaking!  I left Sherman at 1630 with 120 or so species under
his belt.  He had another spot or two to visit, and so I think his species
total will increase.  

 

The highlights were muted.  Flag Ponds SP was difficult early due to drizzle
and rain off the bay and so the best we could manage after 45 minutes at the
big pond were 2 Seaside Sparrows and 2 sharp-tailed sp. plus a couple of
Marsh Wrens.  The weather turned for the better as we took the trail to the
upland portion (North Ridge Tr) and migrant activity greatly increased - a
good day for Black-throated Blues, American Redstarts and Northern
Waterthrush, all in double figures, plus a nice Tennessee.  In addition, we
picked up a few Veerys, and single Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrush.  Also
notable was a single Least Flycatcher and a couple of Wilson's Warblers.  We
left the park with 19 warblers if you count the Prairie in the power line
cut you pass as you enter the park.

 

Visits to the Bay edge produced 2 different Common Terns and many Forster's
Terns and 2 flyover Common Loons.  North Beach shorebirds were OK with
Wilson's Snipe being the standout and a few Dunlin plus the regulars for
this location.  We came across a good sized flock of Bobolinks near
someone's doorsteps off Mackall Rd.  And a male Lesser Scaup visible at the
end of Lloyd Bowen Rd.  

 

Kurt Gaskill