Volume 10 Number 4                                  February 1997

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CONTENTS

Natural History of Belize
Nominations Needed for Annual Awards
Last Call for Nomination Committee Members
Calendar of Events
Earth Day Volunteers Sought
Executive Committee Meeting
News About Members
Raptor Rehabilitation
Non-credit Courses at Harford Community College
1997 Spring Migration Bird Count
Twenty-fifth Annual Rock Run Christmas Bird Count A Foggy Event
Harford's Avian Visitors
A New Field Trip Destination?
Field Trip Reports
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS FEBRUARY-MAY 1997
Bird Watch In Trinidad And Tobago This Summer!
Dinner Meeting Reservation Form

Dennis and Jean are leading a trip to Belize from July 1 to July 9, 1997. Word has it that there are a few spaces left. If the thought of traveling to the tropics has ever enticed you, you don't want to miss this presentation!

The dinner will be held on Friday, March 7 at 6:15 PM at Churchville Presbyterian Church located at the intersection of MD 22 and MD 136. The dinner reservation form is on page 9. Please remember that a good attendance is needed at the dinners in order for them to continue. The business meeting and program start about 7:00 PM for those who do not wish to attend the dinner.

Please remember the inclement weather policy. If Harford County schools are closed or close early for the day, the meeting will be postponed one week. If Harford County schools open late, the meeting will be held.

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The Harford Bird Club Executive Committee met at Mark Johnson's house on Tuesday, Feb 4. The following topics were discussed and actions taken.

Mark Johnson reported that the Churchville Presbyterian Church has decided to increase the price of our meeting dinners by $1.00 effective at the next meeting. It was decided that this price increase would be passed on to the members attending the dinners.

Education Committee Representative Dave Ziolkowski reported that progress is being made on developing a slide show to be shown to interested groups. When done, the slide show will be shown to the club at a meeting and volunteers recruited to present it. The club will use part of the education funds allocated by the state MOS to complete the set of bird posters that the club has been donating to the county high schools. In addition, the club will donate several Harford County Checklists to each high school to be used as the environmental instructors see fit. It was decided that the club should continue giving free memberships to one or two deserving students from each high school.

Mark Johnson brought up the idea of having some kind of club meeting in the summer. Everyone liked the idea. It was decided to have a wine and cheese social at the Leight Estuary Center on July 11. It was also decided that the club should have a combination field trip and social activity there in the fall. Details will appear in the newsletter as these activities are firmed up.

It was decided that the club should again participate in the Earth Day activities at the Decoy Museum in Havre de Grace.

Preliminary decisions were made on who should receive the annual club awards pending input from other club members.

The financial report indicated that the club treasury has shrunk about $300 since this time last year. The treasury now stands at $670.

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Bill McIntosh suffered a mild heart attack in January. He is home now and doing fine.

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This organization specializes in helping orphaned or injured hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey in distress through a network of dedicated wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians who volunteer their time and skills to relieve the suffering of injured raptors.

You can help this organization do its work by:

• Becoming a member for $25 per year
• Donating supplies or equipment
• Volunteering your time and skills
• Joining the network of professional educators and wildlife rehabilitators
• Registering for classes to increase your knowledge of raptor rehabilitation.

If you find a raptor in need of assistance, call Debbie at the same number.

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Local and Migrating Birds of Spring. Saturdays from March 22 until May 3 with an introductory class on Monday, Mar 17. The class will be taught by Dave Ziolkowski.

Birding Tour of Wildlife Refuges: Western Maryland Trip. May 16-18 with a pre-trip class on May 7. The leader will be Dennis Kirkwood.

Songbirds of Harford County. Monday June 2, Saturday June 7 and Saturday June 21. The class will be taught by Dave Webb.

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As winter slowly melts away into spring, one's thoughts undoubtedly migrate towards that of fair-weather birding, and specifically, the Spring Migration (May) Bird Count. Last year's count was a blazing success, with over 40 participants and 166 species of birds identified. This year we should strive to build on that success. Now is the time to prepare groups and organize territories. As was the case last year, territories will be divided up on the basis of ADC map blocks. For ease of organization, group leaders should contact Russ Kovach by April 1 at 679-0535. Participants welcome - more information will be forthcoming, so please stay alert. Good birding, and see you all on May 10!

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It seems rational that as the weather chills you might expect to find fewer bird enthusiasts who are anxious to spend a complete day afield. However, a quick glance at Rock Run Christmas Bird Count results and you'd have to reconsider. The Christmas count marked its twenty-fifth year of existence on this past Dec. 29. In keeping with tradition this exhilarating event gained some new support setting a record of 69 participants. To the dismay of all those who left their house early on that Sunday morning it became quickly apparent that the weather was going to be less than ideal for observing birds. Heavy fog blanketed the river and the surrounding territories and, despite the wishes of many, allowed only short distance bird watching for the lucky few who could find brief openings. All was not lost though as the dedicated counters made the best of a less than perfect situation by increasing foot time and distance. All told the final species total was 92 - outstanding for the conditions! Highlights included such rarities as Common Yellow-throat, Long-eared Owl, Vesper Sparrow, Iceland Gull, Indigo Bunting, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Parula, and Dickcissel. Thanks to all who participated and met the challenging conditions. Also, a big thanks is due to Lorna and John Wortman who again provided excellent food, a warm house, and a warm welcome to all who participated.

---Keep your eyes posted for information on next years Christmas Bird Count---

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It's no secret that this past season has been marked by some interesting weather conditions. We started with a burst of cold air, followed up by unseasonably warm air, and topped off by some unseasonably cold air. All the while the northern states have been belted with a low-dipping current of arctic air. As would be expected, birds in the area have reflected our weather conditions - presence of warm weather species and absence of some cold weather species until the chill in mid January. Lets take a closer look at how birding has been in our area.

A Horned Grebe was spotted on the Conowingo lake on Jan 3 representing the only report of this species this season (GS). Snow Geese are not often seen foraging in the county so it's likely that a flock of 60, seen over Heaps School Road on Jan 1, was heading to a more southeastern wintering location (J&LF). Conowingo dam has been no exception to the low number of ducks seen elsewhere in the area. Highest reports are of 60 Black Ducks there on Nov 24, 18 Common Goldeneye on Jan 2, 1 Hooded Merganser on Jan 3, and 2000 Common Mergansers above the dam on Jan 3 (GS,RB). Bald Eagle numbers have been lower than usual this year. Numbers at Conowingo dam have averaged in the low teens but reached 24 on Nov 24 and 26 on Dec 15 (GS,RB). The large majority of the wintering eagles here are immatures. On Dec 8 an immature Peregrine Falcon was among one of the flyovers at the dam (GS,RB). It flew over at dusk and so it was not noted whether this was a an anatum-tundrius race mix or a migrant of the tundrius race.

Of interest to many is the variety of gulls that have been a Conowingo Dam this season. 9 species have been seen during this reporting period - a testament to anyone who still calls them seagulls. They include: a 2nd winter Laughing Gull seen occasionally between Dec 10 and Dec 25, A high of 55 Bonaparte's on Dec 8, an Adult Thayer's/Iceland Gull on Dec 10, An early 1st winter Iceland Gull on Dec 1 followed by an adult on Dec 8 (an adult and a 1st winter bird were also present on Jan 17), and up to 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls being seen in one day (GS,RB). The highlight gull is by far the Black-legged Kittiwake which first appeared at the dam on Dec 1 and was last seen on Jan 18. (GS). It was very cooperative and at times approached within 10 feet of observers. The bird is in first winter plumage and it is the second local record for this species (GS).

On the back-yard front, many birders have found things to be slow at best. Activity at feeders has started to pick up towards the end of the period but reports are few. Some sightings from a home in Street follow. Interestingly, a Barred Owl was seen from inside the house at about 4 PM on Dec 19. Other species in the yard include Hermit Thrush, Robin, Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler - one of which is intrigued by the feeding potential of the window frame crevices, and a determined Carolina Wren which sings even on mornings colder than 10 degrees (DB). Large flocks of Cedar Waxwings have been reported with 50 in one flock in Pylesville on Dec 14 and 60 in another flock along Heaps School Road on Jan 1 (J&LF). An interesting bird was spotted on the dam at Lake Mitten on Dec 31. Although an unusual location for one, the bird was declared a Snow Bunting. The bird turned up again on Jan 1 at a neighbors feeder (J&LF). To the surprise of many, a Northern Parula was found at Conowingo Dam on Dec 15. The Parula was last reported on Jan 11 - incidentally the day a cold front pushed in (RB).

One aspect of bird watching that attracts so many people is that it offers a non-consumptive chase. The opportunity to see or record new species, for lists or for records. After birdwatching for a while we quickly realize that birding also offers us a chance to see rarely seen behaviors and to develop a better understanding of natural processes. An observer on the Bush River had one such enriching experience while watching a Bald Eagle repeatedly dive down on a flock of Canvasbacks. The Canvasbacks were in a small unfrozen section of the river and would synchronically dive in response to the Eagle's attacks. After several passes another Eagle moved in. The first Eagle became distracted and the Canvasback flock left. Note worthy is that a Coot, also in the water, remained after the Canvasbacks flew and was not attacked (AM). Bald Eagles feed on waterfowl in increasing quantities during the winter, but possibly like hunters, do not prefer the stinky coot.

Observers: Rick Blom (RB), Deborah Bowers (DB), Jean and Larry Fry (J&LF), Anne Mursch (AM), Gene Scarpulla (GS)

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A 515-acre property known as Belt Woods in Prince George's County has been preserved in a public-private partnership and will likely be designated as a wildlands by the General Assembly in 1997, according to Debi Osborne of the Trust for Public Land, one of the entities involved in the effort. The final negotiated price for the property, which contains a stand of some of the oldest trees on the east coast, was $4.6 million. The state's Program Open Space contributed the largest share. The spot is likely to be great for birding, but will not be open for use probably until 1998, according to Osborne, who said parts of the property are in need of restoration. As a wildlands, activities on the property will be allowed by permit only -- perfect for birding!

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On the plus side, a good group of birders were present ranging from local experts to complete novices. The weather was reasonable (the previous day was windy and colder and the next day was a frog strangler.) A number of Bald Eagles were seen. A walk on the river trail produced winter flocks of birds with Brown Creepers, both Kinglets, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and four types of woodpecker. Despite our best efforts, only those with no auditory disadvantage could check off Winter Wren.

While we didn't come across any rare birds, we did find 23 different species during our trip. The best part of the day was the friendly conservation, warm drinks and good food enjoyed by all. Special thanks go out to our hosts, Don Conley, Bruce Kovacs, and Tom Trafton, for their generosity in allowing us to come into their homes and for providing the food and drinks. We all had a wonderful time that would not have been possible without them.

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Native guides will lead all birding trips via comfortable vans to diverse habitats including rain-forested slopes, coastal areas, mangroves, lowland forests and grassland habitats. In the evenings we will gather to share field notes, view informative videos, and hear from native naturalists to learn tropical bird ecology. We will stay in comfortable rooms at the famous Asa Wright Nature Centre during our seven days in Trinidad. The centre's appetizing meals include topical fruits and vegetables plucked from surrounding gardens. Awaken early every morning to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds including the anvil-like chorus of the Bearded Bellbird. Birding from the veranda of the Asa Wright Lodge, you will likely see 25 to 30 new species before breakfast! I especially liked the colorful array of hummingbirds observed at the feeders. Highlights of the tour include a visit to a beautiful riparian grotto located at Asa Wright to view the breeding colony of the unusual nocturnal Oilbird and a boat tour of Caroni Marsh for spectacular views of the famous Scarlet Ibis.

During our three days in Tobago, we will stay at the Blue Waters Inn, located directly on a beautiful sea beach. You will select meals from the Inn's seafood restaurant menu. Spend warm afternoons viewing exotic sea life while snorkeling in the coral reef off the Inn's beach. We will travel by glass-bottom boat to the Little Tobago Island to explore nesting sea bird colonies of Topicbirds, Boobies and Terns. Hike trails in a lush mountain forest above 2,000 feet called "The Gilpin Trace" to view the rare White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird and Blue-backed Manakins.

Even though August is considered the rainy season, last Summer most of my Trinidad trip was gloriously sunny! In his book, "A Birder's Guide to Trinidad and Tobago", William Murphy writes, "Any time is good time to visit Trinidad." Unlike the drier months, the forest (in August) is lush. Birds are especially active after brief showers. Murphy also mentions rainy season birding is easier on the wallet and opportunities to see unusual South American bird migrants abound.

Interested? The tour price is $1,895 per person/double occupancy and includes the round trip flight from Baltimore, guide fees, meals, and lodging. Call me, Marty Brazeau at 410-665-7462 for more tour information.

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Dinner Meeting Reservation Form

Please return to Barbara Siebens, P.O. Box 68, Pylesville, MD 21132-0068 
by Wednesday, February 26, 1997

                __________ Number of adults ( at $10.00 each )
                __________ Number of children 12 and under ( at $6.00 each )

                Please make checks payable to Harford County MOS.

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                         Print your name(s)

Include address and phone number if you would like transportation to the meeting.
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