Volume 12 Number 2

October 1998

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Found an injured raptor?
Contact Debbie Delevan of Chesapeake Birds of Prey, Inc.

Phone: (410) 692-2794
Fax: (410) 329-1221
E-mail: raptors@bellatlantic.net

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CONTENTS

November Dinner Meeting To Look At Russian Sea Eagles
Annual Picnic a Success
Future Picnics
Dues Are Now Late
Newsletter Editor
Nominations Committee
Member News
Calendar of Events
Harford Bird Club 50^th Anniversary Celebration
Vacation Reports
Harford's Avian Visitors
27^th Annual Rock Run Christmas Bird Count
Bird Club Slide Show
Field Trip Reports
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1998
Dinner Meeting Reservation Form

Dr. Mike McGrady, a member of our club, will present the program at the November dinner meeting, and his topic will be research on Sea Eagles near Magadan in the Russian Far East which he has been doing since 1991.

Mike is a research professor at Boise State University. He obtained his Ph. D. at the University of Edinburgh, and his research topic was the Eurasian Sparrow Hawk. He then lived in Scotland for five years doing research on Golden Eagles.

The meeting will be held on Friday, November 6, 1998 at Churchville Presbyterian Church located at the intersection of MD 22 and MD 136. The dinner will start at 6:15 PM. The dinner reservation is at the back of this newsletter and is due not later than Wednesday, October 28. The cost is $10 per adult and $6 for children 12 or under. The business meeting will start at about 7 PM for those who do not wish to attend the dinner.

Please recall that the club is responsible for at least 50 reservations at all dinner meetings at the church. The attendance seems to hover at about 50, so we are close to not meeting the quota at some meetings. There is plenty of good food and plenty of room for all so we do hope for good turnouts.

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About 45 persons attended the annual picnic at Rocks 4-H Camp on Saturday, September 12. This was the eighth picnic at the Rocks. Randy Robertson did an excellent job with the BBQ beef after having to fall back to plan B. Our thanks to Randy for all of his hard work. Thanks also to Diane Robertson for the corn. Also, thanks to Macrina Seitz for the crab soup and to Jean Fry for crab soup and baked beans. Finally, thanks to Bobbie Siebens, Jean Wheeler, Carol Flora, and to Carole Vangrin for preparing cakes for dessert.

The bird walk was more successful this year as a good number of Broad-winged Hawks were observed.

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We have decided to move the picnic location to Aberdeen Proving Ground next year to give us a change in scenery. We hope to have a reprise of the auction which was so successful last year, and we may include a silent auction to help speed up the process. We are not yet certain of the date, but it will be sometime in September, 1999.

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If you have not already paid your dues for the 1998-99 membership year, they are now past due. The form was in the August newsletter. If you need a new form please contact Larry Fry at 410-452-8539. Please send the membership form to Joyce Gorsuch , 104 Victoria Court, North East MD 21901.

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Les Eastman has been doing an excellent job as our newsletter editor. Les has asked to be relieved from this position not later than next summer. So, we are now seeking someone with a computer background to work with Les over the next year in order to become accustomed to the process. Please notify Larry Fry or Les if you are interested in this position.

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The current term of office for elected officers will expire in May, 1999. A nominations committee will need to be formed at the November meeting so that they can present a nominations report at the March, 1999 meeting. Please notify Larry Fry if you are interested in serving.

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Two members of the club are now in the running for political office in the county. Art Helton is the Democratic hopeful for Harford County Executive and Richard Norling is the Democratic candidate for Harford County Council, District D. Please keep these members in mind as you go to the polls and vote in November.

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The Harford Bird Club had its first official meeting October 25, 1949 at the Bel Air Library. Approximately 45 persons attended that meeting. We would like to recognize this anniversary in some formal way. If you are interested in serving on a committee to plan for this historic occasion, please notify Jean Fry at 410-452-8539. Also, we want to have the Bird Club History updated through 1998 and need a volunteer to accomplish this task. The club history was last updated in 1993. Members of the club are now working to bring the county checklist up-to-date, and Larry and Jean Fry are also working on getting the Harford Bird Site Brochure to the printers. We hope to have all of this completed before the official celebration.

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This summer four unique birders had the opportunity to travel to the northern boundaries of the nation in the search of Kirtland's Warbler, Yellow Rail, and LeConte's Sparrow. These unique birders were Spike Updegrove, Joe Vangrin, Joe Chronowski, and Matt Hafner.

After an extremely grueling drive in a cramped Accord, we stopped in Marion, Michigan to scan the fields at a Prairie Chicken Management Area. Here our car was surrounded by 5 Upland Sandpipers. While walking through the fields in a soaking rain we stirred up a Short-eared Owl, American Bittern, more Uplands, and a nesting Common Snipe.

The next morning was spent in Grayling, Michigan looking for the Kirtland's Warbler. Rain and wind kept the birds low in the jack pines. Despite the twenty or so heard singing, good looks were awarded by only one bird. The rest of the day was spent driving through Michigan's Upper Peninsula over the Mackinaw Bridge and along the shores of Lake Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota. A few stops along the way produced our first Common Raven, Broad-winged Hawk, and two juvenile Sandhill Cranes.

The third day began with a drive through Aitkin County, Minnesota. We were greeted with great looks at Blackburnian and Mourning Warblers. The fields in the county were filled with Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows. Never before had we gotten sick of seeing these two species. In the afternoon we traveled to Rice Lake NWR. Spotted at the refuge were singing Alder and Least Flycatchers and numerous Sedge Wrens. Rice Lake itself had many Yellow- headed Blackbirds on the mudflats and about a dozen Black Terns in breeding plumage. That night we took a trek into the MacGregor Marsh looking for the Yellow Rail. With the help of some patience and a tape, we lured one in close. The bird flushed in front of our flashlights and right over Spike's head. He didn't get to see it.

The next day we traveled to a marsh area with a pond right in the city of Duluth. Here there were a few duck species which included a lone Redhead. There were also Clay-colored Sparrows flitting around in the shrub and tons of Bank Swallows nesting in large banks of soft dirt. Later we traveled to a spot in northern Aitkin County that produced LeConte's Sparrow, Pine, and Palm Warblers. Later that evening we met Warren Nelson, the county's avian expert extraordinaire, who instructed us to the spot of two nesting Great Gray Owls. There we saw one, perched on a telephone pole no more than ten feet away. The presence of our car did not even phase him, but a simple pish did. When we pished at him, he gave us a glare we will never forget. What a way to end a day!

The next morning we returned to the same area, a Sharp-tailed Grouse in the road was what greeted us. We began walking down a trail through the conifers. Again we had our trusty tape which managed to bring in a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher within four or five feet. Also responding to the tape was a Boreal Chickadee, seen by all, and a Connecticut Warbler, which was heard by all and seen by two. After all of this, we traveled on to Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Our last day was spent traveling the Gunflint Trail, a 50-mile long road from Grand Marais to the Canadian boundary waters. The trip up was relatively uneventful until we arrived at Seagull Lake Canoe Outfitter. Here we had heard tell of a nesting Black-blacked Woodpecker. The owner confirmed the story and told us that for a nominal fee of five bucks a person he would take us out on his boat over to the island where the bird was. There we got great looks at not only the woodpecker but also Blue-headed Vireo, and Bay-breasted Warbler. The trip back was more exciting. A Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak were feeding near each other in a pine tree along the road. Later we encountered two moose crossing the road and one submerged in a lake feeding. The ride home was long and boring but did include a stop at the Mall of America. In all the trip was very successful and pleased us all. We are planning to head to Colorado this coming summer.

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August and September mark the time when the migrant birds return to their homes down south, which means of course that birders migrate to great birding locations all over the country to see the birds. In Harford County, however, there seems to be no reason to migrate to traditional birding "hot-spots". This is the Harford's Avian Visitors column for August and September 1998, with a suggestion to all birders to forgo lengthy birding trips, and camp out in Havre de Grace!

August is probably the hottest time of the year to catch migrating shorebirds, and without trespassing onto forbidden territory of Aberdeen Proving Ground the best place in Harford County to see shorebirds is the Tydings Marina in Havre de Grace. The mudflats near the boat launch at the marina attract fantastic migrating waterbirds. On August 17, a Black Tern interrupted the lunch of one club member (DW), and the following day a report of 33 Caspian Terns and a Bonaparte's Gull also were seen around Havre de Grace (MH). The first of several birds this time around to be indoctrinated into the *WOW* list were seen on August 18 when four immature White Ibis were identified near the marina (MH). The next day a Marbled Godwit was the focus of attention off the boat launch (DW). Also on August 19 another birder observed three Bald Eagles and a Laughing Gull from the same location (LE). August 31 revealed an early American Coot at the marina to close out the August reports from this location (GF).

The arrival of September didn't do much to slow down birding at Havre de Grace. In addition to countless more "common" shorebirds, Semipalmated Plovers and Sanderling were both seen on "the flats" on September 9 (DW). Ducks began to appear to flat-watchers that same week, with Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, and the duck-like Pied-billed Grebe stopping by on September 11 (RB). On that same day pot-luck shorebirding revealed Western Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and American Golden-Plover in addition to Laughing Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull (RB). Moving towards the middle of September, more of those *WOW* birds from Havre de Grace began to be reported. A visitor from Washington (yes, the state approximately 3000 miles distant; Havre de Grace really does pack 'em in!) reported on the 13th a Eurasian Collared-Dove near the Concord Point Lighthouse. On a trip to investigate the dove on September 18, a birder viewed a Monk Parakeet (RB). The parakeet was seen again two days later (DW), and is reportedly quite tame! Presumably, the parakeet is an escape, and has been reported by locals to be hanging out near Lafayette Street for the past month.

While Havre de Grace certainly appeared to be the prime location for birding in August and September, it was certainly not the only place to see birds in Harford County. Wood Ducks were seen on Lake Mitten August 1 in addition to a lone Cedar Waxwing (J&LF). A Belted Kingfisher showed off for an onlooker at the Churchville Community Pond on August 17 (PH). Often it is the case that birds just do not want to sit for a birdwatcher, especially if that birder has a camera. Just the opposite happened to a birder at Harford Glen on September 6 when a Sharp-shinned Hawk landed and posed less than fifteen feet from a birder (GF)! Harford Glen was kind to several other birders in September as well. Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and Swainson's Thrush were observed there on September 13 (RC & DL), and an early White-throated Sparrow and Philadelphia Vireo were also in the spotlight at the Glen on September 21 (MH). Susquehanna State Park also reminded us that it contains some birds with a sighting of 9 Wild Turkeys on September 25 and the return of the Red-headed Woodpecker to Stafford Road on September 27 (LE).

Notable numbers of Common Nighthawk were reported migrating through Harford County in August and September. In early August more than fifty in one evening were reported near Rocks State Park (HB). Forty-seven appeared to apparently bored concert-goers at Ladew Gardens August 24 (LE, DW, & MJ); one day before twenty-three were counted in less than 10 minutes near a Fallston home (MJ).

Finally, no autumn migration would be complete without warblers. The earliest report of a warbler was from Lake Mitten on August 28 when a Black-and-white crept into view (J&LF). At Harford Glen on September 13 the list expanded to include Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, and Blackpoll Warbler. Late in the season on September 26 birders at Susquehanna State Park witnessed Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler in addition to others (RK).

OBSERVERS: Rick Blom (RB), Harold Boling (HB), Rick Cheicante (RC), Les Eastman (LE), Jean and Larry Fry (J&LF), Greg Futral (GF), Matt Hafner (MH), Pat Haacke (PH), Mark Johnson (MJ), Russ Kovach (RK), Dave Larkin (DL), Dave Webb (DW).

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Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Mark your calendars for December 29, the date of the 1998 Rock Run Christmas Bird Count!

Join old friends and make some new ones as the club heads afield to count birds within a 15-mile wide circle centered at Rock Run Mill. Last year over 70 birders helped us to finally clear the 100-species hurdle, and hopefully we can duplicate the feat this year.

Our compiler of the past several counts, Dave Ziolkowski, is currently at Indiana University. So, this year we welcome Dave and Macrina Seitz as the Rock Run CBC coordinators. If you already plan to participate, it isn't too early to call the Seitz's (410-838-2150) and discuss your count sector.

Watch for more details in the December issue of Wrenderings.

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The bird club slide show is currently being assembled, and we are putting together two separate programs. One will feature the active or hot birding spots in the county. The other program will deal with the different phases of bird migration through the county. Jean and I presented a short version of the program last week at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Rossville. We are still waiting on another batch of slides to arrive from VIREO but hope to have the programs completed by October . The programs will be presented at Broad Creek Boy Scout Winter Camp in October and November.

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On Saturday May 23, five participants journeyed out along the Fire Trail at Muddy Run Recreation Complex. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was sunny, clear and in the low 70's.

Our little jaunt started out with a pair of Yellow-breasted Chats serenading us as well as each other. We observed the male on a bare branch, in full sunlight facing as, with his bright yellow breast glowing as bright as the sun itself.

Altogether we observed 61 species of birds, some of which were: a Wilson's Warbler (a life bird for some), Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Orioles, a Great Crested Flycatcher that seemed to be following us everywhere we went, four Bald Eagles -- 1 adult near the nest at Whistlers Run, and 1 near-adult (a 4-year old ) and 2 immatures soaring above the reservoir later in the day. Blackpoll and Black-and-white Warblers were heard throughout the trail, and a Pileated Woodpecker made a quick getaway when he realized we were watching him.

All in all we were blessed with great company, great birds and a great day.

On June 27, Russ Kovach and I led a group of six people on a trip that yielded forty-four species. Highlights included a phenomenally long view of a Prairie Warbler, one of five warbler species seen and/or heard. The other warbler species were Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat and a Worm-eating Warbler seen by a select few. Great looks at Red- and White-eyed Vireos were enjoyed. Great Crested Flycatcher was also seen briefly.

On August 7, about a dozen birders ventured over to my house. Some enjoyed a dip in the pool while others enjoyed the good food, fine conversation and great companionship. Six or seven Ruby-throated Hummingbirds seemed to enjoy the array of feeders put out for them, each trying to hog them all for himself. Hopefully, they will tell their friends and they will all show up next year for a renewed version of the hummer wars.

About twelve people attended the pot-luck shorebird trip which visited Bombay Hook and Little Creek area of the Delaware coast. The weather was beautiful, which added to a good birding adventure. Most of the usual shorebirds were found with the best find probably being a White-rumped Sandpiper. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the Buff-breasted and Upland Sandpipers that were reported from the entrance road to Bombay Hook. Some of the group had a great look at a Blue Grosbeak. In all, 75 species were seen or heard.

On Saturday, August 22, nine birders undertook a morning search for shorebirds along the eastern side of Harford County. The first bird of the day was a true gem -- a juvenile Marbled Godwit! Initially seen on the Tydings Island mudflat, this rare migrant remained in view for nearly two hours. The godwit even came within 200 feet of us when it fed ashore on the lawn of a waterfront residence. (Talk about a fantastic addition to one’s yard list!!!) Tydings Island produced an additional eight species of shorebirds including both Yellowlegs, several Western Sandpipers, and a Ruddy Turnstone. Other noteworthy sightings here included Pied-billed Grebe, Blue-and Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Laughing Gull.

We struck out looking for "grasspipers" at the airfield and sod farm at Aldino and at our final stop, Conowingo Dam, we could only find a few Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpipers on the river. However, a Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-heron, and several Prothonotary Warblers at Conowingo helped bring our tally for the trip to 64 species.

On Wednesday, September 2, Barb Meserve sat atop the Bel Air Parking Garage waiting for other club members to join in for an evening of nighthawk watching. No one showed, except for some nonbirding (yet) friends who were simply curious about this birdwatching stuff.

The weather was clear and comfortable and the Common Nighthawks were obliging. Seven sightings were obtained with two being so good, no binoculars were needed as the birds floated low and directly overhead. In addition to the regular town birds, two large flocks of mixed blackbirds took several minutes to pass over. Other birds of note were Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallows, Mallards, and Canada Goose.

On Sunday, September 13, eight birders gathered at the Rock Run Mill to sample the fall migration. As we made our way up Stafford Road, the birding was characterized by long lulls punctuated by brief flurries of activity. Some of the flurries produced Rose-breasted Grosbeak, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black- throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Bay-breasted Warbler. On the river, we found four very early female (or immature) Common Mergansers. After a long, but rewarding hike, we made our way back to the mill were we tallied up about 50 species that we had seen.

On September 20, five birders found there way through the detours to Cromwell Valley Park in search of the last of the autumn migrants. Fate was not to reveal many species of birds that day, but the introduction to this new park made for a worthwhile outing. Bird sightings of interest included several Wood Thrushes, Magnolia Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Misty, overcast skies left for a lackluster birding day, but all agreed that Cromwell Valley Park is a great place to be visited again in the future.

On the morning of September 22, four people joined me for slow-paced walk around this excellent facility in the heart of Joppatowe. It had rained hard the night before, and the clouds lingered all morning. In all, we identified 24 species including Canada Warbler, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwing, and White-eyed Vireo. We are planning another weekday trip for December.

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Here are the Harford Bird Club field trips for the next few weeks. If you would like further information about a particular field trip, please contact Dave Webb.

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Dinner Meeting Reservation Form


Please return to Barbara Siebens, P.O. Box 68, Pylesville, MD 21132-0068 
by Wednesday, October 28, 1998.

                __________ 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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Located near Blackwater NWR