The date and the weather were right on the cusp between winter and spring. The ML birders were hoping for lingering winter ducks and raptors, with perhaps a few new arrivals. The route included the preserved farmland at Featherbed Lane, Sharptown, which this day held N. Harriers, an Eagle, a very distant Meadowlark, American Kestrel, and a very close Rough-legged Hawk, apparently a sub-adult intermediate morph. Short-eared Owls which had wintered here were last seen about a week ago, unfortunately for us. At Compromise Road, the only Eagles were carved wood ones; but nearby Mannington Marsh offered eagles, both swans and a long list of ducks. A huge flock of Snow Geese at the west end of the Marsh was a beautiful sight as they caught the sunlight. Too early for swallows, egrets, or osprey, so we will have to return next month.

Participants: Ethel Cebra, Holly Hoffman, Robert Koch, Laurie Larson, Miriam Swartz.