This afternoon after work I birded the Bashakill. I birded Haven Road, The
Stop Sign Trail and the Orchard. Many sparrows were present including a number
of Fox Sparrows. Ducks seemed limited to Mallards and Woodies. It began to
rain and I headed to the Main Boat Launch in hopes of a different duck. When I
arrived there, it was pouring. I sat in the car for about ten minutes when I
spotted what appeared to be a stump in a spot I wasn't used to seeing one.
When I finally determined it moved slightly, I got out in the rain to get a
better look. I realized it was a cormorant and got back in the car. As the
rain let up I saw the bird move again. This time I distinctly saw white on the
bird. It had turned around. I jumped out and got my scope on it. I couldn't
believe my eyes. It was a hatch year juvenile GREAT CORMORANT The white
throat patch was only slightly edged in orange at the base of the bill, the
throat and upper breast were dark brown, and the belly was pure white. I
called Scott Baldinger and Arlene Borko who came and saw the bird. I asked
them to wait while I drove a short distance to a friends to borrow a kayak. I
had to get photos of this first county record. Gary Keaton, Paula Baldinger
and Jim Carney were able to get there and see it as well. Jim got good photos
and mine (not as good) are at least diagnostic of a Great Cormorant. What an
exciting afternoon. The bird remained until six pm when it took flight and
flew directly between the islands. It went down right behind the first island.
Hopefully it will remain in the morning as we will be out in force to find the
bird again. This is my 261st bird for Sullivan County!! John Haas
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