N. Waterthrush, YC Night Heron

["Sandy Cash" <scash@mindspring.com>]

Hi all,

A brief (but very pleasant, if relatively non-birdy) walk at Mason 
Farm yesterday (5/19) morning yielded me but one surprise, a 
vigorously singing NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH over my head 
along the canal.  They are listed as occasional in the Triangle 
checklist for the 3rd week in way, so I considered this a nice treat.

I was also able to relocate one of the YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT 
HERONS previously reported at the New Hope Creek impoundment 
on NC 54.  The bird was in the swamp just north of the concrete 
section of the dike, feeding behind a very cooperative beaver (and a 
very large one, at that).  The beaver just sat and chilled the entire 
time I was there, a view I don't often get to enjoy.  Oh, the bird was 
a breeding-plumaged (w/plumes) male.

Good birding and best to all,

-Sandy

--
Sandy Cash
Durham, NC
scash@mindspring.com