Some folks have written to ask where Melvin is; my apologies for not
pinpointing it. Old DeLorme atlas 76:A3, or look it up in the gazetteer
of the new one. It's about 6 mi east of downtown Wilmington on US 22,
Clinton County. The town is just a flyspeck, dominated even from a
distance by huge grain elevators and buildings and equipment associated
with active quarrying. The water is visible to the north, if you crane
your neck, from 22. A good vantage point is a disused low green
house-style building, the last along the road as you head east, which
has a parking lot to the east and a good view. Don't slam vehicle doors,
as this may spook the birds.
Rob Thorn and the Reiners also reported big Canada goose flocks in
quarry sites yesterday, all with interesting companions. I also forgot
to mention that in that same issue of the Cardinal with the ID-ready
goose-head photos is an excellent article, "Birdin' the Pits," by Jay
Stenger, about some of the unique qualities of these and related exotic
habitats created by quarrying, gravel mining, and highway construction.
Jay points out these can be of special interest in the warm months, too.
Bill Whan
Columbus

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