When the weather is overcast, windy, and rainy, "The Conneaut Sandspit" is heaven for birders, and the place to be. On these type of days, "The Sandspit" is all ours, it belongs to the birders. You drive out on the sandspit and enjoy the opportunity to view a rare celebrity bird dropping in, from the comfort of your vehicle. Who could ask for more! Yesterday was mostly that type of day, but twice in the afternoon, the sun popped out. When this happens, the floodgate of entertaining visitors usually begins. Unleashed dogs, my biggest peeve!!! A monstrous dog was released along the west bay, immediately going straight for all the resting birds on the sandbar, flushing everyone of them, and of course the owner was urging the beast on!! Next, there is always the disturbing sound of the arrival of a high profile pickup truck to make its traditional donut in the sand pass, throwing sand everywhere, and then exiting. A first for Conneaut yesterday, was a guy actually throwing a football at the gulls. "The Sandspit" is big enough for everyone to share, why is it that when large groups of wanabee beach worshippers come, they seem to go right where the birds are hanging out? Then it is like a magnetic connection, that they have to walk right toward them, obviously disturbing every bird. On to the fun side of the day! Kudos to Jerry Talkington, who bravely took his car and blocked the access of one family group, from going out on to a sandbar. Being on this peninsular sandbar in his car, nearly completely surrounded by water, later proved beneficial to Jerry for taking photographs. Amazingly, at one time, all around the car by the tires, were the Ruddy Turnstones, the White-rumped Sandpipers, the Semi-palmated Plovers, and the Willet. I think they must have felt safe being ptotected by Jerry. Thanks to Jerry for sharing one of his mini clinics on visual and by ear identification, of the White-rumped Sandpipers and the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Two other birders who shared some time on the sand with us, were Emil Bacik and Andy Avram. "The Conneaut Sandspit", an Ohio birding paradise and gem! If you visit, enjoy the birds, enjoy the side entertainment, and try not to pay attention to the sometimes annoying distractions.
 
Bob Lane / Mahoning County

                                          
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