We visited "The Conneaut Sandspit" in Ashtabula County today from about 3PM to about 5:30PM. The rain never stopped. The water level of Lake Erie was high, with most of the sandspit being under water. Upon our arrival we were thrilled to find another Conneaut Creek family group of Common Mergansers; mom and 21 little ones. Photos are available upon request. Of note, is the fact that 21 is the highest number of Common Merganserlets we have ever seen at any of these eastern Ohio breeding sites, which are located on Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County, Yellow Creek in Jefferson County, and Conneaut Creek in Ashtabula County. There were also four adult female Common Mergansers found resting on the beach at a different location, bringing the total count for the day to 26. We recorded 28 species of birds during our visit, with some of the highlights being; an adult Bald Eagle sitting on top of the Bank Swallow colony, which probably now numbers over a thousand birds, twelve Bald Eagles (3 adults and 9 juveniles), a single male non-breeding plumaged Ruddy Duck, 6 Caspian Terns, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, and and unusual for Conneaut harbor, Osprey. A good way to spend a rainy day.
 
Bob and Denise Lane / Mahoning County
                                          
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