Bill Whan recently inquired about possible shorebird habitat at Medusa Marsh. The main impoundment seems to be at a high level this year and offers no shorebird habitat. Phragmites now blocks the view of the tiny northeast corner (close to the road) that can sometimes harbor a few birds. Immediately west of the main impoundment is a low lying cornfield that was recently flooded (and harbored several species of duck). It now appears to be being pumped down (but still had several small groups of shovelers in the puddles). This is a rather hard spot to view since it is behind a dike and full of tall corn stubble that could hide birds. If you do stop, please remember that this is private property. View only from the side of the road. Do not walk out on the dikes. A green-collared Trumpeter Swan has been in the area for a while now. It was usually in the flooded corn field but yesterday it was in the main impoundment and I tried to read its collar. I believe it is marked "64M" but if anyone gets a clearer look and sees a different number, please correct me. A pair of Mute Swans are often seen in the water to the east of the main impoundment this year. It seems they may be avoiding the main impoundment (where they were usually present other years). A few small groups of Gadwall and a lone Ruddy Duck were the only other waterfowl present yesterday around 5:00 PM. Sheryl Young ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]