This morning (07.20-08:05) at Chincoteague NWR I found the White-chinned
Pintail quite easily at the following location. When entering the circular
walk path that goes around the Snow Goose Pond from the parking lot, I walked
to the RIGHT for about 400-500 yards around the area where the path bends to
the left, and looked for the bird from an area near a NWR sign. This part of
the path can be identified because as you are walking from the lot the path
makes a 90 degree turn to the left. In early morning this is the best area to
observe the pond on this side due to the rising sun. The GPS coordinates whee
I was standing are:
N 37º 54.226' and W 075º 21.060' The bird was easily observed from about 150
yards through a scope and was dabbling with other teal, shovelers, and black
ducks. Two peregrine falcons spooked all of the birds to the left of my
observation point after my having spent about 35 minutes watching the
White-cheeked Pintail. I did no see the bird again after 45 minutes of
observation, though I have no reason to believe that it left the area,.
Patrick Toomey
3103 Mollifield Lane
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
(434) 974-6401
ptoomeyjr@xxxxxxxxx
