Konterra Drive fields and ponds (Hotspot) info

[Marcy Stutzman]

This noted is posted at the request of Jay Sheppard. If you have any questions, please send them to Jay!

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD 20724

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Konterra is open to birders who wish to walk in from Konterra Drive @ Van Dusen. During week need to avoid any of the active construction sites, which are on east side at this time (will be "Town Center"). The good number of harriers and other raptors suggest Short-eared Owls might be present, but on a clear afternoon, none were flushed up by the harriers in the hour or so I was there. I quick walk in the fields suggest a good population of field voles (Microtus)....so more observation, esp. at dusk may yield owls.

Jay
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-c...@cornell.edu>
Date: Sat, Dec 10, 2016 at 2:27 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Konterra Drive fields and ponds, Dec 10, 2016
To: jaymshe...@gmail.com

Konterra Drive fields and ponds, Prince George's, Maryland, US
Dec 10, 2016 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: driving around access roads inside the Konterra devlopment. wind WNW 5-10 mph, 40 deg, clear.
8 species

Canada Goose 100
Tundra Swan 1 Immature all alone, no adult present.
Mallard 60
Northern Harrier 6
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Kestrel 1
Savannah Sparrow 5
Eastern Meadowlark 6

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S32948625

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

[Mark Rositol]

On my way back from the Eastern Shore, I decided I could make it to Konterra Dr Fields at about sunset. Well, this turned out to be a very useful tip. At least one SEOW was found this evening. There may have been two. Also hunting were 2 or 3 NOHAs. I ended up walking just past the power lines. Great views of the owl hunting as I left. It seemed to follow me as I left. Giving me spectacular looks, as it hunted low over the field. Thanks Marcy and Jay for the heads up.
Flickr video link https://flic.kr/p/NNttsb

M. Rositol
Fort Washington, MD

[Bud Poole]

Gave this area a try 1pm - 2pm. Not a prime time for owls but plenty of NOHA action. Many sightings with as many as 4 at one given time. Pond is 75% frozen but a sizable section closest to Konterra Drive is open and had what appeared to be a Juvenile TUSW. About 200 CANG on the berm. Fun area despite no luck with the SEOW. Will give it another try again this week in the evening.

Bud Poole
Patterson Park

[marcias...@netscape.net]

Jay Sheppard and I arrived at Konterra around 4:30pm.  There were 4 other birders present and a few more arrived while we were there.  At least 2 SEOW put on a good show.  I thought I saw at least three in flight around the same time (2 together and 1 by itself).  Anyway, just before sunset might be a good time to try!

Remember that birders are allowed (by the property owner) to walk in past the gates.  During the day, there are construction trucks that use the gate and the roads so be careful and stay out of their way!

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD 20724

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[Jack Saba]

There was a swan at Lake Artemesia yesterday which looks more like a Trumpeter than a Tundra. See attached photos. Today I found an American Tree Sparrow at Milltown Landing.

Jack Saba
Berwyn Heights

[Andy Martin]

I would just add that if anyone tries this week, that you allow enough time to make 10-12 minute walk down gravel road past powerlines towards storm water management pond (SWMP) for potentially better looks. I arrived a little later than I hoped last evening (4:35ish) and tried to observed from the gate area at Konterra/Van Dusen Rds. We could see the harriers and what I assume were the SEOWS but all seemed to stay quite distant about .65 miles away near the SWMP. I suppose there's no reason that on another night, they could be hunting nearer to gate area but it did not happen last night. If I go back this week, will try and put myself in better position. Hope this helps.

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg

[Marcy Stutzman]

I'm glad that so many birders are experiencing the Short-eared Owl show at Konterra. Please remember to use the eBird Hotspot "Konterra Drive fields and ponds" to track their presence! Jay Sheppard keeps the property owner updated on the birds found there as well as its use by birders enjoying the birds!

[Marcy Stutzman]

The number of Short-eared Owls and birders seeing the owls (harriers, meadowlarks, etc.) is increasing. Here is the map you can access thru eBird (Konterra is a hotspot).

Hope everyone gets a look for Christmas!