Someone calls Cooper's, and then all hell breaks out, as the field marks do not add up. Through Salem County we picked up American Widgeon at Birch Creek, Bobolink and Snow Geese at Featherbed Lane, Bald Eagle and Caspian Tern at Mannington. Next up was a Barn Owl roost, and with some luck a Cattle Egret on the way. No farmers were ploughing and white plastic bags didn't count, but as we pulled into the barn we scared one from behind the barn. Better yet, an American Kestrel hovered across the street as we waited our minute to count the owl under the raptor rule.
Luck plays a big part yet again.
It's now early afternoon, we are in Cumberland County and the winds ahead of the on- coming front have picked up. Mike's invaluable scouting has produced numerous spots for the next species. We get the Yellow-throated Warbler on the first crack, but it takes six tries before a Prothonotary obliges. Our last possible warbler a Kentucky, calls almost immediately. Life is good.