Mike Palombo and I scouted the general Dead Creek area 
quickly/briefly today, from mid-to-late morning, for the Audubon trip 
there Saturday morning. Only some highlights are given here.
There were lots of Snow Geese in the air (and on the ground) in the 
midmorning seen from the viewing area, but they were not up close to 
the viewing area. We didn't spot any rarities in these aerial forays. 
The flock would be partially visible to scoping. Harriers and a 
Red-tailed Hawk were also seen, one Harrier up very close. No 
shorebirds were found in the nearby field wet spots.
A drive down the Brilyea access road revealed lots of Mallards, Black 
Duck and Green-winged Teal, plus a group of 6 Bluebirds.

Nothing else exciting was found on Gage or Nortontown Roads.
At the Champlain Bridge (closed) we saw 3 Common Loons.
Nothing much else at Tri-Town, but at Potash Bay, 3 Horned Grebes.
Across from the Button Bay Park entrance a Northern Shrike was found 
near the road, which was the Bird of the Day for us.
Along Basin Harbor Road, no shorebirds seen.
Enjoy the day outdoors,      (easy for a retiree to say)
Larry Haugh
Shelburne