On Nov 19, 6:40*am, JohnH wrote:
On Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:11:11 -0800 (PST), GC Boater
wrote:

On Nov 18, 4:21*pm, GC Boater wrote:
A knowledgeable birder had a brief sighting of the species today in
Gambrills, Maryland. *Positive ID was made by a combination of the
dull coloration, excessive wing flapping and puffing plus loud,
obnoxious squawking. *The sighting is being reported to the Maryland
Avian Society.

Officials from the U.S. Wildlife Service working with members of the
Eastern American Ornithological Society are attempting to determine if
the bird is a true waterfowl species. *Thus far, the only confirmed
sightings have been along the shorelines where, from the safety of
land, the Krausii Marylandus squawks incessantly at the true waterfowl
species. *Since Tuesday’s sighting, experienced birders are rushing to
Gambrills, Maryland in an effort to gather additional data on the
reclusive species. *Story developing. *Updates to follow.

It's getting to be a pain driving in Maryland. People lining the roads to
catch a glimpse of the Krauseii Liesall...

http://www.marinaudubon.org/images/bwatchers01.jpg

One watcher said he spotted Tom the Shortwave trying to get a picture of
the species, but Tom left too soon to be photographed. The watcher was able
to produce a good likeness with a pencil:

http://tinyurl.com/6mottt

Hell, I heard that some guy from Cleveland was planning to drive all the
way to Gambrils to line the shore and pray for a glimpse. He was lacking
only the appropriate attire, but was able to order some:

http://tinyurl.com/68jjpu

Lots of excitement. The squawking is a dead giveaway!
--
John H.

Within the last hour, Richard Tracey, Director of the U.S. Wildlife
Service issued the following statement:

“We have researched the little known history of the species Krausii
Liesallthetime Marylandus. In years past there have been reported
sightings of the Krausii in such distance places as Cape Horn, San
Francisco, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and New York Harbor. However, we
have been unable to corroborate these reports, and the veracity of the
person making these claims has been called into question. Most
experts now discount these claims and believe the Krausii’s natural
range is limited to Maryland. Yesterday’s sighting was in suburban
Gambrills, Maryland.

“We are continuing to research the Krausii, which is made more
difficult by the mutations that have been observed within the
species. The bird seems to have the ability to mutate almost at will,
which is a rare trait in the ornithological world.

“Our experts are continuing to gather data which will be disseminated
as available. In the meantime, we urge birders to report any
sightings to the Wildlife Service, but exercise caution when
approaching the bird.”