Here is an update on the spoonbill with viewing plans for tonight. Thanks to Robert Hershberger for organizing most of the logistics. Last night for the second night in a row the spoonbill was seen taking flight from just SW of the corner of County Rd 207 and Twshp Rd 362 at about 9:15PM. Two nights ago the bird flew WSW, last night it flew WNW. The bird has not been relocated yet today. According to neighbors the bird tends to return to the area sometime after 5:30PM and his been in the area for 2-3 weeks. It would be good to have eyes scouring points to the west during the day to try and discover it's daytime haunts. So tonight birders are asked to arrive at 6:30 and park at either the Schlabach place at 6531 Twshp Rd 362, Millersburg or the next place to the south at the WC Curios shop. Both places are graciously allowing parking and viewing of the pond from there. If local birders discover the bird is again hiding in the ditch to the south, Robert & several others have gained permission to lead all who wish to take a quarter to half mile hike (which will likely be quite wet and perhaps muddy) to a point all could safely view the bird. The very gracious land owner is actually pleased to let birders enjoy the bird on his property, he only asks that birders only proceed on this walk when led by Robert or those assigned to help him.so that we remain orderly and safe on his property. This will also keep pressure on the bird at a minimum. One other point of caution: though none should be anywhere of the road without a guide, be advised to under no circumstances cross one of the many ditches in the area (long known to local birders as "The Plains") as they are known to hold treacherous quicksand. This is not a scare tactic. There have literally been farm horses sunk to their neck right in this area so simply stick with your guide. For those not able to walk this hike, plans are still in progress to try and find a place to obtain scope views from a driveway but this is not finalized yet. For now all these plans just apply to tonight. It will be a day by day process after that to see how patterned the bird behaves, what all the property owners can handle, and how available Robert and other locals are to help if that's what 's needed. Hopefully the bird will stick and regularly come to feed at the pond. Watching for the late night flight remains a good option after 9:00. Also keep an eye out for a young night-heron that's been hanging around. It has not yet been identified to species and both are unusual for the area.Kent Miller

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