The Mystery Bird and a New Problem to Solve - Updates Posted

Bird Mystery Resolved
Update - 10 November - Vickie has correctly Identified Haematopus Palliatus or the American Oystercatcher. This impressive bird reaches a height of 17 to 21 inches, with a 35-inch wingspan. Other distinguishing characteristics include an orange bill 3 to 4 inches long, thick pink legs, bright yellow eyes with red rings around them, black or dark brown backs with black heads and necks, and white bellies and breasts and white stripes on their wings. Great job Vic! We're trying to decide if you are (1) very astute or (2) very competitive or (3) have more time on your hands these days or (4) all of the above.

Greetings All - We are still looking for a solution to the great bird mystery. As a clue, this is primarly a shorline resident who is indeed 'great' in the sense that it is quite large, particularly when compared to the 'swarm' of shore birds who were pictured elsewhere in the same (Cumberland Island) album.

...and Vickie also hits a home run on the fort question. Her response was 1864. Great goin' Vic. I guess we'll have to dig a bit deeper on future contests! No, we'll keep it fun and not TOO difficult, but no 'giveaways' either!

The new problem? You know that the fort pictured in the Amelia Island Album was primarily a Civil War Era fortress, used mainly by Union forces. From the pictures of the fort and contents, what year(s) are depicted? Difficult, but not impossible.