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Updated on Thursday, September 2 at 09:02 AM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.


Sumichrists Wren,©Sophie Webb

2 Sep Rock Creek Park, Thursday, 9/2 [Wallace Kornack ]
2 Sep Retracting Retraction of Connecticut Warbler (Also GWWA at Gov Bridge) [Robert Ostrowski ]
2 Sep Hurricane Plans? [Ross Geredien ]
2 Sep Re: Retracting Connecticut Warbler [Gail Mackiernan ]
2 Sep Re: Retracting Connecticut Warbler [Bob Ringler ]
2 Sep Extralimital -- amazing Massachusetts pelagic! [Gail Mackiernan ]
2 Sep Retracting Connecticut Warbler [Robert Ostrowski ]
1 Sep Extralimital: Mississippi miscellany [Donald Sweig ]
1 Sep Ho Co (BCNH) [Bonnie and John Ott ]
1 Sep Yough Lake, Garrett County - American Golden Plover, Common Loon [Kyle Aldinger ]
1 Sep Connecticut Warbler at Governor Bridge, PG County, 09/01 [Robert Ostrowski ]
1 Sep NCR trail on Sunday late post & question [Eileen Wise ]
1 Sep DC: Immature White Ibis at KAG [Wayne Baumgartner ]
1 Sep MOS 2010 Fall Count is Sept. 18 or 19 [Charles Stirrat ]
1 Sep Wood Thrush still feeding young [diane Ford ]
1 Sep Rock Creek Park, Wednesday, 9/1 [Wallace Kornack ]
1 Sep The show is over [Paul Woodward ]
1 Sep Golden-winged Warbler MPEA [Joe Hanfman ]
1 Sep Blackburnian Warbler at Schoolhouse Pond [Fred Shaffer ]
31 Aug Ho Co (Centennial Park + ) [Bonnie and John Ott ]
31 Aug Cromwell Valley Park, 08/31/10 [Kevin Graff ]
31 Aug Adkins warblers, Caroline County [Karen Harris ]
31 Aug FW: DC Area, 8/31/10 [Norm Saunders ]
31 Aug Fw: [MDOSPREY] Buffie at John Brown Road [Joe Hanfman ]
31 Aug Howard Co, MD - MPEA [Helen Patton ]
31 Aug Rock Creek Park, Tuesday, 8/31 [Wallace Kornack ]
31 Aug Hoot Owls [Frank Boyle ]
30 Aug Nighthawks -- Caroline County 8/30/10 [Jim Brighton ]
30 Aug Hummingbird trapped in Westminster store [Felicia Lovelett ]
30 Aug Red-necked Phalarope---Boonsboro [Robert Parsons ]
30 Aug Mourning Warbler et al. W. Kent County 30 Aug 2010 [Nancy Martin ]
30 Aug Central Sod Farm - Annapolis [Marcy Stutzman ]
30 Aug Buffie at John Brown Road [Bill Hubick ]
30 Aug Washington County Phalarope—NO [Elliot Kirschbaum ]
30 Aug Re: Cylburn Arboretum & flats, 08/29/20 [Kevin Graff ]
30 Aug Cylburn Arboretum & flats, 08/29/20 [Kevin Graff ]
30 Aug Turkey Point, 08/28/10 [Kevin Graff ]
30 Aug Rock Creek Park, Monday, 8/30 [Wallace Kornack ]
30 Aug Quiet today at Brookside Gardens [Gail Mackiernan ]
30 Aug Yard birds [Rick Sussman ]
29 Aug Millington WMA - 8/29/10 [dan small ]
29 Aug Red-necked Phalarope at Boonsboro [Bob Ringler ]
29 Aug Ho Co (Howard Conservancy and yard) [Bonnie and John Ott ]
29 Aug Skimmer Island, OC 8/29 [Colin McAllister ]
29 Aug Dorchester/Wicomico Counties 8/29/10 [Jim Brighton ]
29 Aug Re: Red-necked Phalarope yes [JB Churchill ]
29 Aug Contact information [Stephen Horvath ]
29 Aug Red-necked Phalarope yes [Stephen Horvath ]
29 Aug Re: Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher MPEA [June Tveekrem ]
29 Aug Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher MPEA ["Kurt R. Schwarz" ]
29 Aug RN Phalarope ["Strobel, Warren" ]
29 Aug Montgomery County August Big Day, 8/28 [Robert Ostrowski ]
29 Aug Re: RFI RN Phalarope [mike burchett ]
29 Aug Re: Morgan Run addendum [Gerald & Laura Tarbell ]
29 Aug Washington Co Phalarope - Yes [Helen Patton ]
29 Aug Morgan Run [Gerald & Laura Tarbell ]
29 Aug Re: RFI RN Phalarope [Elaine Hendricks ]
29 Aug RFI RN Phalarope [Warren Strobel ]
29 Aug Migrants Sunday at Brookside & Wheaton Regional Park [Rob Hilton ]
29 Aug Rock Creek Park, Sunday, 8/29 [Wallace Kornack ]
29 Aug Re: QA County--Central Sod Farm [Jeff Shenot ]
28 Aug Re: Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant. [JB Churchill ]
28 Aug QA County--Central Sod Farm [Amanda Spears ]
28 Aug Blue mash correct blue Grosbeak location [John Pangborn ]
28 Aug Re: Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant. [Bob Ringler ]
28 Aug Swifts, Nighthawks, and more [Donald Sweig ]
28 Aug Chimney Swift Diplomacy [Alisa Glassman and Mike Mangiaracina ]
28 Aug White-rumped Sandpiper at Paper Mill Flats [Keith Costley ]
28 Aug Poplar Island 8/17/2010 pics [Stephen Horvath ]
28 Aug Chug-a-lug [Gerald & Laura Tarbell ]
28 Aug Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant. [Stephen Horvath ]
28 Aug Blue Mash trail olive sided Flycatcher & shorebirds [John Pangborn ]
28 Aug CVP afternoon stroll [PAUL NOELL ]
28 Aug RN Phalarope Boonsboro [JB Churchill ]
28 Aug Ho Co (Western Regional park) [Bonnie and John Ott ]
28 Aug RN Phalarope at Boonsboro [Bob Ringler ]

Subject: Rock Creek Park, Thursday, 9/2
From: Wallace Kornack <wallace AT KORNACK.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:01:25 -0400
This morning (9/2) at Rock Creek Park with Jim Lemert....

Mourning Dove     4
Chimney Swift     20+
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     3
Downy Woodpecker     1
Pileated Woodpecker     1
Red-eyed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     2
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
American Robin     20
Northern Cardinal     2
Common Grackle     3
Brown-headed Cowbird     2
Baltimore Oriole     3
empid.     1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Have Fun Birding!

Wallace Kornack
Washington  DC
Subject: Retracting Retraction of Connecticut Warbler (Also GWWA at Gov Bridge)
From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 09:58:38 -0400
Ok, I know this is getting ridiculous, but I think I was
second-guessing myself too much. Bob's post about dates and other
birders who I respect a lot that liked my notes have talked me back
from the ledge. I think I was overestimating the scarcity of them in
early Sept/late Aug. And while I was unable to see the bird's
underparts, I did note several field marks, including behavior that
would seemingly eliminate all other possibilities. I was pretty sure
of myself at the time and last night. I'm counting it and that's final
:)

I talked to Jim Stasz this morning who, along with Dan Haas and
probably others, found a GOLDEN-WINGED WARLBER at the park. It wasn't
far from the parking lot, off the path that heads to the canoe launch,
near a stump with lots of poison ivy. This is an awesome bird for the
county and only the second PG record that I've heard about since I've
been keeping track in recent years.

Robert Ostrowski
Crofton, MD
rjostrowski AT gmail.com
Subject: Hurricane Plans?
From: Ross Geredien <goodmigrations AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 06:46:56 -0700
With Earl about to brush the coast, conditions are looking perfect for vagrancy 
and/or stray migrants along Maryland's shoreline.  Is anyone planning on going 
down to OC or Assateague this weekend (need I ask that silly question?).  I'd 
be interested in hooking up with people or carpooling down Saturday morning.  
That seems like the best place to be, but I'm open to other suggestions, i.e. 
possibly Point Lookout? 

 
I really want to find Black Tern and possibly Bridled Tern, and who knows what 
else, maybe jaegers or other pelagics blown in, plus any land migrants that 
might be forced down. 

 
Ross Geredien
Annapolis/Edgewater
610-850-5035



Subject: Re: Retracting Connecticut Warbler
From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:26:36 -0400
However Connecticut Warblers can occur around now -- so everyone be alert!
-- one year Cape May banded a number of them the last weekend in August.
Also about 10-12 years ago at Rock Creek we had (I think it was right about
now) only 5 warblers one morning -- in toto! However, one was a Golden-wing
and one was a Connecticut!

So the lesson is -- always expect the unexpected!

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD


on 09/02/2010 7:12 AM, Robert Ostrowski at rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM wrote:

> I'm very uncomfortable with how early it is in September for
> Connecticut Warbler. I've known for awhile that some leave their
> breeding grounds in mid-to-late August, but those typically migrate
> south more in the central US. August records on the east coast, from
> what I can tell, are very sparse. Yes, my bird was on Sept 1, but it's
> close enough.
> 
> I think this temporal anomaly is enough for me to ramp up the scrutiny
> and when I awoke this morning I tried to take a hard objective look at
> my notes and I don't like them. I don't think I would believe the
> sighting if somebody else posted them. Not getting a good look at the
> underparts and the much higher probability of other superficially
> similar birds like Canada Warbler or Nashville Warbler being around,
> combined with the very short time I observed the bird, makes me very
> wary. I should've been more detailed and cautious with this bird. So,
> for ther record, I'm not counting it. I do think it's worth trying for
> though and hopefully I can get back out there today or tomorrow.
> 
> Robert Ostrowski
> Crofton, MD
> rjostrowski AT gmail.com
Subject: Re: Retracting Connecticut Warbler
From: Bob Ringler <ringler.bob AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 07:41:13 -0400
Rob,
   Some additional information for you to chew on: there are five August
records of Connecticut Warbler in Prince Georges County. One was banded at
PWRC on 8/28/85, one was seen at Fran Uhler NA on 8/28/03, one was seen at
Piscataway on 8/28 or 29/72, one was banded at PWRC on 8/30/81, and one was
banded at PWRC on 8/31/89. In addition the earliest fall record for the
state was one banded at Jug Bay on 8/6/98. And there are two August banding
records from Montgomery County and one from Garrett County. And there is a
specimen record from DC from 8/28/1886. There are also ten more sight
records for MD & DC. On September 1 there are four more banding records and
three more sight records.
   But you are right that it is best to get a better look at the bird before
jumping to conclusions.

On Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 7:12 AM, Robert Ostrowski wrote:

> I'm very uncomfortable with how early it is in September for
> Connecticut Warbler. I've known for awhile that some leave their
> breeding grounds in mid-to-late August, but those typically migrate
> south more in the central US. August records on the east coast, from
> what I can tell, are very sparse. Yes, my bird was on Sept 1, but it's
> close enough.
>
> I think this temporal anomaly is enough for me to ramp up the scrutiny
> and when I awoke this morning I tried to take a hard objective look at
> my notes and I don't like them. I don't think I would believe the
> sighting if somebody else posted them. Not getting a good look at the
> underparts and the much higher probability of other superficially
> similar birds like Canada Warbler or Nashville Warbler being around,
> combined with the very short time I observed the bird, makes me very
> wary. I should've been more detailed and cautious with this bird. So,
> for ther record, I'm not counting it. I do think it's worth trying for
> though and hopefully I can get back out there today or tomorrow.
>
> Robert Ostrowski
> Crofton, MD
> rjostrowski AT gmail.com
>
Subject: Extralimital -- amazing Massachusetts pelagic!
From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 07:38:20 -0400
Hi all --

OK, for all us sea-birders who hope to see just one White-faced Storm Petrel
in Maryland waters, the August "Extreme Pelagic" of the Brookline (Mass.)
Bird Club over last weekend tallied TWENTY-TWO of the little guys! That's
right, 22! This was SE of Cape Cod in or near the Hydrographer Canyon (at
about 40 degrees 10 minutes N), just along the shelf break (200 m depth) and
on the cool side of a strong sea-surface temperature front. As you recall
last week that area was in the throes of a strong NE storm which may have
affected seabird distributions favorably.

If you go to this site:

 http://warblings.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/extreme-pelagic/
 
you can enjoy Ben Van Doren's blog (with photos) this amazing journey.

Also, Steve Mirick has posted charts of where the various rarities were seen
-- go to Jack Siler's Regional Report page and click on "Massachusetts" and
scroll down to Steve's Aug. 31 post.

Sorry this is a Maryland report but with the active Atlantic weather out
there and the general proximity of these birds to the mid-Atlantic who knows
what is out there now!

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD
Subject: Retracting Connecticut Warbler
From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 07:12:29 -0400
I'm very uncomfortable with how early it is in September for
Connecticut Warbler. I've known for awhile that some leave their
breeding grounds in mid-to-late August, but those typically migrate
south more in the central US. August records on the east coast, from
what I can tell, are very sparse. Yes, my bird was on Sept 1, but it's
close enough.

I think this temporal anomaly is enough for me to ramp up the scrutiny
and when I awoke this morning I tried to take a hard objective look at
my notes and I don't like them. I don't think I would believe the
sighting if somebody else posted them. Not getting a good look at the
underparts and the much higher probability of other superficially
similar birds like Canada Warbler or Nashville Warbler being around,
combined with the very short time I observed the bird, makes me very
wary. I should've been more detailed and cautious with this bird. So,
for ther record, I'm not counting it. I do think it's worth trying for
though and hopefully I can get back out there today or tomorrow.

Robert Ostrowski
Crofton, MD
rjostrowski AT gmail.com
Subject: Extralimital: Mississippi miscellany
From: Donald Sweig <skybirds.d AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:53:42 -0400
Today's count of migrating Mississippi kites at Veracruz Mexico was 5,593
for a monthly total of 143,547.

-- 
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
Subject: Ho Co (BCNH)
From: Bonnie and John Ott <bonnieott AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 20:47:30 -0400
I birded Centennial this morning and had a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, along 
with GREEN, GREAT BLUE and GREAT EGRET. 


A very very distant picture of the BCNH....

http://flic.kr/p/8xntyp

Complete lack of warblers.....

Bonnie

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD
Subject: Yough Lake, Garrett County - American Golden Plover, Common Loon
From: Kyle Aldinger <kaldinge AT MIX.WVU.EDU>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 20:25:13 -0400
Hey all,

I left West Virginia today to check out Yough Lake at the end of Old Morgantown 
Road. The water is considerably lower than the last time I was there, but there 
were still a few good spots for shorebirds if you head north from the parking 
area at the end of Old Morgantown Road. I did not see the family of Common 
Mergansers that I saw earlier in the summer. A few of the highlights from 
today: 


Shorebirds:
American Golden Plover - 1
Pectoral Sandpiper - 3
Solitary Sandpiper - 10
Greater Yellowlegs - 3
Lesser Yellowlegs - 1
Least Sandpiper - 8
Semipalmated Plover - 2
Killdeer - X

Others:
Osprey - 1
Green Heron - 2
Common Loon - 1 (also saw an individual here earlier this month)
Bank Swallow - 1

Kyle Aldinger
Morgantown, WV
Subject: Connecticut Warbler at Governor Bridge, PG County, 09/01
From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 19:19:21 -0400
  This evening I observed an adult CONNECTICUT WARBLER at Governor 
Bridge Natural Area in PG County. The bird was on the east side of the 
big pond, near a smaller pond in the woods. I had been standing in that 
spot getting attacked by mosquitoes for almost 20 minutes seemingly 
checking the same Chestnut-sideds over and over when right before I was 
about to leave I noticed a chunky gray-hooded bird with a bold white 
complete eye ring walking along a thin tree branch with its mouth open. 
Awesome!

Migrants at the park have been fairly steady the last week. Here are my 
sightings from the last four days:

Observation date:     9/1/10

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1
Blue-winged Warbler     1
Tennessee Warbler     1
Northern Parula     2
Chestnut-sided Warbler     3
Black-and-white Warbler     3
American Redstart     3
CONNECTICUT WARBLER 1 **Rare. County bird for me. Adult walking along a branch 
with its mouth open. Gray hood and bold complete eye ring. Plump body 
appearance with short tail. 



Observation date:     8/31/10

Tennessee Warbler     2
Northern Parula     4
Chestnut-sided Warbler     2
Magnolia Warbler     3
Black-and-white Warbler     4
American Redstart     2
Common Yellowthroat     2
Canada Warbler     2


Observation date:     8/30/10

Northern Parula     2
Chestnut-sided Warbler     3
Magnolia Warbler     2
Black-and-white Warbler     2
Prothonotary Warbler     2
Common Yellowthroat     2


Observation date:     8/29/10

Northern Parula     1
Chestnut-sided Warbler     3
Magnolia Warbler     2
Prairie Warbler     1
Black-and-white Warbler     3
American Redstart     4
Prothonotary Warbler     1
Ovenbird     1
Northern Waterthrush     1
Common Yellowthroat     2
Hooded Warbler     1     singing
Canada Warbler     1

Robert Ostrowski
Crofton, MD
rjostrowski AT gmail.com
Subject: NCR trail on Sunday late post & question
From: Eileen Wise <eileen.inmd AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 17:25:55 -0400
Late post, on Sunday morning I walked the NCR trail from Bentley Springs just 
past the Bee Tree preserve to what I call the woodpecker area. 

Mostly seen and heard were just the regulars I alway see. Chickadees, Titmouse, 
Bluejays, Redbellied woodie, Cardinals. I was hoping to see some migrating 
warblers. 


My yard at Prettyboy is much the same too. Titmouse, Chickadees, Cardinals, 
Bluejays, House Wren, Chipping Sparrows, Downy and Redbellied Woodies, 
Goldfinches, RT Hummers and House Sparrows. 


Something weird I noticed in my yard the Carolina Wrens have been missing for 
months. Very unusual, I have seen them as regulars in my yard for years. 


And now for my question, I would like to change my setting for receiving emails 
from the listserve and be able to just post. Can I do that and how do I do the 
change? 


Thanks
Eileen
Prettyboy
Subject: DC: Immature White Ibis at KAG
From: Wayne Baumgartner <whbaumga AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:06:51 -0400
I noticed an entry for White Ibis in the District today on the iGoogle
widget and contacted Art Drauglis to ask where he saw it.

He replied:

I saw it from the boardwalk approaching the western viewing platform.
Iwas looking in the direction of the river when I saw something poking
around in the mud. It was a juvenile, so it did not stand out as much.
I was able to follow it a little and got a single, distant profile shot of
it by standing on the bench on the platform.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artdrauglis/4948049813/
It was walking toward the "mouth" of the back pond, so I went down the river
trail to try and get another look, but was
unable to re-locate it.
I was there at low tide today (847) and am not sure I would have seen it
otherwise, since my experience with them is that they like the mud

Art
Subject: MOS 2010 Fall Count is Sept. 18 or 19
From: Charles Stirrat <stirrcr1 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 13:15:16 -0400
Details and a list of county compilers as well as a checklist for this
year's MOS Fall Count have been posted on the MOS website at:
http://www.mdbirds.org/counts/fall/fallcounts.html
If you would be willing to serve as compiler for one of the counties still
without one, please contact me.

Chuck Stirrat
MOS Fall Count Coordinator
Ellicott City, MD
ChuckS AT msualum.com
Subject: Wood Thrush still feeding young
From: diane Ford <dmford455 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 07:22:32 -0700
Hi all,
 
  Yesterday in Rock Creek Park, near my house I observed two Wood Thrush 
fledges (could fly and had no tails) one parent was still feeding them. Haven't 
seen Wood Thrushes 

going this late with young. They gotta get a move-on.
 
D.Ford/Bethesda, Md



Subject: Rock Creek Park, Wednesday, 9/1
From: Wallace Kornack <wallace AT KORNACK.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:57:29 -0400
This morning (9/1) at Rock Creek Park with Jim Lemert.....

Mourning Dove     2
Chimney Swift     3
Red-bellied Woodpecker     2
Downy Woodpecker     3
Eastern Wood-Pewee     2
Acadian Flycatcher     1
Red-eyed Vireo     2
Blue Jay     2
Fish Crow     1
Carolina Chickadee     1
Tufted Titmouse     2
White-breasted Nuthatch     2
American Robin     15
Northern Parula     1
Eastern Towhee     1
Northern Cardinal     6
Common Grackle     1
Baltimore Oriole     2
American Goldfinch     1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Have Fun Birding!

Wallace Kornack
Washington  DC
Subject: The show is over
From: Paul Woodward <grackling AT ATT.NET>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:51:45 -0400
31 August
         After a month or so of spectacular numbers of Great Egrets at 
Hughes Hollow (Mont Co) we are back to more normal counts for this time of 
year.  Today I recorded only 9 even though I was here early. Sunday (8-29) 
my high count was 13.  Two LITTLE BLUE HERONS and the SNOWY EGRET are still 
present.  I also saw 3 BLUE-WINGED TEAL flying around and heard a SOLITARY 
SANDPIPER fly over.  With the continuing lack of rain there may soon  be 
shorebird habitat.
         The main reason I came out was to check the food strips before dove 
hunting season starts tomorrow.  The two sorghum (millet) ones along 
Sycamore Landing Rd aren't ripe yet so they didn't have many birds-28 INDIGO 
BUNTINGS and a few yellowthroats.
        The sunflower field by the upper parking lot was more productive 
with 22 MOURNING DOVES, 10 HOUSE FINCHES & 168 AM. GOLDFINCHES.
        I am still hearing my mystery bird calling from the buttonbush swamp 
as it is getting light. I'm not good at describing calls but it is a four 
part call and not one I'm familiar with.

Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA
grackling AT att.net 
Subject: Golden-winged Warbler MPEA
From: Joe Hanfman <auk1844 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:50:05 +0000
8:45 am
There is a Golden-wingwd Warbler just south of Stop #14 on the Red Trail of 
Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. 


An excellent bird for county #200 this year.

Joe Hanfman
Columbia, Md
Joe Hanfman Columbia, MD
Subject: Blackburnian Warbler at Schoolhouse Pond
From: Fred Shaffer <glaucousgull AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:13:17 -0400
My morning walk around Schoolhouse Pond was highlighted by a 1st fall 
Blackburnian Warbler. It was foraging fairly low and close to the boardwalk 
when I spotted it. The bird was with a small group of birds foraging in the 
trees next to the boardwalk near the residential and office townhouses. This 
area is frequently good during migration as it receives the first sunlight of 
the day. Also present in the group were several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a 
Red-eyed Vireo, female American Redstart, White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, 
several House Finch, and two Gray Catbirds. 


Other birds this morning included 7 Great Blue Herons, a few Wood Ducks, and a 
Double-crested Cormorant. Yesterday (8/31), I had a calling Veery in the woods 
adjacent to the historic site next to the pond. Also, there were 25 flyover 
Laughing Gulls and 2 flyover Ring-billed Gulls, so things are looking up in 
this regards too. 


Fred Shaffer
GlaucousGull AT verizon.net
Crofton, MD
Subject: Ho Co (Centennial Park + )
From: Bonnie and John Ott <bonnieott AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:30:50 -0400
Went to Centennial this afternoon just to check for terns, ect. Nothing overly 
remarkable but sometimes the more "common" birds can make your day. As I was 
broiling a large group of CHIMNEY SWIFTS descended over the lake. About 50 
birds in a loose mass skimmed and swirled over the water dipping into it and 
making little splashes. It was an amazing sight! 


Similar to the amazing 300+ flock of Goldfinch from the other day.
A distant picture of the Bobolink at Howard Conservancy...

http://flic.kr/p/8wAqac

Bonnie

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD
Subject: Cromwell Valley Park, 08/31/10
From: Kevin Graff <whitemarlin2001 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:27:24 -0700
Hi all,



 ***Loch Raven Drive will be closing from Sep 7th to Feb 13 for road repair or 
something. Will be hard for us to gain access to #1 bridge for winter waterfowl 
later this year*** 




08/31/10 - 7am-710am
Loch Raven Reservoir--Fitzhugh Run, Dulaney Valley Rd., Phoenix, Baltimore Co., 
MD 


WEATHER: Fair, 64-65 degrees, calm

Canada Goose - 13
Wood Duck - 2
Mallard - 2
Great Blue Heron - 1
Belted Kingfisher - 1
White-eyed Vireo - 1
Blue jay - 2
American Crow - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1
Veery - 1
Gray Catbird - 1
Northern Cardinal - 2
SPECIES: 13
INDIVIDUALS: 29

08/31/10 - 715am-750am
Loch Raven Reservoir--#1 bridge, Loch Raven Dr., Glen Arm, Baltimore Co., MD

WEATHER: Fair/Sunny, 68-70 degrees, calm

Canada Goose - 164
American Black Duck - 1
Mallard - 73
Double-crested Cormorant - 2
Great Blue Heron - 1
Osprey - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Spotted Sandpiper - 1
Least Sandpiper - 1
Ring-billed Gull - 5
Caspian Tern - 2
Acadian Flycatcher - 1
Blue Jay - 1
American Crow - 6
Fish Crow - 1
Tufted Titmouse - 3
American Robin - 1
Gray Catbird - 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
Pine Warbler - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 1
Northern Cardinal - 1
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
American Goldfinch - 7
SPECIES: 24
INDIVIDUALS: 280

08/31/10 - 8am-11am
Cromwell Valley Park, Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville, Baltimore Co., MD

WEATHER: Sunny, 70-89 degrees, calm- W 3 mph
LEADER: Matilda Weiss **she had an early sapsucker in her yard recently**
OBSERVERS: 8

Green Heron - 1 (on way out, John/Kevin)
Turkey Vulture - 3
Osprey - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 1 (on way out)
Mourning Dove - 14
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1
Chimney Swift - 13
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 5
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2
Traiil's Flycatcher - 1 Empidonax flycatcher with two wing bars which  
                        were not white but more of a light brown. Light 
                        yellowish wash to the belly, brownish gray below 
                        the throat, light colored throat, small eyering 
                        more visible, and a large broad-based bill, more 
                        greenish-like on back (had it on scope with sun 
                        behind us in good view) The bird was silent.  All 
                        field mark lead toward Alder.
Warbling Vireo - 2
Red-eyed Vireo - 2
Blue Jay - 4
American Crow - 1
Tree Swallow - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 10
Tufted Titmouse - 6
White-breasted Nuthatch - 4
Carolina Wren - 1
House Wren - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 5
Eastern Bluebird - 4
American Robin- 11
Gray Catbird - 7
Northern Mockingbird - 2
European Starling - 15
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1
Blackburnian Warbler - 1
American Redstart - 2
Common Yellowthroat - 3
Canada Warbler - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 8
Northern Cardinal - 6
Blue Grosbeak - 2
Common Grackle - 1
Baltimore Oriole - 1
House Finch - 11
American Goldfinch - 16
SPECIES: 44
INDIVIDUALS: 180


   Kevin Graff
   Jarrettsville, MD
   WhiteMarlin2001 AT yahoo.com

  


      
Subject: Adkins warblers, Caroline County
From: Karen Harris <wkh1981 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:53:50 -0700
I stopped by Adkins Arboretum at eight this morning, stayed for about two 
hours. Did not cover very much territory but found some warblers and others. 


Black-billed Cuckoo 1
Barred Owl 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Acadian Flycatcher 1
E. Pewee 4
Tree Swallow 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 possible, only heard once and could not find to see
Gray Catbird 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
White-eyed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Tennessee Warbler 1
Magnolia Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 7
Am. Redstart 3
Baltimore Oriole 4
Scarlet Tanager 2
Ea.Towhee 2
Field Sparrows 6
And Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Am Crows, Titmice.


Karen Harris
wkh1981 AT yahoo.com
Talbot Co., MD

Sent from my iPad


      
Subject: FW: DC Area, 8/31/10
From: Norm Saunders <marshhawk AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:19:10 -0400
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Cordle [mailto:scordle AT capaccess.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 12:00 PM
To: birdeast AT listserv.arizona.edu
Subject: DC Area, 8/31/10

Hotline:            Voice of the Naturalist 
Date:               8/31/2010
Coverage:           MD/DC/VA/DE 
Telephone:          301-652-1088 option 1 
Reports (voice):    301-652-1088 option 2 
        (email):    voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org 
Compiler:           John Bjerke
Sponsor:            Audubon Naturalist Society of the
                    Central Atlantic States (independent of NAS!)
Transcriber:        Steve Cordle (scordle AT capaccess.org) 

Please consider joining ANS, especially if you are a regular user of
the Voice (Individual $40; Family $50; Nature Steward $75; Audubon
Advocate $150). The membership number is 301-652-9188, option 12; the
address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD  20815; and the web
site is http://www.AudubonNaturalist.org.

This is the Voice of the Naturalist, a service of the Audubon
Naturalist Society. This report was completed Tuesday, August 31, at 7
am.

Top bird this week is RED-NECKED PHALAROPE in MD and DE.

Other birds of interest include WHITE IBIS, PEREGRINE FALCON,
shorebirds, BLACK-HEADED GULL, CHIMNEY SWIFT, OLIVE-SIDED,
YELLOW-BELLIED, ALDER and LEAST FLYCATCHERS, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, and
warblers. 
 
A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was found in Shearness Pool at Bombay Hook NWR,
Kent Co, DE on Aug 24. The bird moved to Bear Swamp at Bombay Hook
later in the week with sightings on Aug 28. Another RED-NECKED
PHALAROPE was at the Boonsboro sewage treatment ponds, Washington Co,
MD on Aug 28 and 29.

An immature WHITE IBIS flew over the impoundments at McKee-Beshers
WMA, Montgomery Co, MD on Aug 27.

A female PEREGRINE FALCON was seen in Bailey's Crossroads, Fairfax Co,
VA on Aug 26.

Shorebird migration continues in full swing as it nears the end of its
second month. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was on the Patton turf farm in
Montgomery Co, MD on Aug 25. Two AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were at Hog
Island WMA, Surry Co, VA on Aug 25, 29, and 30 and two were on
Arlington Rd, Northampton Co, VA on Aug 29. Another AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER was in Raymond Pool, Bombay Hook NWR on Aug 24. Two
PIPING PLOVERS were found at Lighthouse Point, Cape Henlopen SP,
Sussex Co, DE on Aug 29. 

UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen in several spots. Two were in the plowed
potato fields on Rt 9 outside Bombay Hook NWR on Aug 26. Another
UPLAND was on the Central Sod Farm, John Brown Rd, Queen Annes Co, MD
on Aug 28 and 29. One UPLAND was seen on the former Yaros Sod Farm,
Northampton Co, VA on Aug 29 and one was at Hog Island WMA on Aug 29.

One MARBLED GODWIT was seen in Raymond Pool, Bombay Hook NWR on Aug 26
and 28. Two MARBLED GODWITS were spotted on Skimmer Island, Ocean
City, Worcester Co, MD on Aug 29.

Single BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were on the Central Sod Farm on Aug 28 and
29. Two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were in the King Georges Ponds, King George
Co, VA on Aug 29. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER sightings include a single
at Hog Island WMA on Aug 25, seven on Aug 29 and 13 on Aug 30. Two
BUFF-BREASTEDS were along Horner's Mill Rd near Leedstown,
Westmoreland Co, VA on Aug 29, and two birds were along Arlington Rd,
Northampton Co, VA on Aug 29. One BUFF-BREASTED was on the Central Sod
Farm on Aug 27 and 30, and one was at Fowler Beach, Sussex Co, DE on
Aug 27.  

A BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen at Bombay Hook's Shearness Pool during
the week with latest report from Aug 28.

Four SANDWICH TERNS were spotted on Skimmer Island on Aug 29. 

Migrating COMMON NIGHTHAWKS garnered attention throughout the area.

Perhaps as many as 4000 CHIMNEY SWIFTS were swirling in the skies near
the corner of Connecticut Av and Porter St NW, Washington DC on Aug
28. 

An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen on the Blue Mash trail, Montgomery
Co, MD on Aug 28. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS were seen throughout the
area including the Maintenance Yard, Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC
on Aug 27, Rockburn, Howard Co, MD on Aug 27, Ferry Neck, Dorchester
Co, MD on Aug 27, the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Howard Co,
MD on Aug 29, Taylor's Island, Dorchester Co, MD on Aug 29, and Turkey
Point, Elk Neck SP, Cecil Co, MD on Aug 28.

An ALDER FLYCATCHER was at the Rock Run Mill section of Susquehanna
SP, Harford Co, MD on Aug 25. LEAST FLYCATCHERS were seen at Ferry
Neck on Aug 27, Taylor's Island on Aug 29, Turkey Point on Aug 28,
Leesylvania SP, Prince William Co, VA on Aug 28, and Dyke Marsh,
Alexandria, VA on Aug 29.  

A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was found Aug 27 at Rockburn. Another was in
Wheaton Regional Park, Montgomery Co, MD on Aug 28.

Migrating warblers in good variety were enjoyed throughout the area. A
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was seen at Turkey Point on Aug 27. Another was
found at Patuxent Ponds Park, Anne Arundel Co, MD on Aug 27. A
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was spotted along Black Bottom Rd near
Millington WMA, Kent Co, MD on Aug 29. A CERULEAN WARBLER was seen in
Rock Creek Park in Washington on Aug 26. A female MOURNING WARBLER was
flushed along Elbon Rd, Kent Co, MD on Aug 30.

Very good spots for warblers this week included Rock Creek Park in DC,
Turkey Point, Leesylvania SP, and the Blue Ridge Center for
Environmental Stewardship in Loudoun Co, VA.

Five NUTMEG MANNIKINS were found in Claude Moore Park, Loudoun Co, VA
on Aug 29. This species is established only in certain sections of Los
Angeles; these birds are certainly released or escaped.

Some of this week's reports have been gleaned from the MDOsprey,
VA-Bird, and DE-Birds list servers. 

The Audubon Sanctuary Shop (301-652-3606,
http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/default.asp?page=511) is an excellent
source for guidebooks and many other nature-related titles.

To report bird sightings, e-mail your report to
voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org or call 301-652-1088 and select menu
option 2. Please post reports before midnight Monday, identify the
county as well as state, and include your name and a Tuesday morning
contact, either e-mail or phone. 

Thank you for calling, and GOOD BIRDING.

*Of interest to the records committee
Subject: Fw: [MDOSPREY] Buffie at John Brown Road
From: Joe Hanfman <auk1844 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:23:10 +0000
12:20 pm
The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still there at the same location.
Joe Hanfman
Columbia, Md
------Original Message------
From: Bill Hubick
Sender: MDosprey
To: MDosprey
ReplyTo: Bill Hubick
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Buffie at John Brown Road
Sent: Aug 30, 2010 4:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

Jim Green asked me to post that there's a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER in the field 
south of the house at Central Sod Farms (John Brown Road) at this time. 


Best,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland
bill_hubick AT yahoo.com
http://www.billhubick.com


Joe Hanfman Columbia, MD
Subject: Howard Co, MD - MPEA
From: Helen Patton <helen AT DATAPROMPT.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:19:35 -0400
Hi all,
I met Stephanie Lovell at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Howard Co, MD 
this morning. We birded the first trail (part of the Orange?) to the right at 
the intersection with the end of the Red Trail going through the meadow area 
and then down to the River and then meeting up with the Red Trail and 
continuing back to the initial intersection. We were fortunate to meet Scott 
Bergulund (sp?) and birded various sections with him - a good thing as his 
photos really helped id an immature American Redstart plus he was very generous 
in commenting on the various parts of the park and trails. Thanks, Scott. 

Highlights included:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4 Woodpecker species - Red-bellied, Downy, Northern Flicker and Pileated.
3 Flycatchers - Eastern Wood-pewee, Acadian and Great Crested.
1 or 2 Veery (making quiet Veer sounds)
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos
6 Warblers - Magnolia, Black-and-White, American Redstart (seen by all three of 
us), Ovenbird (seen by Helen and Stephanie), Canada (seen by Scott) and 
Wilson's (seen by all three). 

We left as it started to heat up.  A good walk in a beautiful park.
Helen


Helen Patton
429 Hamilton Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 588-5418
Subject: Rock Creek Park, Tuesday, 8/31
From: Wallace Kornack <wallace AT KORNACK.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:49:15 -0400
This morning (8/31) at Rock Creek Park with Jim Lemert.....

----Equitation Field
Magnolia Warbler
Empid.
Carolina Wren
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Mourning Dove
American Robin
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
White-breasted Nuthatch
Chimney Swift

----Ridge
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo     4+
Scarlet Tanager
Great Crested Flycatcher
Baltimore Oriole     3
Pileated Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Robin     10+
Eastern Wood-Pewee     2
White-breasted Nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse     8
Northern Cardinal     10+
Mourning Dove     2
Common Grackle
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Chimney Swift

Have Fun Birding!

Wallace Kornack
Washington  DC
Subject: Hoot Owls
From: Frank Boyle <ravenfrank AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:57:35 -0400
Finally, the Great Horned Owls are calling on our property.  I figure
that is one of the reasons the Eastern Screech Owls are so vocal
lately - they don't want to become a midnight snack.


******************************
Frank Boyle
Rohrersville, MD
ravenfrank AT gmail.com
******************************
Subject: Nighthawks -- Caroline County 8/30/10
From: Jim Brighton <jimbrighton3 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:52:09 -0400
This evening Jim Green and I sat for an hour at Kingston Landing from
7 till 8pm.  Best birds included a Cliff Swallow on the Talbot side of
the river and two common Nighthawks flying down the Caroline side of
the river.

Jim Brighton
Easton, MD
jimbrighton3 AT gmail.com
Subject: Hummingbird trapped in Westminster store
From: Felicia Lovelett <c5nest AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:47:51 -0400
Tonight around 7:40 PM while I was shopping at the Tractor Supply Company
store in Westminster, I saw a hummingbird flying inside the store.

The bird had apparently been in the store all day without food and was
unable to escape. It was flying across the warehouse ceiling and perching
briefly on the overhead pipes.

A customer had pointed out the hummingbird to store employees earlier, but
no one had thought to call a wildlife rehabilitation center or put up a
feeder.

I asked the store manager if I could attempt to lure the bird into a net
with a red lure lashed to a length or PVC ( I have actually netted a
hummingbird trapped in a bank barn in this manner), but he refused citing
liability concerns. I offered to go up the street and bring back some
hummingbird feeders to hang from the ceiling pipes, but the manager said
that the store would be closing in a few minutes. He said that he would
contact the store's owner Tuesday and would look into hanging up a feeder
and putting out seed.

It may be too late, but I intend to bring filled hummingbird feeders to the
store at 8AM. I will contact all the area wildlife rehabilatators tomorrow
morning.

If anyone has any ideas on how to help this bird or knows someone who might
have the authority to intervene, please let them know that a Ruby-throated
Hummingbird was trapped in the TSC store on 1151 Baltimore Blvd (Route 140)
in Westminster (410) 848-2060 as of 8 PM tonight.

Felicia Lovelett
Sykesville, MD
(410) 489-7169
Subject: Red-necked Phalarope---Boonsboro
From: Robert Parsons <rparsons AT EXCLUSIVERESORTS.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:36:28 -0600
Daniel and I drove up to Boonsboro this afternoon. We spent about an hour 
looking over the pond, but did not have any luck in finding the Red-necked 
Phalarope. We did see Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Least Sandpipers 
and Killdeer, along with the normal swallows. Although I have seen this bird 
before, I was looking forward to adding it to my state list. No luck today but 
nice to be out birding with my son. 


Robert Parsons
Subject: Mourning Warbler et al. W. Kent County 30 Aug 2010
From: Nancy Martin <borealdee AT BAYBROADBAND.NET>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:52:40 -0400
  Hi All,

I have been trying to get out most mornings of late for 1-2 hr walks. 
This morning featured 38 species including five warblers. These included 
single Chestnut-sided and Magnolia warblers, 3 yellowthroats, and a 
redstart. The best warbler was a young female MOURNING WARBLER I flushed 
out of the tickseed sunflower into young sweet gums along a path at the 
local successional meadow along Elbon Road. This was only the third of 
its kind in our nine years here at Chesapeake Landing. I also had a 
calling Veery at the landing on Mill Creek. I have appended my e-bird 
list  for today below my signature block.

After some errands in town Nancy and I stopped to check Great Oak Pond. 
Nancy is raising some buckeye caterpillars and has been harvesting 
English plantain for them near the pond. The summering drake RING-NECKED 
DUCK is still present in full chocolate-brown eclipse plumage. Also 
there today was a single young PIED-BILLED GREBE, scarce at Great Oak 
Pd, and scant numbers of three shorebird species: 4 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 
Least Sandpipers, and a Killdeer. Will this be the final hurrah for this 
summer's heat? The cicadas are beginning to sound tired.

Good birding,

Walter Ellison

23460 Clarissa Rd
Chestertown, MD 21620

410-778-9568

Observing Nature is like unwrapping a big pile of presents every time 
you take a walk.

e-bird list follows:

Location:     Chesapeake Landing
Observation date:     8/30/10
Notes: Clear, warm, humid with ground fog burning off, 68-76 deg F., windless. 
Second observer: Nancy Martin. Mourning Warbler was a first-fall female with 
buffy broken eye ring, yellow throat with a hint of a brownish hood border at 
the bottom, and long bright yellow under tail coverts. Foster's Tern appeared 
to be the same juvenile seen twice last week. 

Number of species:     38

Mallard     1
Great Blue Heron     2
Black Vulture     1
Forster's Tern     1
Mourning Dove     5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo     1
Chimney Swift     8
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     5
Red-bellied Woodpecker     7
Downy Woodpecker     1
Hairy Woodpecker     1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)     1
Eastern Wood-Pewee     3
Great Crested Flycatcher     1
Red-eyed Vireo     3
Blue Jay     3
American Crow     6
Purple Martin     3
Tree Swallow     4
swallow sp.     1
Carolina Chickadee     5
Tufted Titmouse     9
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
Carolina Wren     4
Veery     1
American Robin     1
Gray Catbird     1
European Starling     1
Cedar Waxwing     3
Chestnut-sided Warbler     1
Magnolia Warbler     1
American Redstart     1
Mourning Warbler     1
Common Yellowthroat     3
Northern Cardinal     18
Indigo Bunting     2
Red-winged Blackbird     23
House Finch     3
American Goldfinch     6
Subject: Central Sod Farm - Annapolis
From: Marcy Stutzman <marciastutzman AT NETSCAPE.NET>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:34:44 -0400
Having recently posted information in eBird from a visit to the Central Sod 
Farm on John Brown Road, I noticed a 2nd location (Swamp Circle Road, 
Churchton, MD) listed. I didn't recognize it and so I googled for more 
information. What I found on the Central Sod Farm webpage was a 3rd location in 
Annapolis at 1839 Pleasant Plains Rd, Annapolis, MD. I don't remember ever 
seeing any reports from there, so I was wondering if anyone birds the Annapolis 
location. If so, would you email me off line to tell me more about it? 


Thank you in advance,

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD
marciastutzman AT netscape.net
Subject: Buffie at John Brown Road
From: Bill Hubick <bill_hubick AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:29:54 -0700
Hi Everyone,

Jim Green asked me to post that there's a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER in the field 
south of the house at Central Sod Farms (John Brown Road) at this time. 


Best,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland
bill_hubick AT yahoo.com
http://www.billhubick.com
Subject: Washington County Phalarope—NO
From: Elliot Kirschbaum <kingfisher501 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:46:16 -0400
Four people looked for the phalarope at the Boonsboro sewage pond at about 
11:00 am today, but did not see it. 


-- 
Elliot

-- 
Elliot Kirschbaum
Shepherdstown, WV
kingfisher501 at gmail dot com
Subject: Re: Cylburn Arboretum & flats, 08/29/20
From: Kevin Graff <whitemarlin2001 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:36:38 -0700
correct date should be 08/29/10  not 08/29/20.   Sorry - Kevin Graff







      
Subject: Cylburn Arboretum & flats, 08/29/20
From: Kevin Graff <whitemarlin2001 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:35:42 -0700
Hi all,



08/29/10 - 830am-1050am
Cylburn Arboretum, Greenspring Ave., Cold Spring-Newtown section of Baltimore, 
MD (first of weekly walks) 


WEATHER: Sunny, 72-82 degrees, calm- WSW 6 mph
OBSERVERS: 5

Rock Pigeon - 2
Mourning Dove - 2
Chimney Swift - 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 3
Acadian Flycatcher - 1
Eastern Phoebe - 1
Blue Jay - 2
American Crow - 1
Tree Swallow - 2 (headed SW)
Carolina Chickadee - 1
Tufted Titmouse - 2
Carolina Wren - 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 3
Wood Thrush - 1
American Robin - 32
Gray Catbird - 4
Northern Mockingbird - 1
European Starling - 10
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1
American Redstart - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 7
Northern Cardinal - 3
Common Grackle - 4
Brown-headed Cowbird - 1
House Finch - 5
American Goldfinch - 4
House Sparrow - 1
SPECIES: 29
INDIVIDUALS: 103


08/29/10 - 1115am-1150am
Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats, Paper Mill Rd., Cockeysville, Baltimore 
Co., MD 


WEATHER: Sunny, 83-84 degrees, NW 4 mph- N 5 mph

Canada Goose - 177
Mallard - 2
Great Blue Heron - 4
Great Egret - 1
Turkey Vulture - 1
Semipalmated Plover - 5
Killdeer - 24
Spotted Sandpiper - 1
Solitary Sandpiper - 1
Greater Yellowlegs - 1
Lesser Yellowlegs - 12
Semipalmated Sandpiper - 161
Least Sandpiper - 6
White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 (still there, at far end on what left of the 
Mourning Dove - 2           pond, seen more often at Hart-Miller Island)
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1
Red-eyed Vireo - 1
Blue Jay - 2
American Crow - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 2
White-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 2
Gray Catbird - 4
European Starling - 1
Northern Cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 2
American Goldfinch - 2
SPECIES: 30
INDIVIDUALS: 424


    Kevin Graff
    Jarrettsville, MD
    WhiteMarlin2001 AT yahoo.com



      
Subject: Turkey Point, 08/28/10
From: Kevin Graff <whitemarlin2001 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:33:24 -0700
HI all,


 A very birdy day at Turkey Point early Saturday morning. Joined Monroe Harden 
part of the morning. I was doing a screech owl whistling to get the warblers 
down from the top and heard chickadee and titmice commotion at cliff edge near 
parking lot and heard the owl pretty close below somewhere down there. Bunch of 
chickadee, titmice and gnatcatchers making lots of commotion down there. 


 Very cool to see early migrants including Merlin about a mile north of state 
park around 615am going after the blackbird, Red-breasted Nuthatch near 
hawkwatch site and a Cape May Warbler at first patch of woods away from parking 
lot. 



08/28/10 - 625am-845am
Elk Neck SP--Turkey Point, Turkey Point Rd., North East, Cecil Co., MD

WEATHER: Fair, 56-69 degrees, NNW 4 mph- NNE 5 mph

Mallard - 1
Double-crested Cormorant - 6
Great Blue Heron - 2
Osprey - 1
Bald Eagle - 1
Merlin - 1 (going after blackbird, north of state park on way down)
Laughing Gull - 3
Ring-billed Gull - 3
Caspian Tern - 1
Mourning Dove - 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1
Eastern Screech Owl - 1 
Chimney Swift - 135
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 2
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker - 1
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 (I was expecting Olive-sided this time of
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 3          year)   
Least Flycatcher - 1
Eastern Phoebe - 1
Great Crested Flycatcher - 2
Eastern Kingbird - 2
Warbling Vireo - 1
Red-eyed Vireo - 3
Blue Jay - 2
American Crow - 2
Purple Martin - 1
Tree Swallow - 14
Barn Swallow - 6
Carolina Chickadee - 6
Tufted Titmouse - 9
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 (near hawkwatch site)
White-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 2
House Wren - 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 17
Eastern Bluebird - 6
American Robin - 2
Gray Catbird - 4
Northern Mockingbird - 2 (both high flying headed S)
Brown Thrasher - 1
European Starling - 9
Cedar Waxwing - 32
Blue-winged Warbler - 1
Tennessee Warbler - 1 (near parking lot)
Nashville Warbler - 1
Northern Parula - 4
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 8
Magnolia Warbler - 8
Cape May Warbler - 1 (very early!)
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 3
Black-throated Green Warbler - 1
Blackburnin Warbler - 1
Black-and-white Warbler - 2
American Redstart - 8
Ovenbird - 2
Common Yellowthroat - 4
Canada Warbler - 1
Scarlet Tanager - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 2
Northern Cardinal - 2
Bobolink - 3
Red-winged Blackbird - 6
Baltimore Oriole - 1
House Finch - 1
American Goldfinch - 14
SPECIES: 68
INDIVIDUALS: 374


    Kevin Graff
    Jarrettsville, MD
    WhiteMarlin2001 AT yahoo.com



      
Subject: Rock Creek Park, Monday, 8/30
From: Wallace Kornack <wallace AT KORNACK.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:02:30 -0400
This morning (8/30) at Rock Creek Park....

Warblers: Nashville, Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided, Redstart, Bay-breasted 
(possible) 


----Ridge
NASHVILLE WARBLER     (Jeff)
Blue-winged Warbler     (Jeff)
Chestnut-sided Warbler     2
Eastern Towhee
Reb-bellied Woodpecker
Common Grackle
American robin

----Equitation Field
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER      (Jeff)  possible
American Redstart
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Common Grackle
American Robin
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
White-breasted Nuthatch      
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     5
Mourning Dove
Red-eyed Vireo
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker
American Goldfinch
Eastern Kingbird     fly by
Chimney Swift      20+

----Maintenance Yard and its Parking Lot
Eastern Towhee
Pileated Woodpecker     2
American Robin 
Northern Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Common Grackle
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue Jay
American Goldfinch

Observers:  Jim Lemert, Jeff Shenot, Marty Hastings

Have Fun Birding!

Wallace Kornack
Washington DC

























ridge
Subject: Quiet today at Brookside Gardens
From: Gail Mackiernan <katahdinss AT COMCAST.NET>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:13:46 -0400
H all --

Early vet's appointment meant only time for about an hour at Brookside
Gardens and Wheaton Regional Park (which, being 5 minutes from our home, is
our back-up when we can't get to Rock Creek!).

Pretty quiet as expected with this settled weather, most birds seen were
probably off-passage. No sign of Saturday's Philly Vireo. Nevertheless a few
migrants and other birds of interest:

Green Heron - 2
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2
Eastern Wood-pewee - 2
Red-eyed Vireo - 3
Gray Catbird - 35+ (!)
Wood Thrush - 1
Black-and-White Warbler - 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 1
Magnolia Warbler - 7
Redstart - 1
Common Yellowthroat - 2
Chipping Sparrow - 4

Plus the usual...

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD
Subject: Yard birds
From: Rick Sussman <warblerick AT AOL.COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:07:05 -0400
Hi all,
 Last night, as I was out on the deck cooking, there were 3 Common Nighthawks 
flying circles over the yard and pool. They kept coming in lower, until I was 
nearly eye to eye with them as they swooped by the deck catching insects. Best 
views I've ever had of them. 


Also, lots of hummingbird action, with multiple birds at every feeder, all day 
long. They seem to be peaking now. And I was also entertained by more than one 
E. Wood Pewee, as they chased each other from the tallest perches, landed and 
then set out again in chase. Scope views in great light, with vocalizing. 


Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
Subject: Millington WMA - 8/29/10
From: dan small <daniel_m_small AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:25:40 -0700
I had a fun morning looking for migrants around Millington WMA in Kent County. 
By far the best birding was in the area off  Black Bottom Rd. Good birds 
included GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, Bay-breasted Warbler and Tennessee 
Warbler. Other highlights from Black Bottom Rd :

American Redstart-11
Magnolia Warbler-10
Chestnut-sided Warbler-5
Worm-eating Warbler-1
Northern Parula-2
Bay-breasted Warbler-1
Ovenbird-2
Canada Warbler-1
Golden-winged Warbler-1
Blue-winged Warbler-2
Tennessee Warbler-2
Black-throated Warbler- 1
Black and White Warbler-3
Prothotonary Warbler-2
Least Flycatcher-1
Traill's Flycatcher-1
Veery-2
Warbling Vireo-1

Dan Small
Chestertown, MD



Subject: Red-necked Phalarope at Boonsboro
From: Bob Ringler <ringler.bob AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:03:59 -0400
   I spent about 45 minutes this evening at the Boonsboro WWTP watching the
Red-necked Phalarope on the pond. It was still swimming there when I left at
6:35. Other shorebirds present were 4 Killdeer, one Spotted Sandpiper, one
Solitary Sandpiper, and four Least Sandpipers. Someone asked about previous
records of Red-necked Phalarope for Washingotn County. To the best of my
knowledge there are none.
Subject: Ho Co (Howard Conservancy and yard)
From: Bonnie and John Ott <bonnieott AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:18:08 -0400
Birded the Conservancy this morning and had an enormous flock of GOLDFINCH. I 
counted 300! I also had BOBOLINK in the field. A few warblers...most notable 
was BLUE-WING. 


In the yard today the highlights were BROAD-WING, OSPREY and NIGHTHAWK.

Bonnie

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD
Subject: Skimmer Island, OC 8/29
From: Colin McAllister <colin.mcallister AT MD.NACDNET.NET>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:35:12 -0400
Skimmer Island 8/29

Notable birds, 2 PM:

(2) Marbled Godwits (south side)
(4+) Sandwich Terns
(5+) Red Knots
(2) Oystercatchers
(4+) Black skimmers

Also present: Royal, Common, Forster's Terns, Semipalmated Plovers, 
Sanderlings, SB Dowitchers, Ruddy Turnstones, Pelicans and the usual gulls 

Subject: Dorchester/Wicomico Counties 8/29/10
From: Jim Brighton <jimbrighton3 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:49:03 -0400
John Hubbel and I spent the morning birding for migrants on Taylor's
Island in Dorchester County.  We were successful with Least and
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, and a variety of warblers including:

Blue-winged -- 2
Common Yellowthroat -- 10
American Redstart -- 20
Pine Warbler -- 71
Black-and-white Warbler -- 18
Canada Warbler -- 1
Ovenbird -- 4
Magnolia Warbler -- 3
Yellow Warbler -- 1
Worm-eating Warbler -- 1
Black-throated Blue Warbler -- 1
Prairie Warbler -- 1

Other migrants on the island included:

Least Flycatcher -- 2
Yellow-bellied FLycatcher -- 1
Swainson's Thrush -- 1
Bobolink -- 135
Baltimore Oriole -- 7

While working our way over towards Wicomico County we birded Kraft
Neck Rd in Dorchester.  Migrants included:

American Redstart -- 5
Magnolia Warbler -- 1
Swainson's Thrush -- 1

We birded Old Bradley Rd in Wicomico County.  Migrants included:

Blue-winged Warbler -- 1
Magnolia Warbler -- 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler -- 1
Baltimore Oriole -- 1

Jim Brighton
Easton, MD
jimbrighton3 AT gmail.com
http://jimbrighton.smugmug.com/
Subject: Re: Red-necked Phalarope yes
From: JB Churchill <jchurchi AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:24:41 -0400
On Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 2:55 PM, Stephen Horvath  wrote:
> The Red-necked Phalarope was at the sewage lagoon when I got there around 
10:30. Helen Patton kiny pointed out my lifer Red necked phalarope. Later on 
around 1:00 pm I went with two friends who also got a lifer. One was a middle 
schooler who was to new to birding to realize the significance of the bird we 
were looking at but it is a lifer for all of us great day for birding. 

> Stephen Horvath
> Hyatstown Md
>

It was still there as of 3:40 pm
J.B.

-- 
John B. Churchill
Frostburg, MD
http://www.westernmdbirding.com/
Subject: Contact information
From: Stephen Horvath <falcon85 AT PRODIGY.NET>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:03:17 -0400
Tomorrow I am headed to Brazil for six months. I cannot wait to see the bird 
life. Anyways it gets lonely when you do not speak the language so with Norms 
permission I am posting the links to my blog 
http://missionfieldbound.blogspot.com and for my pictures 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenhorvath. And I envite anybody to friend me 
on facebook as well. I will try to keep them up to date as best I can and I ook 
forward to chatting with anybody especially after the first month or so. 

Thanks
Stephen Horvath 
Hyattstown Md today
Manaus Brazil tomorrow
Subject: Red-necked Phalarope yes
From: Stephen Horvath <falcon85 AT PRODIGY.NET>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:55:10 -0400
The Red-necked Phalarope was at the sewage lagoon when I got there around 
10:30. Helen Patton kiny pointed out my lifer Red necked phalarope. Later on 
around 1:00 pm I went with two friends who also got a lifer. One was a middle 
schooler who was to new to birding to realize the significance of the bird we 
were looking at but it is a lifer for all of us great day for birding. 

Stephen Horvath 
Hyatstown Md
Subject: Re: Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher MPEA
From: June Tveekrem <tweekiebird AT SOUTHERNSPREADWING.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:57:53 -0400
  On 8/29/2010 12:54 PM, Kurt R. Schwarz wrote:

> Certain parties will be happy to know I've gotten my behind on eBird.


I imagine people are more interested in the birds than your behind, 
but it's nice you've gotten on eBird. I have yet to do the same.

June

-- 
June Tveekrem
Columbia, Howard Co, MD
tweekiebird|AT|southernspreadwing.com
Subject: Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher MPEA
From: "Kurt R. Schwarz" <goawaybird AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:54:20 -0400
A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher showed briefly this morning at 9:30 along the river 
in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Trotter Rd. loop. I only had a brief 
glimpse, without sufficient time to get my companion on it. But it was an empid 
with a bright yellow belly. We proceeded counter clockwise on the loop, 
proceeding upstream from the right of way that you accesses if you take the 
trail to the right. The bird was at a stream crossing, I saw it from a bridge. 
I do not recall which. 


Otherwise it was a nice, birdy morning, with a good selection of migrants and 
usual suspects. 


Certain parties will be happy to know I've gotten my behind on eBird.

Location:     Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
Observation date:     8/29/10
Number of species:     41

Accipiter sp. 2 The two were together, moving too fast to assess species. 

Red-shouldered Hawk     1
Mourning Dove     6
Yellow-billed Cuckoo     1
Chimney Swift     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird     3
Belted Kingfisher     1
Red-bellied Woodpecker     7
Downy Woodpecker     2
Hairy Woodpecker     2
Northern Flicker     3
Eastern Wood-Pewee     11
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 A life bird, long sought. Guess I need to get out 
in August more! 

Empidonax sp.     5     Silent empids!
Great Crested Flycatcher     1
White-eyed Vireo 2 On bird had virtually no tail. I did not get a look at the 
eye so could not assess age. The song, however, clinched the identification. 

Yellow-throated Vireo     1
Red-eyed Vireo     23
Blue Jay     18
American Crow     6
Carolina Chickadee     14
Tufted Titmouse     16
White-breasted Nuthatch     6
Carolina Wren     14
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     6
Veery     2
Wood Thrush     1
American Robin     19
Gray Catbird     19
Blue-winged Warbler 1 One of our first birds of the morning, a very nice start. 

Northern Parula     1
Chestnut-sided Warbler     2
Magnolia Warbler     9     No adult males.
Black-and-white Warbler     6     No adult males.
American Redstart     4     No adult males
Ovenbird     3     All seen!
Common Yellowthroat     1
Canada Warbler     1
Eastern Towhee     5
Northern Cardinal     15
Baltimore Oriole     1
House Finch     2
American Goldfinch     11

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Subject: RN Phalarope
From: "Strobel, Warren" <wstrobel AT MCCLATCHYDC.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:48:02 -0400
Thanks for all the responses. Bird still here at Boonsboro Sewage Plant at 
12:30 


Warren and Lisa Strobel
Subject: Montgomery County August Big Day, 8/28
From: Robert Ostrowski <rjostrowski AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:25:51 -0400
August Big Days ARE hard, yet my brother Mike and I attempted one 
yesterday...and limited ourselves to a single county on the piedmont. 
It's a simple and obvious fact that most birds don't sing in the fall. 
This means those birds that are essentially gimmies in the spring like 
Yellow-throated Vireos and Scarlet Tanagers will in the fall, most of 
the time, just stare at you from the canopy while you phish at the 
chickadees and titmouse in the foreground. Only a little curious at what 
the phishing is about, these birds are mainly just embarrassed for you.

This was my first attempt at a Big Day outside of May and the extra 
challenges are what made it really enjoyable. In May, my feeling is that 
it's more about frantically trying to see the highest amount of 
migrants, often colorful and vocal, that are pouring through the state, 
where as August is more about, ok what rock is the single hen Common 
Merganser in the county sitting on today.

With all the challenges of birding the piedmont in August, I'm very 
happy with how well we did. At the end of the day, we had found 106 
birds in Montgomery. The slight weather change a few days ago that 
brought in more warblers helped, but what really pumped up our number 
was getting all the expected/year-around resident type birds, and also 
the complimentary groups, like swallows and waders.

Some of the birds:

Waders:
Great Blue Heron
Little Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron - seen after dark at a staked out spot. We 
did not spotlight the bird.

Part of our strategy was to be at Hughes Hollow at dawn to make sure we 
got the maximum number of waders and it worked. With the possible 
exceptions of American Bittern and White Ibis, which Paul Woodward saw 
earlier in the week, we didn't miss any half-expected waders. Glossy 
Ibis, Cattle Egret, and Tricolored Heron are all megas in Montgomery 
County and can't be expected whatsoever. Snowy Egret is a very good bird 
in the county which people might be losing sight of since this bird has 
been hanging around spoiling us this fall. I wondered if this was the 
most waders anyone has ever seen in a single day on the piedmont. It's 
impossible to say, but we were very happy with our list.

Warblers (14):
Blue-winged Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Prothonotary Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
WILSON'S WARBLER
Canada Warbler

We had already planned on doing the Big Day on Saturday and we were 
going to take whatever warblers the bird gods threw at us, but it was 
really encouraging to see that the warblers made a strong push late last 
week. The majority of our warblers came at Hughes Hollow in the morning 
and Little Bennett in the evening, but we had others sprinkled around 
the county all day. Wilson's Warbler was highlight of this group. I've 
been mired in a Wilson's Warbler drought the last two years and it was 
GREAT to finally be relieved. I suspect I will see them on every outing 
now. Despite seeing 14 warblers in August in Montgomery County, I still 
feel like it was only an average day for warblers and other reports from 
the Western Shore seem to confirm this suspicion. We had to put in a ton 
of work for those 14 and some of the commoner species didn't come until 
so late that we were nervous about missing Black-and-white and Northern 
Parula.

Shorebirds (8):
Killdeer
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
American Woodcock

Shorebirds were an adventure. We had scouted Summit Hall Turf Farm the 
night before to see if the long walk down the towpath was worth the 
time-waste on a Big Day. The sections of dirt only held Killdeer but 
there was a big puddle in the grass that was made by the sprinklers, 
which held Lesser Yellowlegs, peeps, and some birds of in-between sizes. 
The group was scared off by either me or a raptor so I didn't get the 
chance to make all the IDs, but it was clearly good enough to warrant a 
trip the next day. So on Saturday, we make our long walk down the tow 
path, scope the turf farm and there is nothing. Not even Killdeer. All 
the sprinklers are on and workers are everywhere. I think my eBird list 
for the stop is Barn Swallow (1) and Red-shouldered Hawk (1). This stop 
gave us 0 new birds on the day and took an hour.

Luckily we had also scouted the North End of Lake Needwood and 
discovered excellent shorebird habitat. The numbers were high: ~20 Least 
Sandpipers, 11 Solitary Sandpipers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, and 2 Lesser 
Yellowlegs. That was good enough to keep our list from being shamefully 
low. We would patch things up when we reached Blue Mash but not without 
some more heart palpitations. A large flock of shorebirds on the 
landfill pond was present and immediately scared up by a Cooper's Hawk. 
We watched with horror as the mass of shorebirds flew over the landfill 
seemingly to never return. We resolved to walk the trails and come back 
before we left. As we were doing that, we saw 10 or so peeps flying back 
towards the pond, which raised our spirits again, and when we returned, 
we found 5 Semipalmated Sandpipers, 5 Least Sandpipers, 1 Pectoral 
Sandpiper, and many Killdeer. This number was still lower than the mass 
that flew off when we arrived (which probably included Semipalmanted 
Plovers that John Pangborn found earlier in the day), but we were happy 
with what we got.

The American Woodcocks we found at dawn flying over the impoundments at 
Hughes Hollow, heading from the direction of Sycamore Landing, where 
we've often had them. Patton Turf Farm was largely devoid of life, 
excepting the American Kestrels which were a day bird. We actually ran 
into Dave Czaplak who was on his way to view the turf farm from the 
Virginia side. We agreed to share with each other anything good we saw, 
but I knew I couldn't act on his info because of the Big Day rule 
restrictions. I wanted him to find Baird's and Buff-breasted, but only 
if we found it first. :-) I assume he had results similar to ours 
because I didn't get any word yesterday.

Waterfowl and friends:
Double-crested Cormorant
Pied-billed Grebe
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal

Waterfowl is a fun group in August because for the vast majority only 
the vanguard are arriving in Maryland. We were very satisfied with 
picking up both teal (especially GWTE) at Blue Mash, as well as 
Pied-billed Grebe (nice spot by Mike at Violette's), and the 2-3 mile 
distant swan, also scoped from Violette's. There are several other 
waterfowl that you can find in late August, but they have to be 
considered a bonus, like the Northern Shovelers Dave Czaplak had on the 
river last week.

A few other notables:
Bobolink - a small flight around 4AM. Big numbers later on the landfill 
at Blue Mash.
Veery - one migrant on the Kingsley Trail at Little Bennett
Merlin - our first of the season, gliding just 15 feet overhead at 
Little Bennett.

Notable misses:
-Grasshopper Sparrow - after scouring the county the last two days, I'm 
really confident that those which are still in the county have become 
entirely silent and secretive.
-Eastern Meadowlark
-Common Raven
-Orchard Oriole
-etc

At the end of the day we were trying to put our success into 
perspective. Here's one way to look at it: the all-time Maryland (state 
wide) Big Day record is 214 set in May, while the all-time record in 
August is 159. So getting 106 in Montgomery in August was something we 
are happy about. If you wanted to crudely convert to see what we would 
have gotten in spring, you could take 106/159=66% and multiply that by 
the May Big Day record of 214 and get 142.6. Again, it's crude, but it's 
one way of understanding the numbers.


Robert Ostrowski
Crofton, MD
rjostrowski AT gmail.com
Subject: Re: RFI RN Phalarope
From: mike burchett <mikeburchett23 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:57:00 -0400
RNPh still present as of 11:50 am.

MKB

On Aug 29, 2010 10:32 AM, "Elaine Hendricks"  wrote:
> Present as of 10:30 AM. Drive down the gravel road to the right
> (behind the sign) and park at the end, overlooking the sewage pond.
>
> Elaine Hendricks
> Greenbelt, MD
>
>
> On Sunday, August 29, 2010, Warren Strobel 
wrote:
>> Has anyone been out to Boonsboro to check for the RN Phalarope? Lisa and
I thought we might head out that way... will report in later...
>>
>> Many thanks
>> Warren and Lisa Strobel
>> Annapolis, MD
>> www.birdcouple.com
>>
>
> --
> Elaine Hendricks
> Greenbelt, MD (PG County)
> ehendric48 AT gmail.com
Subject: Re: Morgan Run addendum
From: Gerald & Laura Tarbell <birdersforever AT EROLS.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:48:41 -0400
Better optics are worth the extra $. We just close-focused a young male
hummer from 4-5 ft away while he was feeding. Laura got to see a little spot
of red on his chest when he turned toward her. We couldn't have done this
with our old binocs. Neat!

Jerry Tarbell
Carroll County
Subject: Washington Co Phalarope - Yes
From: Helen Patton <helen AT DATAPROMPT.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:34:21 -0400
Hi all,
I was at the Boonsboro WWTP, Washington Co, MD this morning at about 9:45. My 
first scan of the pond revealed Tree and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. As I 
was walking back to my car, I decided to look one more time, and the Red-necked 
Phalarope was there swimming and catching some sort of insects. Her was still 
there when another birder named Steve showed up. He got to see the bird also. 

Helen

Helen Patton
429 Hamilton Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(301) 588-5418
Subject: Morgan Run
From: Gerald & Laura Tarbell <birdersforever AT EROLS.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:13:38 -0400
Needed a warbler fix and Morgan Run is probably the most reliable place
around here for fall migration, although one year I found a Wilson's at
Hashawa on the fall count. Sorry to report that my warblers have either
forgotten about this place, can't find it any more or don't like me. Take
your pick.

The only 2 warblers were BLACK-THROATED GREEN and BLACK-AND-WHITE. Both
found down near the pond.

Also found a flycatcher hawking bugs back past the pond at the second (and
last) old field on the right. Close as I could get, my theory is that I had
an OLIVE-SIDED. I could see dark sides and he was bigger than an empy. He
was settling at the top of a dead tree and  was having an occasional snit
with a GREAT-CRESTED that didn't seem to want him around. If any locals want
to try to confirm my theory, go to the pond, keep walking and turn right at
the row of trees separating the two old fields that are now starting to look
very shrubby.

Also had a brown raptor that might have been a BARRED OWL, if he had just
flown someplace where I could get a better look. He sorta acted like one.

Here at the house we had a nice look at a male BALTIMORE ORIOLE this
AM(before I left) and the hummers have got Laura putting up more feeders to
try to cut down the wars. Like that's possible. These nasty little thugs
would take food away from their own grandmother and probably have.
    Is there a rational reason why the feeders have 6 ports? Only one ever
can be used at a time. Sharing don't happen here.

And we had a BLACK SWALLOWTAIL among the usual butterflies at the bush this
AM. We looked it up to be sure it wasn't a female Tiger.

Jerry Tarbell
Watching birds and bugs in Carroll County
Subject: Re: RFI RN Phalarope
From: Elaine Hendricks <ehendric48 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:32:16 -0400
Present as of 10:30 AM.  Drive down the gravel road to the right
(behind the sign) and park at the end, overlooking the sewage pond.

Elaine Hendricks
Greenbelt, MD


On Sunday, August 29, 2010, Warren Strobel  wrote:
> Has anyone been out to Boonsboro to check for the RN Phalarope? Lisa and I 
thought we might head out that way... will report in later... 

>
> Many thanks
> Warren and Lisa Strobel
> Annapolis, MD
> www.birdcouple.com
>

-- 
Elaine Hendricks
Greenbelt, MD  (PG County)
ehendric48 AT gmail.com
Subject: RFI RN Phalarope
From: Warren Strobel <wstrobel AT MCCLATCHYDC.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:25:59 -0400
Has anyone been out to Boonsboro to check for the RN Phalarope? Lisa and I 
thought we might head out that way... will report in later... 


Many thanks
Warren and Lisa Strobel
Annapolis, MD
www.birdcouple.com
Subject: Migrants Sunday at Brookside & Wheaton Regional Park
From: Rob Hilton <aimophila10 AT YAHOO.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:26:37 -0700
Lisa and I went to Wheaton Region Park today.  We did not see the Philadelphia 
Vireo reported by Gail McKiernan yesterday, but we did see 

Green Heron - 1Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1Belted Kingfisher - 1Eastern 
Wood-pewee - 1Acadian Flycatcher - 4, what appeared to be a family 
groupRed-eyed Vireo - 2Magnolia Warbler - 1Chestnut-sided Warbler - 
2Black-and-White Warbler - 1American Redstart - 1Common Yellowthroat - 1 

A Carolina Wren appeared to be bathing in the dew.  A tail-less House Wren was 
near it.   

Rob HiltonSilver Spring



Subject: Rock Creek Park, Sunday, 8/29
From: Wallace Kornack <wallace AT KORNACK.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:21:39 -0400
This morning (8/29) at Rock Creek Park....

---Equitation Field
Red-eyed Vireo     2
Chimney Swift     10+
Eastern Wood-Pewee
American Robin     3
Mourning Dove     2
Tufted Titmouse     3
Common Grackle     4
Red-bellied Woodpecker     2
White-breasted Nuthatch     3
Carolina Chickadee
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher      5

----Ridge
Black-throated Green Warbler
Tennessee Warbler      Possible
Baltimore Oriole     2
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     3+
Red-eyed Vireo     6+
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Tufted Titmouse     3
American Goldfinch

----Maintenance Yard Parking Lot
Baltimore Oriole
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
White-breasted nuthatch

Observers:  Brad Bukema, Marge Rachlin, Evelyn Ralston

Have Fun Birding!

Wallace Kornack
Washington  DC
Subject: Re: QA County--Central Sod Farm
From: Jeff Shenot <jugbay AT MSN.COM>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:18:55 -0400
An Upland was feeding and occasionally visible in the sod farm this morning , 
in the fields east of the road . Also had a cliff swallow and bobolinks. I 
briefly had a Baird's with 81 killdeer in the field off the other end of farm 
at cherry lane. 


Jeff Shenot
Croom Md
Subject: Re: Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant.
From: JB Churchill <jchurchi AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:32:05 -0400
On Sat, Aug 28, 2010 at 10:08 PM, Bob Ringler  wrote:
>   The Boonsboro sewage ponds can be seen on the DeLorme map 71D6 off Monroe
> Road west of town.
>

FWIW - if you don't have the DeLorme Map you can also see it on Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=boonsboro%20MD

Just west and a little tiny bit south of town as bob mentioned.

Good Luck if you go.

J.B.



> On Sat, Aug 28, 2010 at 7:52 PM, Stephen Horvath wrote:
>
>> I just made the 45 minute trip to Boonesboro for my life Red-necked
>> Phalarope but I was unable to find the sewage ponds can anybody provide an
>> address and I will try to look tomorrow. Thanks
>> Stephen Horvath Hyattstown Md
>>
>
Subject: QA County--Central Sod Farm
From: Amanda Spears <amandacamille144 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:19:37 -0400
Hey, I have a quick update on the shorebird staus at the Central Sod Farm on
John Brown Rd. After a through scan, only 2 Uplands were present south of
the building, on the far side of the plowed section.  The Least Sands and
Killdeer seemed to concentrate on the plowed field north of the building and
adjacent to the corn.  But after a miss on the Buff-breasts and Baird's, I
willingly settled on the Common Nighthawk that flew low overhead, heading
east.  The short, full list is seen below.

Location:     Central Sod Farm
Observation date:     8/28/10
Number of species:     11

Killdeer     85
Upland Sandpiper     2     Seen in SW field  on the far side of the plowed
section.
Least Sandpiper     44     Checked thoroughly for previously reported BBSAs
and BASA.
Laughing Gull     10
Common Nighthawk     1     Surprise! Seen flying low overhead, traveling
east.
American Crow     8
Horned Lark     4
Barn Swallow     2
European Starling     60
American Redstart     1
Chipping Sparrow     1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)


On the way home to Chestertown there was another Nighthawk flying fairly low
and eastward at the intersection of 213 and Flat Iron Sq Rd.

Keep looking up!

Amanda Spears
Chestertown
Subject: Blue mash correct blue Grosbeak location
From: John Pangborn <pangborn.john19 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:29:13 -0400
http://m.google.com/u/m/wWXb7F
Subject: Re: Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant.
From: Bob Ringler <ringler.bob AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:08:44 -0400
   The Boonsboro sewage ponds can be seen on the DeLorme map 71D6 off Monroe
Road west of town.

On Sat, Aug 28, 2010 at 7:52 PM, Stephen Horvath wrote:

> I just made the 45 minute trip to Boonesboro for my life Red-necked
> Phalarope but I was unable to find the sewage ponds can anybody provide an
> address and I will try to look tomorrow. Thanks
> Stephen Horvath Hyattstown Md
>
Subject: Swifts, Nighthawks, and more
From: Donald Sweig <skybirds.d AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:08:13 -0400
I drove over to Cleveland Park in D.C.tonight to check on the Chimney Swifts
reported there last weekend.  By about 7:20-30, I found a fairly large
group  of Swifts swarming over the large apartment building at the
N.E.corner of Conn.Ave and Porter St. (Good views from the sidewalk by the
gas station across the street.)   The birds started going into the large
chimney on the roof about 7:40 (about 5 minutes before sunset) and continued
going in until I left abut 8:15, when only a few birds were left.  All
tolled, this was perhaps the largest single group of swifts I have ever
seen; there were at least 2,500 to 3,000 birds, and there could easily have
been 4,000 or more. A lot of birds. This is a busy urban corner with lots of
traffic and noise, but the birds were easy to see over the building in any
event.
 From there I drove downtown, parked by the Supreme Court building and
walked across to the East Plaza of the United States Capitol, where I  found
at least 40  Common Nighthawks swirling around in the lights on the Capitol
Dome.  They were not too high up and afforded good views., I stopped briefly
at the Air Force Memorial (on the hill over the Pentagon) on the way home,
where I found 8 -10 nighthawks in the lights there. But they were all very
high and difficult to find, even with binoculars.  Not a bad birding day at
all,especially with the lovely female Blackburnian warbler I saw in a
friend's yard about 10:30 this morning. I plan on re-checking the swifts and
the Capitol Nighthawks again tomorrow evening.
-- 
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
Subject: Chimney Swift Diplomacy
From: Alisa Glassman and Mike Mangiaracina <alisaglassman AT MSN.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:01:36 -0400
We decided to sit outside for dinner at the Thai restaurant in Cleveland Park 
tonight, adjacent to the massive chimney swift roost at the Broodmoor building. 
We had front row seats throughout dinner for another great swift show 
(estimates failed us, but there were thousands). As we ate, more and more 
people began asking us what we were looking at, and why did we have binoculars 
at dinner? We ended up talking about swifts and migration to many people, and 
passing our binoculars around to just about everyone dining outside and to a 
few curious people walking by on the sidewalk as well. It was really cool 
sharing this experience with a bunch of strangers, and seeing people notice 
some birds for the first time. Hooray for chimney swifts! 


Mike and Alisa
Subject: White-rumped Sandpiper at Paper Mill Flats
From: Keith Costley <oriolekec1 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:06:02 -0400
I saw a White-rumped Sandpiper at Paper Mill Flats this afternoon. Other
shorebirds listed included Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Solitary
Sandpiper, Greater YellowlegsLesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper and
Least Sandpiper.

Location:     Loch Raven Reservoir--Paper Mill Flats
Observation date:     8/28/10
Number of species:     20

Canada Goose     197
Great Blue Heron     2
Great Egret     1
Semipalmated Plover     6
Killdeer     27
Solitary Sandpiper     1
Greater Yellowlegs     1
Lesser Yellowlegs     9
Semipalmated Sandpiper     175
Least Sandpiper     3
White-rumped Sandpiper     1
Belted Kingfisher     1
Red-eyed Vireo     1
Blue Jay     1
American Crow     1
White-breasted Nuthatch     1
Carolina Wren     4
Gray Catbird     3
Northern Cardinal     2
American Goldfinch     2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Keith Eric Costley
OrioleKEC1 AT comcast.net
Randallstown, Baltimore County
Subject: Poplar Island 8/17/2010 pics
From: Stephen Horvath <falcon85 AT PRODIGY.NET>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:26:53 -0400
I have been having trouble with my login for mdosprey so this info is kind of 
belated. I got some descent photos at Poplar Island on the 17th of August they 
are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenhorvath/ if anybody wants to see 
them. 

Subject: Chug-a-lug
From: Gerald & Laura Tarbell <birdersforever AT EROLS.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:01:56 -0400
Getting hard to keep the feeders full around here. Was just sitting out
front and a female Hummer came into the feeder for a bit and then hovered
over the railing and stared at me for a while from a distance of about two
feet. I could have offered my finger for a perch. Not sure what her problem
was but a minute later a young male hovered just over the railing to my left
(opposite side as the feeder). Am I that cute to stare at?

I know they need to fuel up but I'm wondering if I should make diet feed for
them. They're starting get chubby. And so far nobody has been hurt in the
battles, including me.

Jerry Tarbell
Enjoying my little buddies in Carroll County
Subject: Directions to Boonesboro treatment plant.
From: Stephen Horvath <falcon85 AT PRODIGY.NET>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:52:42 -0400
I just made the 45 minute trip to Boonesboro for my life Red-necked Phalarope 
but I was unable to find the sewage ponds can anybody provide an address and I 
will try to look tomorrow. Thanks 

Stephen Horvath Hyattstown Md
Subject: Blue Mash trail olive sided Flycatcher & shorebirds
From: John Pangborn <pangborn.john19 AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:19:01 -0400
Olive Sided Flycatcher 
Go down the gravel road to the first trail to your right. continue past the 
zion road pond. Turn left and go to the gate. The Flycatcher was seen on the 
left. In the dead tree. 


http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39.199628%2c-77.105452&z=18

Blue Grosbeak
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39.197491%2c-77.102445&z=20

landfill pond 
Blue  winged Teal
Solitary Sandpiper 
Spotted Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper 12
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover 
Lesser Yellowlegs 4
Killdeer
Mallard
Canada Goose
Wood Duck 

northern Mockingbird
Mourning Dove
Starling
Indigo Bunting
Field Sparrow
Blue Gray Gnatcatcher
northern Cardinal
Amercan Goldfinch 
Eastern Wood-Pewee
White Breasted Nuthatch 
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Cedar Waxwing
White Eyed Vireo
Great Egret
Eastern Towhee 
Subject: CVP afternoon stroll
From: PAUL NOELL <myconut AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:18:16 -0400
After being idled for several weeks with a bad back, I decided to take an
afternoon constitutional at Cromwell Valley Park. As with earlier posts,
I found the bird activity at a lull. My new SongFinder did pick up some
birds, the most noted being CATBIRDS and CAROLINA WRENS in a
virtual tie. Several WARBLING VIREO's were also noted, in addition to
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, BLUE JAY, C. CHICKADEE and 
A. ROBIN.

An extended loop to the east was unproductive as I endured  warm and
humid, windless conditions. Part of the return circuit was through the
shaded woods, where numerous clucks and chips were beyond my ex-
pertise. As I rested on a bench at the woods edge, I was treated to a call
at once familiar but odd-sounding. Finally, I decided it was the maniacal
rendering of the PILEATED WOODPECKER. Just then, I spotted a fair-
ly large bird in the distance, headed for a far ridge. After getting it in my
binoculars, I saw it was, indeed, my woodpecker friend. As I returned to
my car, I was diverted by the feeding antics of several GOLDFINCH and,
lastly, a sudden burst of activity by the RUBY-THROATED HUMMER.

Paul Noell
Balto.  MD
myconut AT verizon.net 
Subject: RN Phalarope Boonsboro
From: JB Churchill <jchurchi AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:16:17 -0400
I just got a second hand report of a Red-necked Phalarope at the
Boonsboro treatment ponds (where Brad found the Black Tern recently).
Jim Green just now called to let me know about it. Another great find
by Brad Lanning.

J.B.
-- 
John B. Churchill
Frostburg, MD
http://www.westernmdbirding.com/
Subject: Ho Co (Western Regional park)
From: Bonnie and John Ott <bonnieott AT VERIZON.NET>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:41:19 -0400
We birded WRP this morning and the bird activity was very disappointing. After 
yesterday's bonanza we had 0 migrants. 

The pond had a small assortment of shorebirds. LEAST, SEMI-PALM, G YELLOWLEGS, 
SOLITARY......GREAT EGRET. 


We did have 7 BLUE GROSBEAKS.

The new paved path system is very well done. They have moved a nice area 
through the "good"sparrow field and improved the trails through the woods. Very 
conducive to birding. 

We did find a Saddleback caterpillar which was exciting.

http://flic.kr/p/8w5fiX

Bonnie

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD
Subject: RN Phalarope at Boonsboro
From: Bob Ringler <ringler.bob AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:46:32 -0400
   I just received a message from Brad Lanning by way of Jim Green that a
Red-necked Phalarope is at the Boonsboro sewage lagoons now.