CHIP NOTES

The newsletter of the Baltimore Bird Club

Aug-Sept 2001 -- Online Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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May Count 2001
by Steve Sanford

Organized by Michele Melia - Compiled by Steve Sanford

The May Count for Baltimore City and County was held May 12, 2001. 51 people in 21 parties participated and observed 160 species of birds. This is pretty respectable considering that migration was generally very lean this spring, perhaps because of a persistent high pressure system that may have encouraged the migrants to fly right through our area without stopping.

Perhaps the most noteworthy species were: a Golden-winged Warbler seen by Scott Crabtree's party at Leakin Park; a Summer Tanager seen by Keith Eric Costley back at it's now traditional location at Soldiers Delight; and a Lesser Black-backed Gull seen by Gene Scarpulla's party at Hart-Miller Island. Species that were seen by one party only are marked in the list with an asterisk. Not surprisingly 21 of 42 were seen by the Hart-Miller group - mainly shorebirds and waterfowl, but a few land birds also, including Blue-headed Vireo and Pipit. Gene remarked that there was somewhat of a land bird fallout on the island. Some other notable species were Wilson's Warbler, seen by 3 parties, Least Flycatcher seen by 2, and a good supply of Bobolinks (248). Some surprising low counts were Common Loon, Green Heron, Canada Warbler, Chat, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Surprisingly absent were Great Egret, and Laughing Gull. Sadly, the low number of Meadowlarks, Pheasants, and absence of Bobwhites is no longer surprising due to the deterioration of suitable rural habitat.

It was a pretty decent day weather-wise: mostly sunny in the morning to fairly cloudy in the afternoon with brief light showers for a few parties. Temperatures ranged from the low 60's in the early morning to around 80° in the afternoon, except for 90° on Hart-Miller Island. Winds were light from the southwest in the morning, turning to northwesterly in the afternoon from 10 to 20 mph in some areas.

We certainly thank our counters: Bill Ballfour, Anne Brooks, Don Burggraf, Brent Byers, Mary Byers, Mary Jo Campbell, Keith Eric Costley, Scott Crabtree, Ruth Culbertson, Ralph Cullison, Bob Dixon, JoAnn Dreyer, Gail Frantz, Helene Gardel, Shirley Geddes, Kevin Graff, Josie Gray, Linda Groff, Dot Gustafson, Jim Highsaw, Rob Holtz, Kye Jenkins, Sukon Kanchanaraksa, Elliot Kirschbaum, Nancy Kirschbaum, Elise Kreiss, Paul Kreiss, Peter Lev, John Maloney, Michele Melia, Jim Meyers, John Meyers, Sharon Morell, Paul Noell, Eric Perlman, Patsy Perlman, Linda Prentice, George Rill, Brian Rollfinke, Steve Sanford, Jean Sawyer, Gene Scarpulla, Carol Schreter, Ed Smith, Betty Strauss, Debbie Terry, Drew Thornblad, David Thorndill, Darlene Valentine, Pete Webb, Marion Wilson.

May Count Results
Baltimore City and County - May 12, 2001

* = species seen by one party only

Common Loon *                     1
Double-crested Cormorant        116
Great Blue Heron                 56
Snowy Egret *                     3
Cattle Egret *                   14
Green Heron                       2
Black-crowned Night-Heron *       1
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron *      1
Glossy Ibis *                     8
Black Vulture                    14
Turkey Vulture                   84
Canada Goose                    279

Wood Duck                        37
Gadwall *                         3
American Black Duck *             2
Mallard                         215
Greater Scaup *                   6
Ruddy Duck *                      1

Osprey                           19
Bald Eagle *                      2
Northern Harrier *                1
Sharp-shinned Hawk                5
Cooper's Hawk                     2
Red-shouldered Hawk               4

Broad-winged Hawk                 3
Red-tailed Hawk                  29
American Kestrel                  3
Peregrine Falcon *                2
Ring-necked Pheasant *            1
Wild Turkey *                     2

Black-bellied Plover *           10
Semipalmated Plover *            21
Killdeer                         51
Greater Yellowlegs *              6
Lesser Yellowlegs                 9
Solitary Sandpiper               65

Spotted Sandpiper                34
Red Knot *                        2
Semipalmated Sandpiper            5
Western Sandpiper                15
Least Sandpiper                  59
peep sp                          73

Dunlin *                        164
Short-billed Dowitcher *          2
Long-billed Dowitcher *           1
Ring-billed Gull                 56
Herring Gull                   1328
Lesser Black-backed Gull *        1

Great Black-backed Gull         258
Caspian Tern *                  153
Royal Tern *                      2
Least Tern *                      8
Rock Dove                        77
Mourning Dove                   219

Yellow-billed Cuckoo              3
Barred Owl                        2
Common Nighthawk *                1
Whip-poor-will *                  2
Chimney Swift                   127
Ruby-throated Hummingbird        18

Belted Kingfisher                 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker          178
Downy Woodpecker                 35
Hairy Woodpecker                  5
Northern Flicker                 32
Pileated Woodpecker               8

Eastern Wood-Pewee               50
Acadian Flycatcher               83
Willow Flycatcher                 2
Least Flycatcher                  2
Eastern Phoebe                   44
Great Crested Flycatcher         62

Eastern Kingbird                 79
White-eyed Vireo                 36
Yellow-throated Vireo            15
Blue-headed Vireo *               2
Warbling Vireo                   39
Red-eyed Vireo                  294

Blue Jay                        120
American Crow                   483
Fish Crow                        16
Crow sp                          37
Horned Lark *                     1
Purple Martin                     5

Tree Swallow                     64
Northern Rough-wing Swallow     116
Cliff Swallow                    36
Barn Swallow                    299
Carolina Chickadee              138
Tufted Titmouse                 178

White-breasted Nuthatch          27
Carolina Wren                   120
House Wren                       69
Marsh Wren                       12
Ruby-crowned Kinglet *            2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher            93

Eastern Bluebird                 71
Veery                            36
Swainson's Thrush                10
Wood Thrush                     198
American Robin                  459
Gray Catbird                    540

Northern Mockingbird            135
Brown Thrasher                   11
European Starling               557
American Pipit *                  1
Cedar Waxwing                   279
Blue-winged Warbler *             2

Golden-winged Warbler *           1
Tennessee Warbler *               2
Nashville Warbler                 2
Northern Parula                  59
Yellow Warbler                   82
Chestnut-sided Warbler           12

Magnolia Warbler                 24
Black-throated Blue Warbler      50
Yellow-rumped Warbler            46
Black-throated Green Warbler     21
Blackburnian Warbler              6

Pine Warbler                      3
Prairie Warbler                  33
Bay-breasted Warbler              6
Blackpoll Warbler                27
Cerulean Warbler *                1
Black-and-white Warbler          24

American Redstart                56
Prothonotary Warbler *            1
Worm-eating Warbler               8
Ovenbird                         75
Northern Waterthrush              8
Louisiana Waterthrush            18

Kentucky Warbler                 10
Common Yellowthroat             134
Hooded Warbler                   18
Wilson's Warbler                  3
Canada Warbler                    2
Yellow-breasted Chat              6

Summer Tanager *                  1
Scarlet Tanager                 103
Eastern Towhee                   72
Chipping Sparrow                163
Field Sparrow                    47
Savannah Sparrow *                9

Grasshopper Sparrow *             1
Song Sparrow                    149
Swamp Sparrow *                   8
White-throated Sparrow            8
White-crowned Sparrow             4
Northern Cardinal               365

Rose-breasted Grosbeak           12
Blue Grosbeak *                   3
Indigo Bunting                  135
Bobolink                        248
Red-winged Blackbird            343
Eastern Meadowlark                2

Common Grackle                  352
Brown-headed Cowbird            101
Orchard Oriole                   28
Baltimore Oriole                118
House Finch                     176
American Goldfinch              295
House Sparrow                   193

SPECIES COUNT                   160

Time start                 12:00 AM
Time stop                  10:00 PM

Hours foot                    87.75
Hours Car                     25.25
Miles foot                     69.5
Miles car                       172
Hours Feeder Watch             15.5

Parties                          21
Observers                        51
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Lake Roland Plans
by Peter Lev

In early May, Baltimore City and Baltimore County convened an open meeting to discuss plans for Robert E. Lee Park, usually known as Lake Roland. This wonderful park is owned by Baltimore City but situated in Baltimore County. The City and County plan a jointly funded repair of the bridge at the park's main entrance, and other improvements are possible (upgraded rest rooms would be nice!).

The City/County planning process creates a great opportunity to safeguard the future of the park. Lake Roland is now zoned residential. This is the time for us to try to change that zoning-- to "nature conservancy," "natural preserve," "natural area," or some similar language.

You can help us protect the park! If you live in Baltimore County, please write to your Councilperson and/or the County Executive. Baltimore County controls the zoning process. If you live in Baltimore City, please write to your Councilpeople (3 per district) and/or the Mayor. Baltimore City owns Robert E. Lee Park. To find out who represents your district, contact the League of Women Voters at 410-464-1901.

Please write the letter in your own words. You may wish to include some of these points:

***Lake Roland, as a large natural park with varied habitats, is an important wildlife sanctuary.

***Lake Roland is heavily used by birders, especially during migration. The Baltimore Bird Club has been holding migration walks at Lake Roland since 1945!

***At a recent community meeting on Lake Roland, all speakers favored preserving the park as a natural area.

***Any Baltimore City/Baltimore County plan for park improvements should include a zoning change, to "natural area," "nature conservancy," "wildlife preserve," etc.

***As taxpayers, we want a new bridge and better rest rooms at Lake Roland, but we also need a zoning change. We must protect this beautiful park for our children and grandchildren.

Please help. Write your elected officials in Baltimore County and Baltimore City.


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Baltimore Bird Club Annual Report 2000-01
Prepared by Anne Brooks, Treasurer

For operating year May 1, 2000 - April 30, 2001


RECEIPTS               
Memberships               $ 7,610.25  
Sales                     $   564.65  
Checking Interest         $    36.66  
Savings Interest          $   488.03  
Honoraria & Misc          $    80.00  

       TOTAL RECEIPTS           $  8,779.59  
               
EXPENDITURES               
MOS Dues                  $ 3,737.50  
Chip Notes Printing       $ 1,437.00  
Membership Printing (1)   $ 1,210.00  
Museum                    $   666.00  
All Postage (2)           $   231.83  
Donations                 $   330.00  
Birdline                  $   208.39  
Honoraria for lecturers   $   280.00  
Museum Insurance Fund     $   250.00  
Internet                  $   100.00  
Sales Taxes               $    24.97  
Miscellaneous (3)         $   361.41  

           TOTAL EXPENDITURES       $  8,837.10  
               
           DEFICIT                  $     57.51 
 
Savings Balance           $   8,783.11 
Checking Balance          $   1,185.50 
Operating Balance         $   9,968.61  
       (04/30/01)               
  
1) Membership Printing includes: Program Booklets, Stationery, and envelopes for Memberships Mailing

2) Postage includes: Chip Notes mailings, Membership mailings, Bulk Mail Permit, and Officers mailings

3) Miscellaneous includes: Xerox copies by Officers, Birdseed, Chip Notes labels, Yellow Books and Patches for Sale, Chip Notes Printer Cartridge, and Hospitality

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Joshua Tree National Park
by Judy Remmel & Jennifer Wallace

We thought we'd tell you about our trip to Joshua Tree National Park. The park (northeast of Palm Springs, CA) is named for the 1,000 year-old Joshua tree - a funny tree with furry bark and oddball arm-limbs. We camped and hiked at the park for three days in mid-April at elevations of 2,500-2,900 feet. With daytime temperatures in the 80's & 90's and evenings cooling off to the 40's, the weather was perfect for both hiking and stargazing.

The desert in spring boasts hundreds of species of blooming wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Our biggest "critter" surprises were an endangered desert tortoise who we nearly tripped over on a hike to Eagle Cliff (yes, we did see a Golden Eagle circling an abandoned mine). The tortoise's fist-sized jeweled shell and miniature head and claws captivated us as it crossed our path, oh so slowly. We also were amazed by the chubby chuckwalla, a lizard with a tail that looked like a succulent plant, and by another unidentified lizard mother and her lime-green young ones who entertained us with their playing on the desert rocks. We did not see any scorpions, though we did shake out our boots each morning. Nor did we see any Roadrunners, though one was reported in a parking lot in Palm Springs.

Some of the birds we saw were: Northern Mockingbird, Lesser Nighthawk, Golden Eagle, Black-throated Sparrow, Inca Dove, Cliff Swallow, Common Raven, Steller's or Scrub Jay (we couldn't be sure which), many hummingbirds, and Phainopepla, which loves the pink salmon desert mistletoe berries as a source of food and water.

Best of all by far was the Gambel's Quail. It has a hawk-like call but is not at all hawk-like. This plumed seed-eater loves mistletoe berries and is partial to bottomlands where thorny shrubs like the mesquite provide them with cover. The male has a wonderful red cap and feather. Both the male and females are plump and bustle-bottomed, almost dowdy looking. These are the most arid-adapted of the quail. They forage in morning and late afternoon, staying quiet during the heat of the day. Our first sighting was of a male singing and trying with difficulty to stand on top a spiky yucca plant.

Joshua Tree National Park covers over 800,000 acres of high desert and oasis. We can't wait to go back!

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BBC Visits the Baltimore Zoo
by Nancy Meier

It's Saturday, March 24 and who are these strange people peering through binoculars at the birds and elephants of the Baltimore Zoo? It's none other than a 14 person contingent from the BBC out to see some behind the scenes action at the zoo. Steve Sarro, the curator of birds, took the group on a interesting, informative, and witty tour stopping first at a waterfowl area and breeding facility. We learned how the zoo breeds indigenous and exotic ducks and saw unusual and beautiful waterfowl such as the Rosy Billed Shelduck and the White-winged Wood Duck from Asia. Next we went inside Rock Island, the home of the zoo's South African penguins, a colony of approximately 80 birds. It was a rare opportunity to see the downy penguin chicks who after 3 weeks learning to be penguins with their mothers, were adjusting to their new life with humans. Steve showed us the nesting box area where he presented personal penguin tales and facts about the Species Survival Plan for these birds. As we listened to Steve, suddenly the flock made a mad dash outside for lunch call and we went back out to watch them. Inside the Raptor Garden the docents who handle the hawks, falcons, and owls presented the history and characteristics of the individual birds. Lastly, we headed to the Animal Embassy which houses the animals that the zoo uses for educational purposes such as school visits. The collection ran the gamut from amphibians and snakes to cute and cuddly skunks and chinchillas. Let us not forget chicken George and the macaws, toucan and Kookaburra who laughed along with our personal docent. It appeared that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour and many thanks go to Steve Sarro and the zoo education department for arranging the tour.

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Dues Are Due
by J. Catherine Bishop

It's time to send in your yearly membership dues. Please send them in the dues envelope included with this Chip Notes. If you have any questions, or if the envelope was not included, please contact our Membership Secretary:

J. Catherine Bishop
6111 Bellona Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21212
(410) 435-9569
e-mail: .net

Dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a household. New members who joined after April 30, 2000, and paid a full year's dues at that time, have already paid for the 2000-2001 membership year and do not have to pay any further dues now.

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Peregrine Falcon Update: Changing of the Guard
by Jane White

Three eyases are growing apace high on the Legg Mason building. The female, Artemis, a New Yorker who appeared in April 1997, laid four eggs, of which three hatched between May 1 and 6. This is her third brood. She is the surviving spouse of the veteran male, Beauregard, who originally appeared out of the wild in 1983. In 1984, he mated with Scarlett, a falcon released a few years previously by the Cornell labs. (It was Scarlett who initially selected the then-USF&G building as a suitable cliff, but refused all attempts to "fix her up" with other Cornell-bred falcons.)

Beauregard and Scarlett produced the first known peregrine hatching in the Eastern wild in over 30 years. Beauregard had many mates over the years, outliving all but Artemis. Last year, sadly, Beauregard did not appear at mating time and, at age 26, had to be presumed dead.

The current unnamed male first appeared in May 2000. He is banded and has been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as hatching on the National Cathedral in Washington five years ago.

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Marylanders Take Ohio's Crane Creek by Storm
by Gail Frantz

And it really did rain - a lot!

Crane Creek, west of Port Clinton, Ohio on Lake Erie's southwestern shore is what's left of a 3000 square mile wetland that at one time covered most of Northern Ohio. Even after hundreds of years the birds still rest and refuel at this hot spot. During the week of May 14-19 there were at least eighteen MOS members roaming about the creek's boardwalks and observing an amazing variety of birds.

Baltimore County alone had 9 gleeful birders racking up 123 species, 23 of them warblers. Some favorites were a Sora with chicks, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Mourning Warblers, and a Kirtland's Warbler that hadn't left for Michigan yet. Best of all the sightings were frequently up close and personal.

Baltimore Bird Club Members that were sighted: Ruth Culbertson, Gail Frantz, Ray and Shirley Geddes, Josie Gray, Dot Gustafson, Georgia and Dan McDonald, Bea Nicholls, Catherine Pinckard with her husband, Jean Worthley and her family.

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Field Trip Reports

Compiled by Steve Sanford

March 20 - Lake Roland - 21 people joined the first trip of the spring Lake Roland series, and saw 35 species of birds including Gadwall, Wood Duck, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Myrtle Warbler. Leader Adelaide Rackemann

March 24 - Baltimore Zoo - See the separate article by Nancy Meier.

March 27 - Lake Roland - The weather was wintry on this first Lake Roland trip in what was officially spring with temperatures only 32-40°. The 14 participants "got really good looks at Gold-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and Phoebes" per leader Chris Manning, as well as Yellow-rumped ("Myrtle") Warbler for a total of 35 species.

April 3 - Lake Roland - The species count rose to 45 as temperatures rose to 45°. Highlights were "Pine Warblers seen very close and low down, many Gold-crowned Kinglets, one beautiful Eastern Bluebird male in spring plumage, our Barred Owl, and the first Northern Rough-winged Swallows of the season" according to leader Patsy Perlman. 22 participants.

April 5 - Cylburn Nature Walk - On this beautiful day we enjoyed attendance equaling the total of 4 April walks last year. I was very pleased to share experiences and ideas with this enthusiastic group. 22 of the 28 attendees were not members of either of the sponsoring organizations, so it is a good opportunity for potential new members. There were not as many flowers as last year probably due to the colder winter. We discussed various flowers, trees, insects, and birds. Many non-birders were pleased to see a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker for the first time. 11 bird species. Weather: Clear and sunny, 60°. Leader: Chris Manning.

April 10 - Lake Roland - Spring inexorably marched on in lock step. The species count crept up to 50 as the temperature crept up to 50° and cloudy. The highlights were "a multitude of Pine Warblers near the dike area - estimated around 50" . Other signs of the advance of spring were Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Palm Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat. The lake featured Blue-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck. 19 participants. Leader Matilda Weiss.

April 12 - Cylburn Nature Walk - 13 people, including some new faces, turned out despite the heavy overcast skies following rain prior to the walk. Flowers which were blooming today and not last week included: Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, Virginia bluebells, wood poppy, wood anemone, lesser celandine, toad trillium, twinleaf, wild ginger. Another Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was well seen by all. 17 bird species. Leader: Chris Manning

April 17 - Lake Roland - The temperature dropped down to 30-40° (sunny) but the species count rose to 53. "Ruby-crowned Kinglets were everywhere flashing their headlights. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers arrived in force, probably 15 to 20, 14 Chipping Sparrows on the hillside along with Palm Warbler and a pair of Bluebirds - 8 Blue-winged Teal on upper lake and a great look at Northern Parula." 14 participants. Leader: Shirley Geddes.

April 19 - Cylburn Nature Walk - This nice spring morning started out with the temperature near 32° rising to 40°. The 11 participants found 27 bird species including Palm Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo, and a variety of blooming flowers such as little brown jug, rue anemone, May apple, lesser celandine, toad trillium, marsh marigold, foam flower, Jack-in-the-pulpit, bleeding heart, wood poppy, wild ginger, Confederate violets, and trout lilly. Leader: Chris Manning.

April 24 - Lake Roland - Things were starting to cook with the temperature reaching about 75° and sunny and 63 species including 8 warbler species with the highlight being two Prothonotary Warblers. 21 participants. Leader Debbie Terry

April 26 - Cylburn Nature Walk - 14 participants found 17 bird species including Cedar Waxwings which were life-birds for some. The focus was on blooming flowers such as shooting stars, little brown jug, bleeding heart, foam flower, wild ginger, golden ragwort, garlic mustard, spring beauty, cut-leaved toothwort, and blue phlox. Weather: clear and 45°. Leader: Chris Manning.

April 28 - Liberty Dam Trail - This trip was led by Paul Noell with 19 warbler-hungry participants. The highlights were great close-up looks at a singing Worm-eating Warbler (about 100 yards up the trail) and one or two Yellow-throated Warblers (along the entry road as usual). Black-and-white Warblers and Parula Warblers were numerous. A few good heard-only birds were Scarlet Tanager, Yellow-throated Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, and Cerulean Warbler. 7 warbler species overall. 54 species. Sunny, somewhat breezy, about 65°.

April 29 - Birding Granite I - 24 participants joined this strenuous birding hike. One was reported to have said "I'm beyond pain," but good birding and good company in this western corner of Baltimore County made it worthwhile. Highlights included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-Winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Prairie Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-Throated Vireo. Many of the good birds were seen from the Old Court Road bridge over the Patapsco. 63 Species (10 warblers). Weather: Clear 40°-65°. Leader: Keith Eric Costley

May 1 - Lake Roland - The lateness of migration was still evident, but definite progress was being made. Baltimore Orioles had arrived in force all over the lake and were really singing away. A Barred Owl in the open park area just up the hill from the falls was quite visible. There were 10 warbler species, mainly resident species, and mainly pretty far back in the woods, which is where some singing Wood Thrushes were finally found as well as one well-seen Scarlet Tanager. There were a fair number of shorebirds that were hard to ID because of the sun angle and lack of a scope (It's about a mile from the parking lot.) but seemed to be mainly Solitary Sandpipers, with a few Spotteds and Lesser Yellowlegs. Also a Caspian Tern flew by. Still no Indigo Buntings or Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Carol Schreter spotted a single male Bobolink. 28 participants. 78 species with 11 warbler species. Weather: Sunny, 65 to 70°. Leader: Dot Gustafson.

May 5 - Milford Mill - The Baltimore Bird Club's field trip to Milford Mill Park near (Liberty Rd and the Beltway) with an extension to Powell's Run Rd (off Marriottsville Rd) garnered 11 species of warblers at the park with the extension adding 4 more species for a total of 15. Non-resident warbler species were very scarce. Normally the total for the two spots would be closer to 20. (Species total 64)

The highlight at the park was a singing Summer Tanager, first picked up by Pete Webb's sharp ears, then seen well. This is only about a mile from Pete's house where he had one in the yard about a week ago. There were several Scarlet Tanagers well-seen too. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were sadly absent. The group heard a singing Hooded Warbler where the trail turns around. When the bird was finally spotted - woops! - it was actually a Magnolia Warbler. Further back up the trail though another singing Hooded/Magnolia was finally confirmed to be a real Hooded Warbler. It seems the only difference between the songs was that the real Hooded was a lot louder, even at a distance. A few Redstarts finally showed up. At Powell's Run Road, at least one Yellow-breasted Chat had arrived, as well as Prairie Warbler, and both orioles. And, finally, Indigo Bunting. Weather: Partly cloudy, 70-75°. 29 participants. Leader: Lenny Marcus.

May 8 - Lake Roland - The scarceness of migrants this spring was still apparent this day, but five - yes, five Barred Owls were consolation, with three visible at one time, one heard in another area, and a youngster scrounged up by Paul Noell. One of the traditional Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, an extremely handsome one, finally was present at the falls, along with a Black-crowned Night-Heron, and a Green Heron. Other highlights: Lots of Baltimore Orioles, and one or two Orchards; few warblers with Black-throated Blue Warbler and Myrtle Warbler as the only migrants; Solitary Sandpiper, Warbling Vireo; 1 fleeting Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Weather: Mostly sunny and cool, 50-65. 70 species with 9 warbler species. 26 participants. Leader: Ruth Culbertson.

May 13 - Soldiers Delight - Leader Joe McDaniel writes: "For a windy day we were pleased to get a fair number of sightings but it was definitely a 'birding by ear' day. One special sighting was an orange variant Scarlet Tanager. A frustration was hearing, but not seeing a Prairie Warbler. A highlight was watching a Sharp-shinned Hawk stoop on something. We lost sight as it went below the tree line but were thrilled to see the bird dive with wings folded." 12 participants. 47 species (9 warblers). Weather: Windy, sunny, 70°.

May 15 - Lake Roland - "We all reveled in a great spring birding day!" writes leader Patsy Perlman. Highlights included Magnolia Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a flock of Bobolinks flying over the dam, and quite a few shorebirds, including Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpipers, and Lesser Yellowlegs. 69 species (12 warblers). 19 participants. Weather was in the 60's, and sunny.

May 22 - Lake Roland - Highlights were 3 Wood Ducks, and the constant song of Veeries. 65 species (9 warblers). 14 participants. Cloudy and overcast with temps in the 60's to 70's. Leader: Josie Gray

May 27 - Owings Mills Wetland - This surprising little birding treasure-trove is across the street from Owings Mills Mall, of all places, and must be the Willow Flycatcher capital of central Maryland. An Alder Flycatcher, found near the AmeriSuite Hotel, was the highlight of the seven flycatcher species found. It was heard by all, recognized by few, and viewed for a short time by Carol Schreter. There were roughly a dozen Willow Flycatchers. The entire group had a great look at a couple of Yellow-Breasted Chats in the final moments of the walk. In addition to the Chats (4), six other warbler species were found: Yellow, Magnolia, Blackpoll, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, and American Redstart. The small trees in the mall parking lot allowed some unusually good looks at the abundant Blackpolls. A late, singing White-Throated Sparrow was heard, and both Orioles were seen: three plumages of Orchard and two of Baltimore. 67 species overall. 14 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley

June 2 - Day's Cove - Coordinator Bea Nicholls writes: "In spite of driving through a deluge to get to Days Cove, 11 birders hiked through a variety of habitats to see 59 species. We were greeted by two mature Bald Eagles perched in a dead snag, which could be seen from the entrance road and parking lot. Also, there were several sightings of mature Bald Eagles flying overhead as well as a prolonged opportunity to study an immature eagle in flight. Another highlight of the trip was both seeing and hearing a gorgeous Prothonotary Warbler. There were Great Blue Herons and Double-crested Cormorants in abundance, and both Mute and Tundra Swans. This was a great trip and the BBC thanks leader Glenn Swiston for giving so generously of his time and expertise to make it happen."

June 3 - Jones Falls - Leader Brian Rollfinke writes: "A lovely morning exploring little-known birding spots near TV Hill in Baltimore City. Highlights included numerous Baltimore Orioles, with an excellent look at a male bringing food to an active nest, several male Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warblers, and very cooperative Cedar Waxwings, one of whom landed on the trail in front of us. We were treated to very close looks at 4 species of flycatcher: Acadian, Great-crested, Willow, and Eastern Kingbird. While the Jones Falls Wood Ducks, which had been seen earlier in the week, did not appear, we did get quick glimpses of both a Great Blue Heron and a Black-crowned Night-Heron." 46 species. 15 participants. Weather: mixed sun and clouds, 65-70°.

June 16 - Dickcissels and Field Birds - The weather was predicted to be pretty rainy, but nevertheless 8 participants decided to go for it anyway. Well - the forecast was right. It rained most of the time, often quite hard. Nevertheless, the group enjoyed nice looks at singing Grasshopper and Savannah Sparrows on Oland Road in Frederick County. At Lily Pons the hoped-for Least Bitterns did not show up, but a variety of other birds were some compensation, such as a singing Willow Flycatcher close up, Belted Kingfishers, and Great Egrets and Green Herons. The hoped-for Dickcissels on Cap Stine Road also did not manifest themselves. At that point the trip was terminated as the rains became quite solid. Leader Pete Webb was last seen returning to Lily Pons with Paul Noell to partake of Chilean cuisine being offered as part of "Lily Pons Days" despite the rain.

June 17 - Birding Granite II - Leader Keith Eric Costley writes: "We listed eight warbler species: Blue-Winged, Prairie, Prothonotary, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-Breasted Chat. 1/3 of the birds counted were identified by song or call notes. Trip highlights: Blue-Winged Warbler possible nest site, Prairie Warbler singing from a phone line at close range, and a Red-Shouldered Hawk, carrying a snake, flew over the group in the last few minutes of the trip." 61 species. 6 participants. Weather: 70-85 degrees clear to partly cloudy.

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The Cylburn Sunday Trips
by Joseph Lewandowski

April 1, 2001

What a difference a season makes! While one would expect the same old thing, Cylburn is still full of changes. For the three birders that ventured out on this first day of Daylight Saving Time, Cylburn was different. A backhoe was digging up the drive by the Mansion House in order to install new plumbing. Some of the downed trees by Fern Glen have been cut down to size. A Scout Troop built a bridge by the bog and constructed a stick-like dam below the bog. So, on this overcast day, there was a lot to see. Birds!!! Did someone what to know about the birds! Even though the temperature was in the 40's, 23 species of birds were seen. Fly-overs by Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and Canada Geese were noted. Woodpeckers were out and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen. We had great views of a Carolina Wren, White-throated and Song Sparrows, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker. However, the thrill of this walk was a Bluebird on the Circle Trail!!! The daffodils have already started to bloom and Cylburn is galloping into Spring. Come fly away with us on a Cylburn Birding Adventure!

April 15, 2001

With the sun shining and temperatures in the 50's, the birders came out in force and so did the birds. Thirty-six species of birds hit the list of the ten birders that visited the Arboretum. Osprey, Loons, Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker were the special birds that topped our list. However, the beautiful blooms of the Arboretum were the things to see. The Magnolia trees were showing their big purple flowers and daffodils were a splendid yellow. The Virginia Bluebells and Dutchman's Britches were in bloom along the path, showing us that Spring had arrived at Cylburn.

April 22, 2001

With many tulips blooming and temperature in the 60's, this was a perfect day for birding. One of the most astounding aspects of the walk was that for the first 45 minutes all the human participants were males. Just as we were about to break out the beer and cigars, a young lady from California, in town for a job interview, showed up to pull us back into line. The birding was a little slow but she helped us appreciate what we had by getting 8 life-birds, including a Wood Thrush and Veery. We went all the way to the bottom of the maintenance road, which had many of the best birds of the day.

These were some of the featured species, with life-birds for our California visitor marked with an asterisk: *Broad-winged Hawk, *Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Scads of them!), *Wood Thrush, *Veery (first of the season), Catbird, *Blue-headed Vireo, *Prairie Warbler, Ovenbird, N. Parula, an early Northern Waterthrush, Yellow Warbler - 2 engaging in a singing duel, Yellowthroat, and Myrtle Warbler.

Our eight birders ended the day with 40 species of birds, daffodils, may apples, and toad trilliums in bloom in the Fern Glen area of the Arboretum, and the knowledge that we have helped another birder increase her bird list and enjoy the wonders of Cylburn.

(By Steve Sanford & Joseph Lewandowski)

April 29, 2001

This was a typical spring day with temperatures in the 40's and climbing to the 60's. With the sun out, ten birders walked the Arboretum, taking in the sights. This was a high species count for us today. 52 species hit the lists and it was a good day for warblers. Yellow-rumped Warbler, Parula Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow Warbler, and a Black-throated Blue Warbler were the hits of the day. These, in addition to the Baltimore Oriole, Kestrel, Cooper's Hawk, and Solitary Sandpiper, made for an excellent birding adventure.

May 6, 2001

Weekend temperatures seem to run on the cool side as four birders braved a sunny, windy, cool morning. Cylburn has not been a hot spot for warblers this season and today was no exception. Out of the 34 species of birds seen, the Yellow-rumped Warbler was the only warbler spotted. We did hear a Yellow Warbler and a Parula Warbler on our walk. Red-tailed Hawks were kiting in the sky around the Mansion and we did spot a Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, and a flock of Cedar Waxwings. By the water, we saw the Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers and a Greater Yellowlegs; the Yellowlegs being a not too common species at the Arboretum. Diversity seems to be the name of the game for birds here in Northwest Baltimore.

May 13, 2001

The wind has blown the blooms off the tulips and the cool, windy, sunny weather seems to dominate our Spring. For the seven birders that walked the grounds of Cylburn, they were used to the 50-degree temperature and were rewarded with 43 species of birds seen. A hummingbird, Great-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Thrush, Arcadian Flycatcher, Veery, and Blackpoll Warbler were just some of the birds seen on this day. However, special treats waited in store for us. We saw some great views of Baltimore Orioles and saw the nest of an oriole. Two Least Sandpipers were along the water's edge and a short view of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak topped our day. As usual, every turn of the trail leads to a new natural wonder at Cylburn.

May 20, 2001

Spring has had its ups and downs for the birders at Cylburn. Neither the weather nor the birds have cooperated and we have not seen the great flock migrations that we have seen in the past. This mild spring day started off sunny, but turned overcast rapidly for the seven birders today. Fifty-one species topped our list today, but nothing really stood out. Blackpoll Warbler, Indigo Bunting, both orioles, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper, Great-crested Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Northern Parula Warbler, and Yellow Warbler were some of the birds seen on our trip. As a regular to Cylburn, many species become old friends rapidly. The birds we did see were good, but we all expect to see the unusual find. Maybe next week will be that special one for the Arboretum. The gardens are rapidly declining, a sure sign that summer is near.

May 27, 2001

Another overcast day greeted us on this, the last field trip to Cylburn this Spring. It may have been the weather, but only two birders showed up to close out the season. Thirty-four species were seen this day and the only species of note were Wood Ducks, a Scarlet Tanager, and a Pileated Woodpecker. Even the sandpipers that were regulars at Cylburn were not present. However, we did see our old favorites. Catbirds, Cowbirds, Barn Swallows, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers helped us enjoy the day. As with the changing seasons, Cylburn also changes. So often this Spring, we have seen that fronts, weather patterns, and temperature makes the blossoms fall faster and the birds miss Cylburn as a stopover in their migration. Maybe Fall will be better, till then; we can only wait and see.

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Tidbits

From Scott Crabtree, Bob Ringler, and Steve Sanford

May 19 - Birders at Fort McHenry, led by Jim Peters were thrilled to see a sleeping Chuck-Will's-Widow perched on the maintenance yard fence, tucked in next to some honeysuckle. Other good birds included Least and Willow Flycatchers seen in enough proximity to be able to really compare and contrast them.

May 27 - BBC birders doing a routine survey of Leakin Park spotted a high-flying Mississippi Kite. When a Cooper's Hawk made a pass at the kite it went into a stoop, dropping rapidly in altitude and providing a much better view before disappearing behind trees.

June 23 - Scott Crabtree led about 18 Baltimore birders on a "Penurious Pelagic" trip on the public cruise boat from Point Lookout to Smith Island. There were multiple sightings of the main target, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, providing a life-bird or state-bird for most of the participants. The first Storm-Petrel was about three miles out from the point, and was very close for those who caught it zipping by. Then there were about 7 halfway across amongst fishing boats, and one or two more a little further on. This may be made into a scheduled field trip next year.

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Postcard from Lapland

4/11/00

I'm now in Lapland, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. There is 3 feet of snow on the ground, but already the day is 18 hours long, giving plenty of time for birding. I had two target birds this trip: the Siberian Jay, which I had missed on a previous trip, but saw several this time; and Steller's Eiders, which winter in the 1000's in the Arctic Ocean at Varangerfjord, Norway. I saw almost 1000 eiders, half (the males!) in beautiful nesting plumage with bright cinnamon bellies. Other interesting birds seen were 2 more lifers: Willow Ptarmigan (my first-ever ptarmigan species!) and Black Grouse. Also lots of Bohemian Waxwings, Siberian Tits (chickadees to us in the USA) and alcids: Common, Thick-billed Murres and Black Guillemots.

Best - Hank Kaestner

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BBC Mail Order

The Baltimore Bird Club is now offering its merchandise for sale through its mail order section. The following items are available. All prices include shipping costs.

Baltimore Bird Club's Birding Site Guide - $12.00
Baltimore Bird Club T-Shirt - $18.00 (only XL left)
MOS Patch - $3.50
MOS Decal - $3.50

Please make your check or money order payable to "The Baltimore Bird Club" and send your order to: Joseph Lewandowski, 3021 Temple Gate, Baltimore, Maryland 21209.

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Back Yard Birding and Beyond

By Gail Frantz

BALTIMORE CITY

Mt. Washington

  • May 7, Carol Schreter writes: Not many warblers around the house so far, as of May 7. Mostly Yellow-rumps, a few each day. Highlight, on the fourth, a Bay-breasted Warbler, traveling with a single Yellow-rumped Warbler. And the next day, the same pair traveling together. I always wondered how long an individual migrant might stay. I surmise, given the cool winds from the North in this two-day period, that a migrant might stay two days.

Homeland

  • April 25, Jane White: I've been traveling a lot (and still working) and haven't done much local birding, so at least one bird /duck has come to me. A Mallard has made a nest and is brooding 11 eggs about 6 inches from the bricks of my small front door stoop -- between an English boxwood and the house wall. My book says 23 days, so she has about 10 to go if she doesn't give up. Then she'll have to walk the ducklings about a block to the little "lakes" in Homeland. I worry about the neighbors' cats that are allowed to roam around, ditto dogs etc. I feel responsible but useless! Will keep you posted.

Our little lake, which is really a pond, attracts a score of Mallards during the winter but we also have a pair of Widgeon that have been wintering there for the last five years. The pair, which I presume are the same ducks each year, keep close together and manage to protect a small bit of water (about three feet) for themselves. This winter the female had an injured foot but the birds survived the season and flew off to unknown places about two weeks ago.

Update: Triumph and tragedy! All 11 eggs hatched Thursday night or Friday morning (5/18), and the mother duck successfully walked them all down to the "lakes" in the center strip of Springlake Way by 10:30 a.m. (I was at work.) All 11 were fine Friday night and Saturday morning -- zooming around, hopping on their mother's back, etc. By Saturday evening, there was only one, and by Sunday morning, none. I can't find anyone who knows what happened. I did see them eating corn someone put out on a plank that slanted into the water. Can a day-old chick digest raw corn? Maybe it killed them. Or a predator got in the water via the plank. The parent couple just swims round and round in the pond. I was prepared for attrition but not annihilation.

Leakin Park

  • From Scott Crabtree: Interesting things in Leakin Park. Nope, it wasn't a body, but other kinds of flying wildlife. Yesterday - March 25 - while my wife, Louise and I were walking the dogs and birding (not an easy thing to do), I heard a Broad-winged Hawk, and it seemed close. When I tracked the bird down....it was a Blue Jay! Now, we all know that the Jays will mimic Red-shouldered Hawks, but this was the first time I've ever encountered one doing a Broad-winged.

Later, along Wetheredsville Rd., I thought I had a sparrow of some sort, rustling the dry grass at roadside. When I got closer, it turned out to be a bat. Now, I know we have Little Brown, and Big Brown Myotises, and Eastern Pipistrelles (smallest Eastern bat) around here, but they're brown, and this bat was all black, with longish silver hair on its back. When I got home I checked Peterson's Mammals, and it turned out to be a Silver-haired Bat. I'd never even heard of them before, much less thought they'd be in MD. It didn't seem to be well, and a woman who happened by took it -her husband said she rescued animals all the time, and had a place to take it.

Patterson Park

  • From Adriana Masiarova May 5 - On the little lake in the middle of the Park I have seen: a pair of Canada Geese (female siting on the nest -no young yet) Wood Duck -a female with 5 ducklings, 3 or more males Mallards -males, females with young, Red-winged Blackbirds, Rough-winged Swallows Barn Swallows, Kingbirds, Northern Flickers, Blue Jays. Last year I saw: Black-crowned Night-Herons (adult and immature birds), a Great Blue Heron and Coots. Over the last couple of years park attendants report having seen Wigeons, Shovelers and even a Virginia Rail.

Druid Hill Park

  • From Keith Costley, March 13/15 - I was delighted to find a female Eastern Bluebird also Horned Grebe; American Black Duck, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Ruddy Duck, Great Black-backed Gull, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper; Golden-crowned Kinglet/

Cylburn Arboretum

  • April sightings from Keith Costley: Yellow-shafted Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,- Black-Crowned Night Heron, Blue-winged Warbler.

Wyman Park

  • From Elliot Kirschbaum: I checked the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron nests in Wyman Park today (5/29). Early this spring there were up to seven adults on or near three of last year's nests. Today I found one adult at a nest with one large chick. Last year all the nests were abandoned without any young produced.

 

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Monkton

  • From Leanne Pemburn: Armchair birding at its best! Greetings fellow birders from your long-lost co-spotter Leanne. On this pleasant Sunday morning I am relaxing on the couch after a too-late Saturday night, enjoying the newly re-installed hummingbird feeder outside the window. On the ash tree between the house and the road, a Red-Headed Woodpecker materialized, and proceeded around the yard. He's eyeing the feeder, he may stay for a while! How much better could this be? I didn't have to get up early or get dressed, didn't really even need binoculars...

Phoenix

  • Anne Brooks, May 1: Today, May first, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (males, of course) returned to feed at our feeders! These are probably the migrants which will fly on further north to nest. May 17: At 7:45 this morning I went out to check the sprinkler to see how wet the garden was. I saw a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird Checking out the green leaves of various plants until it got to Kirengeshoma, which has a large leaf. He landed on the leaf and rolled around in the water accumulated on its surface. After a few seconds he flew away again. Is it common knowledge that Hummers take "baths'?

Stoneleigh

  • Last fall Ken Lewis reported that Yellow-crowned Herons had nested in a neighbor's house for the last 2 years. This spring he wrote: My neighbor first noted one of the birds back at the nest on 4/5/01. Since then I have seen both of them several times and they are perched near the nest in a large oak tree in the backyard.

And on April 14: There were three in the tree today. I cannot differentiate gender but there was some activity that suggested courting behavior so we surmise that there may be two males and a female. Another possibility is that one of the three is a returning chick.

Towson

  • Hot from Georgia McDonald's feeders: March 4- Things are looking different at the bird feeders recently -had a Fox Sparrow today, two Carolina Wrens, several Juncos, a Red-winged Blackbird, and a white-footed mouse along with the usual suspects; and earlier this week about 20 Robins (I never get Robins in that part of the yard!) about 7 of which were on the birdbath at the same time. Had major duty flights of Canada Geese yesterday heading north overhead, when we were baby-sitting two plumbers instead of going to Horsehead Sanctuary with the BBC. April 2- Yard bird #80 -Purple Finch (First spotted by husband Dan, verified by the family expert-ME!) April 5 yard Bird #81 - Flyover of seven Cormorants.
  • Joy Wheeler writes: Monday, March 5 between 11 am & 1 pm close to the shore at the tip of the Northampton Furnace Trail, a black bird with a large white patch on the trailing edge of each wing, lifted up from the surface of the water and flew away. It's black head and neck and body relieved only by the white patches on the wings made me sure of the identification: White-winged Scoter!

Less sure was I as I sped west on the Baltimore Beltway on the 15th of March at 2 pm. Out of the corner of my right eye I saw what flashed through my mind as a Brant, standing tall in a shallow impoundment of water west of Greenspring Ave. Not being able to stop (an understatement) an hour later, on the way back, I sought out that intersection, turned off the Beltway and headed west again. I couldn't even find the impoundment much less the bird. I have seen Brant even further inland during migration, so feel that a tall, goose-necked black bird with a small white splotch on its neck, waddling in shallow water could be a Brant.

Randallstown

  • Keith Costley's backyard birds: On April 13 a Purple Finch visited the feeder a few times and two days later 29 Chipping Sparrows. April 17 brought the first male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird of the year. He used our feeder in the backyard during a three-day cold spell. On April 24 two male Hummers chased each other around the feeder and the yard.
  • From Steve Sanford: Thursday night, May 24, at dusk, while slaving away over Chip Notes and the May Count, pecking my fingertips raw, etc., etc., I heard a buzzy sound through the open door. I presumed it was a Common Nighthawk since I had heard and seen one a few nights before over the house, but I went out to check. What I saw was a few hundred feet overhead, but it wasn't a Nighthawk. It looked like a big moth swirling around, or maybe a drunken Mourning Dove. It continued to call "peeent.... peeent." Oh. Of course! It was a Woodcock, the first I've ever had over my yard. It hardly seems like appropriate habitat for it. I do remember, however, that some years back, Art Rogers, who lives about half a mile away, told me that he was getting displaying Woodcocks from his yard. There are some small park lands, a stream, and some woods not too far away.

Loch Raven Reservoir

  • Richard Krejci, who enjoys cycling through the Loch Raven reservoir area, sent us an email: Being an avid year-round bicyclist having a hobby of birdwatching create quite a few surprises especially on my weekly rides through the Loch Raven Reservoir area. For several years now I have on a number of occasions been fortunate enough to see 1 adult Bald Eagle on these rides. My wife never believed that I was seeing eagles over the dam but during a recent hike through the reservoir area we both saw 2 adult Bald Eagles flying over the area at about 4 p.m.

However, to top this, while cycling on Sunday, 2/17 at about 1 p.m. I saw 1 eagle perched, then take off and soar over the dam to be joined by 2 others and I witnessed 3 adult Bald Eagles soaring above the dam and all were within one field of view with my binoculars. To say the least I was amazed. After watching until they soared off I then continued my ride leaving the dam to go towards the Providence Road section and as I turned the bend to climb a short hill I saw an adult Red-tailed Hawk chasing a Crow. The Crow dropped what appeared to be a wad of suet. The Redtail landed in a small tree on the side of the road and I stopped within 20 feet. I observed for 15 minutes as the hawk jumped from branch to branch and tree to tree. It was very interested in the piece of suet but eventually left empty taloned.

This winter I have seen lots of Black Vultures, sometimes in excess of 2 dozen & mixed in with a like number of Turkey Vultures, mainly by the lower dam.

Marshy Point

  • May 23 from Bea Nicholls: I birded Marshy Point Wednesday, and had a really nice three hours there. It's convenient for me. A problem is that you can't get in to the parking lot until 9 AM, although sometimes I park back on the side of the road near the nursery and walk in that from there. Anyway, entering at 9 AM, I had 39 species, including an immature Bald Eagle, super close look at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, White-throated Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole. Warbler species were Black-throated Blue (all around-singing and seen), Black-and-White, many Redstarts, several Ovenbirds, and a killer view of a Canada. Waterfront birding may occasionally be somewhat limited because Bob Stanhope uses the shoreline for instructing school kids how to paddle canoes.

Owings Mills Mall

  • Keith Costley reports March birding at the mall: I had a great morning when an Eastern Meadowlark flew over Owings Mills Mall without making a sound. Also observed 2 Eastern Towhee.April 4: Saw two Caspian Terns at the settlement pond near the Movie Theaters. April 27: Three Orchard Orioles, two Yellow Warblers, a Greater Yellowlegs, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper, Eastern Kingbird and four Canada Goose goslings were also there. The sandpiper was near the Theaters and all the other birds were on other side of Red Run Blvd.

Soldier's Delight

  • From Keith Costley, March 18: a silent Pine Warbler thrilled me on the Red Trail before a hiker frightened him. With the Juncos and Chipping Sparrows attempting to distract me I did not think I would find the warbler but was able to confirm his gender moments later. An Eastern Phoebe was on the parking lot of the visitor's center. Northern Harrier, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Hermit Thrush , Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow April 29-Highlights: White-Eyed Vireo, Blue-Headed Vireo, Northern Parula, Warblers: Yellow, Black-Throated Blue, Myrtle, Black-Throated Green , Blackburnian, Pine, Prairie, Black and White, Ovenbird.

Milford Mill Park, Randallstown

  • May 5, Keith Costley reports: Went to "Milford Mill Park" today (5/6) and saw twelve species of warblers. After my second time around I ran into Mr. and Mrs. Ben Poscover -Happy Anniversary!!! Together the three of us had better-than-good-looks at a male Hooded Warbler, a Great-Crested Flycatcher, and a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Acadian Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird,. We also saw a Mourning Dove on the nest. Warblers included: Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue. Black-throated Green Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black and white, American Redstart, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky. FYI: This park is called Villa Nova Park on the ADC maps. The stream running though it is the Gwynns Falls. This park stretches from Milford Mill Road to Liberty Road along 695, and then snakes through Villa Nova to Essex Road.

Anne Arundel County

  • On April 25 Sally Rowe noticed her male Cardinal running(!) from two squirrels who were chasing him up, down & around the bushes. The bird finally flew when the squirrels cornered him by Sally's fence. On the same day Sally also enjoyed her first Cedar Waxwing since the last winter.

 

Let us hear about your Back Yard and Maryland Birding too!!!

Call or write to:

Gail Frantz
13955 Old Hanover Rd.
Reisterstown MD 21136

Tel: 410-833-7135

e-mail:

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