I drove a lot today in order to finally check out two places (new to me) that Bill Hubick (thanks) had mentioned to me earlier in the spring. Both nice spots, and I would bet that Smoky Rd. would be especially productive during migrations. Had a few nice birds at both spots.
First stop, a short one, at Milltown Landing Road (in south PG County), a stretch near the river (Patuxent). A single YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was the nicest bird. Also 2 Grasshopper Sparrows. 2 or more of the following warblers: prairie, parula, chat, and common yellowthroat. Good field habitat.
Second stop across the river in Calvert County: Smoky Road (between river and hunter parking lot). Even though this area was across the river from the previous spot, I had to drive back north to highway 4 and go around...--I didn't see a more direct route. Anyway, this spot was productive and fun. Best birds: YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (1), SUMMER TANAGER (1), and the following warblers: HOODED (1), WORM-EATING (2), and YELLOW-THROATED (1). Some other birds: Scarlet Tanager (1), Yellow-Throated Vireo (1), Phoebe (2), Pewee (1), Acadian Flycatcher (couple), Wood Thrush (1), Ovenbird (1), Black-and-White Warbler (1), Prairie Warbler (1-2), Parula Warbler (couple), Common Yellowthroat (several), and Chat (several). Varied habitat along the stretch I walked in the heat today.
Tim Houghton
(Glen Arm)
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