Date: 8/5/12 6:47 pm
From: Frode Jacobsen <frodesjacobsen...>
Subject: [MDBirding] Weekend in Garrett: Blue Grosbeak and Golden-winged Warbler


Hi All,
just back from a bountiful weekend in Garrett Co. I arrived at Russell Rd pre-dawn Saturday AM with little dawn chorus to speak of, with the exception of sparrows. In addition to abundent Field and Grasshopper Sparrows, I heard a minimum of 7 HENSLOW'S SPARROWS and saw 6 Vesper Sparrows foraging along the roadside. The Blue Grosbeak was still going strong towards the top of the hill. Next, I headed to New Germany SP that proved very active, with Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-headed Vireo, Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Myrtle Warbler etc.

I started Sunday morning at Piney Mountain Rd and hiked the powerline cut towards the east. The areas surrounding the sphagnum moss bog half a mile down the trail was hopping with birds, dominated by Blue-headed Vireos, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler (several still sporting their breeding plumage), Canada Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Hermit Thrushes etc. I also found several fresh bear tracks in the mud. As I was heading back the weather deteriorated and I barely made it back to the car before it started pouring. I continued to Maple Glade Rd in hopes of the weather clearing, but it continued to rain non-stop for three hours straight. I cut my losses and headed home, but as I got onto I-68 the rain let up and I decided to give New Germany SP another go. Best decision I made all weekend! I was greeted by a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the parking lot and the first warbler flock I encountered contained a hatch-year/female GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, one of 12 warbler species seen around the pink trail loop! What a great primer for fall migration! I'll be posting a set of photos to flickr over the next few days, so stay tuned:o)

Happy birding,

Frode Jacobsen
Windsor Mill, MD

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