I went to Ft. Smallwood this morning hoping to see the Common Redpoll,
which I had missed last weekend. Shortly after I arrived, I saw a flock of
29 White-winged Crossbills and a white squirrel. Not sure which was cooler
(actually, I do know -- the squirrel). The next hour and a half were not
cool, as I followed goldfinch flocks around without finding the redpoll. I
finally found the redpoll on the ground near the battery with a large flock
of goldfinches and juncos. In the same scan, I also found a Snow Bunting
feeding on the grass. I lost the Snow Bunting when the flock moved on, and
was quite surprised to eventually find it perched on top of a sweet gum
tree, calling and singing. After about 5 minutes, it flew towards the pier.
After dipping on the Harlequin Duck at Ft Armistead, I went to Patterson
Park in Baltimore to look for the Wood Thrush. I was discouraged when a
Cooper's Hawk flew out of the Magnolia tree. I had also seen the hawk on
January 1 eating a bird in the Magnolia. Thankfully, the Wood Thrush has
not yet become a meal for the hawk -- an incredible bird to see in January.
John Hubbell
Washington DC.
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