Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 21:51:27 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Tim Ray Subject: Kingfisher nest in Howard County park While helping to chaperone my son's 3rd grade school picnic at Cedar Lane Park on June 7, I noticed a kingfisher fly past and perch near a big pile of dirt that appeared to be left over from construction. Of course, I immediately followed the bird. It flew from the first perch to a second perch, and then directly into a tunnel in the dirt pile. About 30 seconds later, it emerged and headed off toward the nearest stream (about 1/8 mile away). At one point, an adult female flew into the hole less than a minute after an adult male had visited. Typically, the visits were 15-30 minutes apart. (I have found kingfishers to be quite wary near their nest, but these did not seem to be bothered by people nearby) I'm sorry for the delay in reporting this. To reach the park, go West on Route 108 from Route 29, turn left at Cedar Lane, and left again into the park. The dirt pile is on the far side of the volleyball courts (it is easily viewed from Cedar Lane). The hole is about 8' above the ground, and has 2 grooves worn into it's bottom. Tim Ray Columbia MD ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================