Date:         Sat, 8 Jun 2002 05:12:38 EDT
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Marshall Iliff <Miliff@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Sedge Wren still in Garrett County
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MDOsprey and conventioneers,

       Yesterday 7 Jun 2002 I visited the Mosser Road crossing of Cherry
Creek with my Victor Emanuel Nature Tours group I was guiding through Western
Maryland. At 10:00 a.m. a Sedge Wren was singing at the same location I had
it 22 May, suggesting very strongly that they are nesting (or will nest)
here. The location is on the south side of the road and east side of the
creek, about 50 yards south of the road near a flowering hawthorn tree. At
times the bird was actually sitting in the lone flowering hawthorn (only tree
out in the grass of the glades) and in the bushes nearby (to the northeast).

Atlasers and convention-goers may want to keep tabs on this bird and keep
careful watch for breeding behavior. Try visiting at night and in early
morning as well, as those are the best time for song activity in this
species. The Atlas safe dates begin 10 June, so this is not even an atlas
record yet. Those safe dates are _extremely_ safe, and I have little doubt
that this is a breeder and not a migrant.

Sedge Wren has been suspected, but never confirmed, asa nester in Garrett
County. I have two records prior to this year, plus an additional three birds
this year (detailed in earlier message). It would be interesting to compile
the Garrett records at some point.

Good luck and keep us posted on potential breeding activity of this bird.

Best,

Marshall Iliff
miliff@aol.com
Annapolis, MD

PS - Also, at Finzel Swamp, we had 3-4 Virginia Rails in the same area
reported in my May 19-22 message.

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