Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 17:44:48 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Fred Shaffer Subject: Bladensburg Marina A quick stop at Bladensburg Marina after work turned into 45 minutes, as there were several interesting birds and evidence of breeding activity. A pair of Tree Swallows were at and in a bluebird box. The female went inside from time to time and the male stood watch from atop the box. Also present in the scrub willows in the middle of one mudflat were a singing Yellow Warbler (heard), several Song Sparrows, and a singing and calling Willow Flycatcher (heard & seen). Other birds present were a pair of Killdeer, 2 Great Blue Herons, several Mallards and geese. A House Sparrow was seen with nesting material and a Crow (I believe American) was seen carrying something, either nesting material or food. Also present were two Fish Crows calling on the mudflat, and Barn Swallows and Rough Winged Swallows. For those interested in escaped oddities, there was a white Budgerigar flying over the river. It flew noisily over the river, than perched briefly on the railing 30 or so feet from me. It was mostly pure white, with a distinct indigo wash on the back. It was then harassed and chased away by the previously mentioned Tree Swallows. Fred Shaffer Patuxent Bird Club fshaffer3@aol.com ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================