Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2003 19:07:12 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Kurt Schwarz Subject: Rusty Blackbird at Elkhorn, HowCo I walked the length of Columbia's Lake Elkhorn between 4 and 5 pm today. The highlight was a singing Rusty Blackbird (heard, not seen) near the dam. Other birds of note were an American Kestrel on a power line by Fore Bay Pond, three Golden-crowned Kinglets, a yellow Palm Warbler (again near the dam), at least 7 and probably more Yellow-Rumped Warblers, and a Brown Creeper (seen, not heard this time). The waterfowl had largely lit out since yesterday, only a few Canada Geese, fewer Mallards, the usual mongrel ducks, and three domestic white geese. Only two Ring-necked Ducks remained, and the Red-necked Grebe was STILL present (keeping company with the Ring-necks when last seen). The weather was lovely, and a nice compensation for having to pull a day at work. The Bloodroot was blooming profusely at the far end of the lake on the south shore. The beavers have been very industrious and have altered the landscape at the far end of Elkhorn and around Fore Bay to a considerable extent. The wooded pond behind Fore Bay has largely drained, and may prove to be attractive to shorebirds, though none were evident this afternoon. Kurt Schwarz Howard County goawaybird@comcast.net ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================