Hello Ospreyers! I went to one of my favorite haunts yesterday--or at least it was until the county started "new & improving" it. Looks a little like there was a major battle there now. This is a county park on Jumpers Hole Rd in Severna Park. Has been hawk & sparrow heaven in past winters. Sightings for 1-27-99. 3:30 to 5:00PM All species on sight except American crow as I cannot hear bird calls. Must get back in the morning before the hawks have the passerines in hiding. Great blue heron--1 Mallard--2 Hooded merganser--2, drake & hen; per Bill Offut, park superintendent American kestrel--1, adult male. MERLIN--1, female or immature Cooper's hawk--1, probably female as was a very large bird Ring-billed gull--approx 30, fly-over Rock dove--27 Mourning dove--22 Northern flicker--1 American crow--2 crow species--18 Eastern bluebird--8 American robin--250 plus Northern mockingbird--4 European starling--45 plus Northern cardinal--1 Song sparrow--3 Common grackle--2 The merlin was seen at close range, perched in a white pine and briefly in a mulberry. It appeared almost curious about my presence. If anyone wishes details of appearance or exactly where in the park I saw it, contact me directly at <quiltbird@annapolis.net> Good birding, Linda Baker