Re: [MDOsprey] McKee-Beshers/Sycamore Landing- 7-04
Thomas Stock (TSTOCK@FMSHRC.GOV)
Wed, 14 Jul 1999 10:18:59 -0400
I was also at Hughes Hollow on the 11th, but my focus was primarily
butterflies (low numbers of everything except commas and hordes of
cabbage whites - more than I've ever seen in one place - 23 species
in all). But I also managed to see a few birds - the best being a female
Blue Grosbeak in a hedgerow beyond and to the east of that big
grove of pines. Was amazed at how dry the place was!
Tom Stock
Silver Spring
>>> "Paul Woodward" <grackling@worldnet.att.net> 07/12 5:27 PM >>>
11 July 1999
Spent a little over three hours this morning birding the fields and woods at the eastern end of Mckee-Beshers . Also made a brief stop at Sycamore Landing to look over the river. Found the first signs of fall- the gathering of swallows and doves on the power lines along River Road. Had 49 Rough-winged Swallows and 9 Mourning Doves. Still many birds singing- wood-pewee, acadian flycatcher, white-eyed vireo, red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, northern parula(giving its quiet cerulean song), common yellowthroat, yellow-breasted chat, scarlet tanager, eastern towhee, field sparrow, song sparrow, cardinal, indigo bunting, and american goldfinch (just starting their nesting cycle).
Best find was a pair of Blue Grosbeaks about 50 yards east of the parking lot on the south side of river road as you drive to Sycamore Landing Road. This is also a good place for chats.
The area is really dry; not good for the birds but it makes it a lot easier to walk just about anywhere without getting wet and muddy. Also the Potomac is filled with blooming starflowers. This aquatic vegetation is attractive to waterfowl later in the season.
Paul Woodward
Lives in Virginia, but birds in Maryland