Two female Common Goldeneyes were at Lake Allen on the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract (Anne Arundel Co.) this afternoon at about 4 p.m. A female Ruddy Duck also spent several days there this past week. Pied-billed Grebes continue there, having been present for a month. In addition, an American Coot was at the Wildlife Viewing Area today, beginning its third week at that location. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been pretty regular at the refuge, along with a Purple Finch or two, but no siskins yet. A pair of Rusty Blackbirds was at New Marsh last Friday. Sadly, the Red-headed Woodpeckers, present from early October to early May last season, have not returned. Stan Arnold Glen Burnie