Hi all,
 As Tom noted, we had a really fine morning of birding at the Blue Mash
yesterday AM. Tom and I actually hiked the entire trail, but Mike didn't join us
until 9AM, when we drove over to the lot on Rt. 108 at the entrance to the old
landfill, and walked along Riggs Rd. back to our vehicle at the Zion Rd. lot.
This was a first for both Tom and I who have both been enjoying this fairly new
park since last fall.

This stretch of the hike produced the most new birds for me, including the
only Savannah Sparrow, a very beautiful fresh-looking bird, and a pair (or more)
of Eastern Meadowlarks. In the deeper woods we spooked a Great Horned Owl
from a possible nest (couldn't locate). We were quite far from the bird at all
times, so our looks were distant. In these woods was a very formidable old oak
tree, whose first braches didn't begin until nearly the tops of the trees
around it. It must be well over 100 years old, and because the leaves aren't out
yet, its huge form could really be appreciated in the woods. Also, lots of
Bloodroot was in bloom, so I must've missed them during last week!

Further along and coming back to the nature trail area from the woods, the
trail turns very wet and muddy. Anyone hiking along this stretch would be well
advised to wear high rubber boots! We had singing Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a
number of Golden-crowned Kinglets here, and a flock of Rusty Blackbirds, many
singing, mostly feeding in the many wet puddles in the woods. A single Hermit
Thrush uttered a few call notes, making us aware of its presence. Many of the
lingering Fox Sparrows were also singing.

The ponds there still held a small variety of waterfowl, including both
species of teal, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks and Mallards, and many DC Cormorants
(which seem to be everywhere lately). There were still at least 3 Wilson's Snipe
around, which we flushed from a wet grassy spot at the front of the landfill. A
single Barn Swallow flew by with the growing number of Tree Swallows, and we
must've seen the same flock of 4 Great Blue Herons 4-5 times throughout the
morning. A very pleasant walk, producing 56 species, considering the weather
wasn't quite what they were calling for. My Blue Mash list is now up to 79. Bring
on the migrants!

Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD


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