Folks

I did a short deck sit this AM.  The only new arrival was Scarlet Tanager (#153 Charles year bird / #77 yard year).  About two Dark-eyed Juncos were passing through.  The local winter visitor left on mass Saturday.   I could not find a one on Sunday.  The White-throat numbers are very low and may be gone by May 1.  

I then headed out for about two hours before doing some work for the local land trust.  I went to the mitigation ponds along Rt. 228, which borders the north side of Charles County and the Mattawoman Creek.  On my way out I finally got my year Wild Turkey (#154 Charles year bird).  I saw two males displaying to a single female.

The only new arrival at the mitigation ponds was American Redstart (#155).  The other highlight at this location was a lovely Juniper Hairstreak in full sun light.  I did have the camera.  I also photographed either a Horace's or Juvenal Duskywing.  I will have to wait and see the slides.  I am leaning toward Horace's.  I also photographed a young male/female Common Whitetail (dragonfly).  Other birds of note at the ponds were more Scarlet Tanager, Prairie, Parula, and Myrtle Warbler, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, and Red-eyed Vireo.  Great Blue Heron were flying over, probably looking for food for the young at the nest sites.  One Red-tailed Hawk was not pleased with my foray, so left its perch.  One disappointment was no Green Heron at this spot yet.  They have nested here since the mitigation sight was built.

It is too nice of a day to be inside working.  Where is that rain predicted?

With everyone reporting their new arrivals, hardly a bird will sneak by.  Enjoy the new arrivals, and all the others.

George

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