A very productive morning on some private property in my atlas block. One of those "memorable birding moments" when two SORAS gave us a show calling and strutting out in plain view. (now if they can hang on and get romantic!!). A singing MARSH WREN also showed himself. AMERICAN BITTERN was a treat. Some shorebirds moving with 7 LEAST, 12 SOLITARY, 4 SNIPE and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS. SWAMP SPARROW skulking in the grasses.
    A very exciting confirmation of 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS on nests. A frustrating "maybe" with a BLACK VULTURE on the roof of a condemned house. (Cant get inside it!)
    My first GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS of the year singing vigorously. Numerous SAVANNAH SPARROWS in song (fingers crossed on that one). Flyover BOBOLINKS were another first along with a single BANK SWALLOW. Horned Larks still very vocal. 
    All the lovely field birds are here- who needs those gaudy warblers anyway?

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD

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