Folks

While doing the Southern Maryland Audubon Birdathon yesterday, Gwen, Julie Daniel, and I found a calico Little Blue Heron at the old Port Tobacco Courthouse pond.  The pond is located just off Rt. 6 outside of La Plata, and on Chapel Point Road.  The pond is behind the old courthouse.  A full (abbreviated) report of the birdathon account will followed after the tally rally on Wednesday night.  The teams from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's were competing for the largest bird list.  Mums the word until then.

It generally was a slow migrant day with only three true migrants being found - Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blackpoll Warbler (3), and lots of Myrtle Warblers.  The later two generally represent the first and last migrant warblers.  I sure hope this is not the case this year.  No non-breeding ducks, and a lot (but not all) of the breeders were located.  The Little Blue Heron was the only substantial surprise.  I did pick up eight new Charles County year birds, scouting did help, but it was like searching for hens teeth.  The annual atlas fund raising number is now at 184.

One bird we missed was Yellow-billed Cuckoo.  One was calling near the house early this morning (yard year bird # 95).  Isn't that always the way?  Gwen and I also had several Laughing Gulls (# 96) calling and flying over later in the day while we were doing yard work.

Were are the migrants?

George


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