Went to S. Germantown Rec. Park to check for any new shorebirds.  Nothing
there I have not seen over past few weeks (Spotted and Least Sandpiper,
Killdeer and G. Yellowlegs) but was surpised to see a female Northern
Shoveler.  Almost did not bother to look at it, assuming it was one of the
resident female Mallards.  Luckily however, a Spotted Sandpiper I was
watching passed right in front of the bird I assumed to be a Mallard and
immediately I noticed the large bill.  This would be my first Yellowbook
"broken line" bird.

Also, 2 or 3 E. Meadowlarks in the park.

Good birding,

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg