This morning along the Blue Mash Nature Trail in Montgomery County, I
encountered a bird that initially appeared to be a female Red-winged
Blackbird but upon closer observation seemed different.  It was in a low
bush in an open field about 30 feet away from where I stood and agitated,
perhaps because I was near its nest.  Here's what I observed:

- appeared slightly larger in size than a female RWBB
- overall brown color similar to RWBB but slightly darker
- underside had dark, heavy streaking
- yellowish wash on throat
- fairly wide, white stripe above the eye
- faint narrow black line below the eye
- bill similar to RWBB
- call: rapid, sharp chip notes

A review of several field guides points to RWBB, but not quite.  The
yellowish wash on the throat is not indicated.

Tom Marko
Olney, MD
Montgomery Bird Club