Folks

A quick tally of yesterday fieldtrip with Linda Friedland and Lydia Schindler resulted in about 80 species.   That included things like the Blue Grosbeak (Hancock Run Road), La. Waterthrush (called once from a distance near Purse's State Park), Wormeating Warbler (singing on Adams Willett Rd.), Kentucky singing at two locations, and a lot of other breeding bird.  We did not get any gulls or terns that I remember, only four species of shorebirds, no non-breeding waterfowl, and four sparrows species, so it was a fair day for hacking around.

We also had American Bittern (thanks Linda), and Wild Turkey (thanks Lydia), The Bittern was flying by the pond behind the old courthouse at Port Tobacco.  I pleasant surprise and probably a late migrant.  The Turkey was near the road north of Chickamuxen (I like that name) on Rt. 224.

The most frustrating bird of the day was probably a Trail's type empid Flycatcher (Willow/Alder), but it did not sing, so we could not label it to species.  Not an Acadian, not a Least, so by default a Trail's. Do I count it.  Oh the pressure of a big year.

Other birds of note were the reliable Red-headed Woodpecker and Wood Duck on Rt. 224 near Purse's State Park, Yellow Warbler at the Port Tobacco pond, Yellow-breasted Chat calling at several locations (but typically not showing itself), Black & White Warbler on Hancock Run Rd., Prairie Warbler at several locations but showing itself at Smith Point Rd., Marsh Wren on territory at the Port Tobacco Marina, lots of Bald Eagle around but mostly at Allen's Fresh and Rt. 224, and four Semipalmated Plover at Allen's Fresh.  Maybe twelve or thirteen species of breeding warbler in total were found and no migrants.

At the house later in the day I had three Common Nighthawk fly over, calling.  Other new year yard birds at the house lately were Orchard Oriole on 5/17 (maybe 111), and American Redstart on 5/18 (maybe 112).

Where have all the migrants gone?  Hoping for a late migration bird.  

George