Dave Powell and I birded Garrett yesterday targeting birds for Dave's year list.  We were pretty successful on all accounts.

We had 2 Northern Saw-whet Owls tooting from the Cranesville swamp at 4:20am.  Alder Flycatchers and Golden-winged Warblers were singing on Snaggy Mountain Rd (southernmost bog) and at the 4-H camp.  Ruffed Grouse was drumming at the 4-H camp which seemed a little late.  There were atleast 5 Henslow's Sparrows singing on Combination Rd.  We did not have the Upland Sandpipers at the Trout Run treatment plant, but were not there at the best time of day.  Two Myrtle Warblers were singing at the entrance to the 4-H camp and another was seen at the lake parking lot in New Germany.

Other birds of note:
We did flush a Vesper off of the road into Trout Run as well as a pair on Blue Ribbon Rd.  Least Flycatchers were singing from several places around the county, I usually only get 1-2.  Meadow Lake has some shorebird habitat with 2 Leasts and 2 Semi Sands at the south end.  Finzel Swamp had a singing Black-billed Cuckoo and a lot of water (knee-high boots recommended).  A Pine Siskin was with goldfinches on Snaggy Mountain and our only Purple Finch was in McHenry.  The only migrants we saw were 2 Blackpolls in McHenry.

Allegany notes:  The Mute Swan continues in Cumberland and a Common Loon at Rocky Gap.


Matt Hafner
Bel Air, MD