BLACK RAILS.  I've been postponing submitting an article on Black Rails so
that I can incorporate the results of field work during this 2004 breeding
season.  I would very much like to receive ANY information on Black Rails,
especially breeding season records.  Thank you.  So far I know of at least
5, possibly 6, single birds in 5 or 6 localities in MD, which,
unfortunately, should probably remain confidential.  Five of us also heard
one "singing" at a surprising location in Delaware on May 13.  This species
is apparently hanging on by a thread in MD, DEL, NJ and VA.  My article is
9,125 words and quite preliminary but I would be glad to send anyone a copy
who is interested.

BROWN PELICANS.  I have heard from Dave Brinker that he counted 1,434 (!!!)
nests in areas a few miles south of the MD/VA boundary just south of Smith
Island, MD, in the Chesapeake.  This is up considerably from the past few
years when they maxed out at c. 1,000 pairs there.

Best to all.-Harry Armistead, 523 E. Durham St., Philadelphia, PA
19119-1225.  215-248-4120.  Please, any off-list replies to: