Tom -
    We've all been Ringler-ized at one time or another.

     Thanks, Bob for all your input and birding tips over the years. We are
a better group of birders thanks to you.





                Taylor McLean
                
                Baltimore County, MD


----- Original Message -----
From: "Marko, Thomas L. GS BUMED" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Blue Mash Nature Trail


> Oh my - I've been Ringler'd!  But that's a good thing since Bob keeps us
on
> our toes and makes us think twice before we post, which results in more
> observant, better refined birders.
>
> Am I 100% sure it was a Sharpie?  Negative.  The bird was facing away at
> 75-100 feet distance and viewed at an oblique angle.  However, what I
> observed points to a Sharpie.  It was definitely a bird in juvenile
plumage,
> it was small (about 12" in length) and slight, and the tail squared-off.
It
> just didn't seem to have the heftier jizz of a Cooper's Hawk.  My last
> observation (overhead) of a Sharpie along the BMNT was on 17 Apr of this
> year.
>
> Tom Marko
> Olney, MD
> Montgomery Bird Club (MOS)
> Email: 
>
> Fred Fallon wrote:
>
> Yes, it's hard to believe Sharpie's at this time of year, but I should
> note here that a friend reported one while atlasing near Merkle on Thur,
> and we ourselves saw what appeared to be one in flight in a residential
> area in the Chelenham vicinity y'day, chased by a Grackle - tho' the
> view was fleeting. What's going on here?
>
> Bob Ringler wrote:
>
> Have there been previous sightings of Sharp-shinned Hawk there this
summer?
> Please note that because of its rarity this species requires a
verification
> form for the Breeding Bird Atlas.
>
> Tom Marko wrote:
>
> Blue Mash Nature Trail, Montgomery County, 2 July 04, 0700-0900
>
> A juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk, perched on the fence surrounding the
> landfill, munched on an avian breakfast while several Black Vulture soared
> overhead.