I visited the Flats this morning to look for shorebird habitat. I found a few shorebirds, but the "surprises" were more memorable.

The first bird I saw in the water was a PIED-BILLED GREBE.  Not in safe days, but still a nice bird for July!

On land, I encountered a family of OVENBIRDS.  The first bird stayed near the path, calling frequently.  It was not sounding an alarm;  it seemed unconcerned by my presence.  I think this was a young bird calling for food.  Two more Ovenbirds moved around more cautiously in the background.  A fourth bird (unseen) called from the underbrush.

While I was studying the ovenbirds, two larger passerines landed 10 yards away, and one bird fed the other. However, this was interspecies feeding:  a female SCARLET TANAGER feeding an immature COWBIRD.  Interesting, also sad, moment.  A few minutes later, and fifty yards up the trail, a male Scarlet Tanager sang once.

Other birds seen:  Mallard 2, Wood Duck 4, Great Blue Heron 2+, Great Egret 1, Killdeer 2, Lesser Yellowlegs 1, Kingfisher 1.  

Mudflats are forming fairly close to Paper Mill Rd.  The back area of the flats, sometimes one huge mudflat, is still a shallow lake this year.

                       Peter Lev
                       Baltimore Bird Club