Hi all,
 This morning was a fine day to be out birding anywhere, and Blue Mash  was
no exception. A group of really keen birders scoured all the habitat and  came
up with some nice finds, including at least 5 duck sp., 5 raptors, 5  warbler
sp., 7-8 sparrow sp., 5 woodpecker sp. and 2 vireo sp.

A group list would include such goodies as 2-3 Lincoln's Sparrows, 2 adult
White-crowned Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, lots of Song, Swamps,  Whit
e-throats, Field, and towhees. Hawks included a Northern Harrier, Red-tailed  and
shouldered, both Sharpie and Cooper's. Ducks seen were Mallard, A. Black, A.
Wigeon. Green-winged Teal, and Gadwall.

Woodpeckers were highlighted by an immature RED-HEADED WP flying and  perched
at the back corner of the park, N. Flickers, Red-bellied and Downy as  well
as a heard only Pileated.Warblers seen (by group, not by all) were
Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green, many Palms, Yellow-rumped and  Common
Yelowthroats. The vireos were Blue-headed and Red-eyed. At least a  single Tree
Swallow was flying about, a Hermit Thrush (Schindler, Freidland and  Patton) was
seen, as was a male Belted Kingfisher, and a Wilson's Snipe  (Barnard,Patten)
was reported, as was a Spotted Sandpiper (Ringler).  Eastern Phoebe, E.
Bluebird, Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, robins, chickadees and  titmice, RC Kinglets,
House and Gold Finches were other regulars around.

I saw at least 3 live and 2 dead small Common Garter Snakes along the road
in the later parts of the morning, so for whatever reason, they are on the move
 too.

The park was well covered by: Rick Sussman, Gemma Radko, Lydia Schindler,
Linda Friedland, Helen Patton, Hugh Mahanes, Mark England, Bob Ringler, Chris
Barnard, Ed Patten, Mike Moffett, John Pangborn and 2 other gentlemen whose
last names I do not know, Roy and Paul.

P.S. Yesterday afternoon my wife and I took our lab for a walk down to the
Sandy Spring, and flying over the sorghum fields were about 4 Tree Swallows and
 at least a single Chimney Swift.

Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD