Hi,

We had to drop our dog off at the vet for surgery so took an hour to drive
around the Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville which is nearby.

Highlights include:

Immature Peregrine hunting over the fields along Beaver Dam Rd. between its
intersection with Old Baltimore Rd. and Sheep Farm (?) Rd.

Two adult Bald Eagles, also hunting. One, the male, flushed up a large flock
of Rock Pigeons and, flying through these, snatched one for breakfast. He
sat on a snag near us to pluck and eat his kill. The female eagle appeared
annoyed that she missed out, ruffling her feathers and giving many sharp
glances towards her mate!

Large flock of Canada Geese including the odd one I mentioned in an earlier
post, which appears to have characteristics of one of the dark western races
(tawny breast, narrow chin strap which also appeared buffy). I managed to
get a couple of good photos before the eagles scared off the goose flock.
Will post to MOS photo page when I figure out this new camera!

Also a large flock of blackbirds but nothing interesting, however worth
checking regularly as the flock seems to have grown since our last trip.

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD