This bird is back today.

It was the first bird back at the feeders after I filled them. It is still
the only one. It's probably something that you all know -- like a
female cowbird or something -- but it looks NOTHING like
anything pictured in any of my field guides or in any of my larger
format books either photograph or drawing.

If anyone would like to come and take a look I would be VERY
GRATEFUL, and I'm about to put something in the oven as an
enticement (hint, hint).

Directions below (or by phone 301-831-3874).

(For some reason my emial program destroys all formatting.
I hope the directions are readable.)

Blessings,
Gayle

~
Rev. Gayle Bach-Watson, UCC
4405 Molesworth Terrace,
Mt. Airy, Maryland  USA

Home: 301-831-3874
Cell: 301-367-9306


Bach-Watson Associates wrote:

> Saturday and today I have had a bird here that is driving me nuts
> (short trip) -- I can't identify it. Perhaps y'all can help.
>
> I have been through Peterson East & Central, and West
> Sibley Large, East, and West
> Natl Geo
> and just for laughs Smithsonian
> can't find anything that looks like this
>
> Somewhat larger than a Junco.
> Slate Grey to virtually Black on surface feathers.
> Underfeathers seem to have a brownish cast to them.
> It appears that there is a white outline along the outer edge
> of the folded wings, but I do not see any white on the wings
> when it flies. Also, there is a small white mark or smudge in
> the very center of the back.
> Tail is long and narrow, with a slight bifurcation.
> Wings do not extend beyond the tail.
> Black beak, delicate -- narrower and longer than a Junco's,
> but a seed-cracker -- it manipulates seeds like a Goldfinch.
> Has a throatpatch about the size of a dime and is a
> beautiful caramel color -- the color one sees on the underbelly
> of a Mourning Dove.
> Legs are Black.
> It feeds in both the ground and at the tray feeders, but I have
> not seen it at the ports/pegs on the tubes nor at the suet feeders.
> It is alone. It arrives with the Juncos and the Sparrows, but there
> isn't another one around.
>
> I have taken pictures, but unfortunately they are in film format.
> I will get them developed tomorrow, scan them, and post them.
>
> 'Til then any suggestions would be very welcome.
>
 From Frederick:

Take I-70 to Route 75 exit. Libertytown / New Market / Monrovia / 
Hyattstown. At top of exit ramp, turn left on Rte. 75. At the traffic 
light, turn right onto Route 144 towards Mount Airy. You will pass a 
McDonald’s and a Food Lion. Take your next right (it will be several 
miles) onto Bartholow’s Road. This road goes up over a big bridge which 
crosses Interstate 70. Take the second left onto West Oak. You will be 
entering the West Oak Fields development. Take the next right, Moxley 
Valley. Take the first left, Roughton Drive. At the stop sign, turn left 
onto Molesworth Terrace. You will be entering a cul-de-sac. Our home is 
the second house on the right, a cream Cape Cod with green shutters and 
a red front door. 4405 Molesworth Terrace, Mt. Airy, Md. 301-831-3874

 From Baltimore:

Take the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) to I-70. Follow I-70 West to the 
Route 27 exit: Westminster / Damascus. There is a traffic light at the 
end of the ramp, go straight through. The road will go past Pizza Hut 
and McDonald’s and will then curve around to the right. At the next 
traffic light, turn left onto East 144 towards New Market. Take your 
second left after you cross the railroad tracks (it will be several 
miles) onto Bartholow’s Road. This road goes up over a big bridge which 
crosses Interstate 70. Take the second left on West Oak. You will be 
entering the West Oak Fields development. Take the next right, Moxley 
Valley. Take the first left, Roughton Drive. At the stop sign at the top 
of the hill, turn left onto Molesworth Terrace. You will be entering a 
cul-de-sac. Our home is the second house on the right, a cream Cape Cod 
with green shutters and a red front door. 4405 Molesworth Terrace, Mt. 
Airy, Md. 301-831-3874

 From Gaithersburg and points south:

Take Washington beltway (I-495) to I-270. Take I-270 north through 
Bethesda, Rockville, and Gaithersburg to Germantown. Exit at Route 27 / 
Damascus. Follow Route 27 through Damascus. Be careful in the town Rte. 
27 curves a bit. At the traffic light with Sandy Spring Bank on your 
left and Burger King on your right you should bear slightly left, you 
then pass CVS Pharmacy (on left) and the Jimmie Cone (on right) at next 
traffic light the McDonald’s is ahead on your right and the Domino’s 
ahead on your left.

NOTE:

on the lower level of the Domino’s building is a TERRIFIC optics store 
called Hands On Optics

26437 Ridge Road, Damascus, Md. Toll free 1-866-726-7371 
www.hansonoptics.com <http://www.hansonoptics.com/>

Turn left at light. Follow Route 27 to Route 80. It will be on your 
left. There is a little brick, Orthodox church also on the left. Take 
Route 80 through the little one store town of Kemptown. After the store, 
take the next right which is Bartholow’s Road. Take fourth right, 
Molesworth Entrance (Ent.). At the stop sign turn left onto Molesworth 
Drive, then take your second left onto Molesworth Terrace. We are in the 
cul-de-sac at the end of the street. Our home is the second house on the 
right, a cream Cape Cod with green shutters and a red front door. 4405 
Molesworth Terrace, Mt. Airy, Md. 301-831-3874