Thanks to all who responded on list and off and to all
who took the time to nurture a beginner.

Barbara Gearhart from the Frederick MOS stopped by
and waited until the bird in question showed up. Top points
for all who suggested a Female Brown-Headed Cowbird.
This one has variant plumage and is abnormally dark with
unusual white patches.

Thanks again.
Gayle

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.
>
> Blessings
> Gayle
>
> ~
> Rev. Gayle Bach-Watson, UCC
> 4405 Molesworth Terrace,
> Mt. Airy, Maryland  USA
> 
> Home: 301-831-3874
> Cell: 301-367-9306
>
> If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.
> Chinese Proverb
>
> A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has 
> a song.
> Chinese Proverb
>