Hi all,

I've noticed the conspicuous absence of any sightings on the list of Tree
sparrows - we've had them here in Rohrersville for about two weeks now.  We
also have regular White Crowned sparrows here that seem absent elsewhere.

Is it just me or do we have them here because of our proximity to the
mountains?

Speaking of Tree sparrows... we almost always had them on the Montgomery
County Mid-Winter count.  I am resurrecting the count  starting with the
2006 season, so over the next year I will be contacting many of you who have
participated in this excellent count in the past.  The count circle has
undergone tremendous change over the past few years, and with that damn
highway (the ICC) sure to begin construction soon  I think we need this
valuable data now more than ever.  

Mid-winter counts are, IMHO, more useful to ornithologists and biologists
than the Christmas Counts.  They also seem to attract a slightly different
breed of birder.  Having said that, I am not discounting the Christmas
Counts, merely stating a plain fact of seasonal observations and what time
of year is more representative of "stable" winter (home range) bird
populations in Montgomery County.

If you'd like me to e-mail a summary of all the count years (in Excel
format) please contact me off-list at my e-mail addy listed below.  

I know it's a year away but I have always loved this count, for many
reasons, and I'll be calling for volunteers soon!!!

****************************
Frank Boyle
Rohrersville, MD

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"The most powerful weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the
oppressed."
- Stephen Biko