Two updates on my previous posting:

I mentioned:
On a brighter note, I observed the "local" Merlin cruising the skies...

Update:
I think I'd better reconsider this ID until I can get a better look.  I've
come to think it could well have been a Cooper's instead.

I also mentioned:
Finally, back to Shrikes.  There was a suspicious bird perched in a tree
along & southside on MD 383 westbound (Broad Run Road) just where the road
begins to dip toward the Catoctin Creek ravine.  I'll try to check it out
tomorrow with bins.  More than likely it is NOT a Shrike, but I'm posting in
case someone local to the area wants to take a look.

Update:
This afternoon I saw "a bird" in the same location, but again was unable to
get bins on it.  It could easily be a Kestrel, however.  I probably won't be
able to check it out again until next weekend.

Jim Speicher
Jspeicher-at-niaid.nih.gov
Rockville  AT work :(
Broad Run_S. FRED Co  AT home :)