Red-shouldered Hawks have re-occupied the same nest, same tree, on Cabin John creek, near its junction with the Potomac River.   One was hunkered down on the nest on Sunday.  The area is about mile 7.5 along the canal.  If last year's 'schedule' is any guide, there should be hatchlings soon.

While watching it, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher flew into view, my first of the year in that area.

There were 4 female Downy Woodpeckers calling, pecking and moving about in the vicinity, too.  Never seen so many in view at one time.  They were preceeded by a female Hairy Woodpecker, who seemed about twice their size.

A Red-breasted Merganser, female, scurried away as I walked up the river bank to the Double-crested Cormorant's rookery opposite MP 8.  Counted 12 nests, 9 of which were occupied (given the height of the swollen river, forcing the viewing from a much more distant location than usual, it was hard to tell how many really were there).

A dozen or more Tree Swallows were swooping about beyond the island rookery, with either a Barn Swallow or Purple Martin tossed in for good measure.  A lone male/female Wood Duck pair were in the channel-side of the river.  Five Yellow-rumped Warblers made quite a racket as I returned down the tow-path.

Down toward Little Falls dam, at least a 100 Tree Swallows were feasting on something mid-river, with several Barn Swallows mixed in and about 30 or so Bonaparte's Gulls flew about as well, landing on the river, to be floated swiftly downstrream by the raging current, then flying back up against the wind.  A lone Eastern Phoebe called from the brush on the river bank, then flew across the canal -- very fresh plumage on that one.  A very brightly colored Pine Warbler was nearby, carrying something in its mouth somewhere for some reason.  

I'm tempted to say that was the bird of the day, but then I watched an adult Bald Eagle soar over the dam area itself.  Downright majestic against a gloomy gray sky.

Not much out there to be seen by a casual hiker, but such as there was, it was quality!

Here's hoping for good birding next weekend,

Frank Powers
Glen Echo, MD
Montgomery County
frankpowers at comcast.net