Yesterday we had the first pigeon we have ever observed on our property
(Croom; Jug Bay area).  This is a bit odd since it is a rural and somewhat
agricultural area, but pigeons are very uncommon around Jug Bay, except
for the few (literally) that are nearly always present at the Route 4
bridge (~ 1.5 miles north) over the Patuxent River.  My wife saw it first
while I was not home, and when she described it I thought "how odd".  Sure
enough though, it was exactly as she described: Pure white, with a bright
yellow bill and red eyes.  It appeared repeatedly to feed on seeds dropped
below the feeders, but was very nervous.  It spooked easily and
flushed/fled very quickly - it seemed exceptionally fast.  I took some
video of it, it was a beautiful bird.  Perhaps it is either an escapee or
wild offspring from someone's breeding project - I wonder if it was from a
line of "racing" pigeons?

Some migrant gulls have began to stage here (Jug Bay) this week. I saw 78
laughers with 9 Bonaparte's and about 30 ringers and 15 herring gulls
yesterday.  Looked for other gulls but had no luck - I'll keep trying.  We
heard the first (of 2005) singing Am toads at our house last night.

Jeff Shenot
Croom, MD