I saw both the Sora and the Virginia Rail at their respective spots
in Hughes Hollow between 9:30 and 9:45 this morning, Wed. 4/20/05.

The trick for me was to leave my camera at home thus ensuring that
most birds that I saw hang around for a while, striking photogenic
poses in good light, etc.  Apparently they hate paparazzi.

Other birds I saw or heard at HH:  1 Yellow Warbler which was
hanging around the rail spots, a flock of 8 Rusty Blackbirds flew low over
the VR spot, an American bittern called from the swamp, a pair of
Wood Ducks flew over, a couple of House Wrens were around, plus the
ubiquitous Yellow-rumped Warblers and B. G. Gnatcatchers.

Along the C&O canal towpath in Sycamore Landing there were several N.
Parulas and one Comon Yellowthroat sang from hedge near the parking lot.
Yesterday in Riley's Lock at least one of the Protonothary Warblers was
back, I saw him inspecting the first bird house that is seen as one
approaches the turning basin.  Lots of Chipping Sparrows in Poolesville.

Dalcio Dacol
Poolesville, MD