Somewhat belatedly, I got out to Hughes Hollow in Montgomery County this 
morning, to try to see the Virginia Rail that has been reported there.  I 
didn't arrive until 11 a.m. and missed the bird.  I met up with a group of 
birders from Virginia who had not seen it either.  However, they did get a 
Sora shortly before I arrived.

  I didn't see that either!

As so often happens in birding, disappointment can lead quickly to elation. 
I decided to slog the circuit -- Hughes Hollow - C&O Canal Towpath - 
Sycamore Landing Rd. - Hughes Hollow --  on foot.  About 3 miles and 
incredibly muddy.  But also delightfully birdy.  And the bluebells down by 
the river are gorgeous.

Highlights:

WHITE-EYED VIREO  2
BLUE-HEADED VIREO  1
WARBLING VIREO  1
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO  1

NORTHERN PARULA  8
YELLOW WARBLER  1
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER  30+

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER  1 male  (very early date; earliest date I've seen 
this species locally 
was 
4/28/92 in Rock Creek Park, D.C.)

PALM WARBLER  1
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER  1
AMERICAN REDSTART  1 male
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER  2
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH  1
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT  2

In the past, I've never had a 4-vireo, 10-warbler day so early in the 
migration season. (Except in Texas!!)

White-throated Sparrows are still around in big numbers and there were a 
couple of late Juncos. There were 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, of which about 
half were singing lustily.  I lost count of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.  They 
were all over.

Mike Bowen
Bethesda
Montgomery Bird Club


D. H. Michael Bowen (Mike)
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda MD 20817-3845
Tel/Fax: (301) 530-5764
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