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Subject:

Harford/Cecil spring birds (CERULEAN)

From:

Chris Starling

Reply-To:

Chris Starling

Date:

Fri, 29 Apr 2005 13:40:03 -0400

Greetings,

Yesterday I headed out to see what new arrivals were in at my Favorite
Spring spot, The Susquehanna State Park in eastern Harford County. On my
way over I had Purple Martin and Chimney Swifts in the town of North East,
Cecil County.

In Harford County I was pleased at the plethera of singing birds, which
made finding a IDing this little things easier. I ended up with 9 species
of warbler and also Warbling Viroe(s), along with three Swallow sp, Caspian
Tern, and Bonnapart'e Gull for migrants...oh an gnatcatchers of course.
The breakdown is Palm Wabler, Prarie Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Parula,
Redstart, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-throated, and
at least 2 CERULEAN WARBLERS (more on CEWA later).  I also had at least 5
Warbling Vireos and loads of Gnatchatchers.  The swallows were Rough-
winged, Tree, and Barn. Out on the river there were tons of Cormorants
along with a lone Caspian Tern. To my surprise there were well over 100
Bonnaparte's Gulls. I am sure there was a little gull in there somewhere
but without a scope, I didnt try to hard to pick one out.

As for the Cerulean Warblers, I was very pleased to hear one sing close to
were I was. When suddenly I heard a second one right above my head. I
looked up and not 5 feet above my hat was a brilliant male singing loudly.
This drew the first one in right away and I watched as the two "Duked" it
out for territory I suppose.  At any rate I have very few records of this
bird to see them engaged in a dispute at such a close range, I felt lucky!

Good Birding,
Chris Starling
North East, MD