Dave,

I counted at least 8 Henslow's Sparrows at the location, but there were
likely more. Several other birders such as J.B. Churchill and George Jett
have also spent time at this location recently, and may have had higher
numbers. George noted in an earlier post, "DNR should be praised for their
efforts to protect habitat for rapidly declining species. The property is
under CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) with DNR, and will not be cut until
August 15 per the property owner." A search of the MDOsprey archives
<http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?S1=mdosprey> will reveal a number
of other Henslow's Sparrow locations, particularly in Garrett County. Let me
know if I can provide any other details. Thanks for doing the work you do!

Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of CURSON, David
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Garrett Atlasing; Allegany Grassland Birds and
Shorebirds

Bill,

I read your account of grassland birds at Blank Road with interest. This
area sounds like a potential Important Bird Area. Could you tell me how many
Henslow's Sparrows you heard/saw. This would be a vital piece of information
for reviewing the site for IBA status - HESP are Threatened species in
Maryland.

Thanks.

Dave Curson

David Curson, PhD
Director of Bird Conservation,
Audubon MD-DC,
2437 Eastern Avenue,
Baltimore  MD  21224
Tel: (410) 558 2473
E-mail: