Blue Mash Nature Trail, Zion Road Section, 27 Oct 05, 0730-0930 

John Combs & I had began our walk along a frost covered BMNT this morning.
A pleasant surprise was finding a new trail cut to the big pond located
inside the landfill.  The new trail follows the existing narrow and
overgrown path to the pond and then loops back to the landfill access road
adding some habitat variety.  Many thanks to Rob Gibbs, MNCPPC, and the
landfill manager for making this happen. The new trail is a welcome addition
to the existing network of trails and provides easy access to viewing
waterfowl wintering on the pond (2 Ruddy Duck this morning).

A total of 37 species observed including the following highlights: Northern
Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk (in hot pursuit of a flicker), Red-tailed Hawk,
E. Phoebe-3, a late House Wren, Field Sparrow (many), Savannah Sparrow (1),
Song Sparrow (many), Swamp Sparrow (many), Lincoln's Sparrow (1),
White-throated Sparrow (many) & White-crowned Sparrow (1 adult & several
juveniles) & Purple Finch (2 males).

As a side note, last Monday I cleaned out the older nest boxes along the
trail.  Imagine my surprise in finding mice inside the boxes in cozy  nests
made of the fluffy lining of milkweed pods.  One box contained 5 mice. 
 
Tom Marko
Olney, MD
Montgomery Bird Club
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