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

John Combs & I 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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