Hi Folks,

Elaine and I spent much of the day in Caroline Co., following yesterday's
pelagic out of Lewes.  All our excitement came during our first hour, when
we visited two rural locations, the first being a dirt road to the east of
Rte 312 about 1/2 mile north of Sparks Rd., this road connecting 312 with
Marble Head Rd. (Delorme 51 B4).  After scanning through nearly 150 Horned
Larks, I got the scope on a LAPLAND LONGSPUR, where Elaine was able to enjoy
an extensive view of this life bird.  At one point, all the birds in the
field flew up en-masse, and after briefly scanning the sky, we watched an
adult PEREGRINE FALCON come sailing in, perch briefly on a horizontal
irrigation pipe, and then continue on its way.  It didn't seem particularly
interested in the larks.  I would have thought this bird highly unusual in
Caroline Co. had Bill Hubick and I not see one under very similar
cicumstances last February.

Our next stop was along Sparks Rd., where we found a flock of about 100
Horned Larks in the usual place where the road is dirt, about 100 yards east
of the Dean/Stevenson Rd. intersection.  It only took a short bit of
scanning to find another LAPLAND LONGSPUR here, but before I could finish
scanning the flock, the birds took flight and crossed the road, and we were
able to pick out two SNOW BUNTINGs in the group.  Unfortunately, the
buntings kept on going, while the Horned Larks put down nearby.

There really wasn't much else of interest, except at Martinak State Park,
where I really thought I heard the squeaking of a Brown-headed Nuthatch.  I
know this is a bit out of range for this bird, and since I didn't see it, I
can't really be certain.  Anyway, I heard the sound in one of the pines near
the restrooms (with holiday lights) by the parking area.  Any comments
appreciated.

Next weekend it's CBCs--oh boy!

Stan Arnold
Glen Burnie