I didn't mention there was a Red-Breasted Nuthatch seen on the count as well, in the Nature Center quadrant, but I don't know where.

I can also say now with certainty, there is a Great Horned Owl hanging out south of the Maintenance Yard but North of the ridge.  I heard it last night and it flew in to respond to tapes.  Yea!  I've been trying to get one for the Atlas for the last 3 years with no luck.  It seems to be quite vocal on its own, so to get it, all one needs to do is be there at sundown.

And, this Christmas Count for Rock Creek broke all previous records for species.  Previous record - 47, for 2005 we had 53.
If you are ever looking for a fast CBC - the Rock Creek Count is usually from 6 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., so you can get on with your busy holiday chores.

Denise Ryan
Cheverly, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Denise Ryan
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 1:23 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Dc Christmas Count Highlights


Just a few highlights from the DC - Rock Creek Christmas Count this morning. - I know a few of you might want to get your DC bird numbers up, so I hope this helps.

Seen on the Golf Course in the park - 
Merlin
Turkey - on the ground and then perched in a tree

Northern Harrier flying West from the creek along Military Road
Great Horned Owl near south of the nature center!!!  This is the first live sighting in years.  I didn't see any of these birds myself, this was gleaned from the tally rally.

I'll be in the park tonight checking on the Horned Owl and trying to get a Barred Owl to respond.

Golden Crown Kinglets and a Single Ruby Crowned Kinglet was seen.  They are not in big numbers.
House Wren still lingering.  I also heard a Eastern Phoebe has been hanging around the Maintenance Yard this week, but no one saw it today.

I don't recally anything else that was unusual.  No BC Chickadees, nothing other than White Breasted Nuthatches and very low number of Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers.

Good Birding

Denise Ryan
Cheverly, MD