Hi Everyone,
 
Just returned from Noland's Ferry, where I missed the TOWNSEND'S by a few minutes. It was last seen around 2:30 p.m. near the entrance to the parking area. The weather was very overcast, so unfortunately dusk came early and viewing conditions were poor. The mixed foraging flock was large and active, though, with good numbers of both kinglets, creepers, nuthatches, chickadees, and downies.
 
While I'm writing, here are some highlights from Monday. Sorry about the late post, but it's been a busy first couple days back to work. Jim Brighton and I spent Monday, Jan 2nd, working our way around P.G., Charles, and Calvert Counties. No streakers or near-death experiences this trip, but noteworthy birds included the following: 
 
At least 8 REDHEADs within the large raft of waterfowl at Piscataway Park in P.G. County. Also present were at least one each of COMMON LOON, PB GREBE,
and HORNED GREBE.
 
One REDHEAD amidst 30+ CANVASBACKs off Mattawoman Creek Road on the Potomac River in Charles Co. (DeLorme p. 36/D3)
 
A HOUSE WREN at Myrtle Grove WMA in Charles Co. A couple FOX SPARROWs were a nice bonus.
 
A light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK in southwestern Calvert Co. near the intersection of Leitchs Rd and Stoakley Rd (DeLorme p. 38/D2). Jim Stasz said he thinks it was probably the 3rd or 4th county record.
 
One adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in North Beach, Calvert Co.
 
Have a great week!
 
Bill
 
Bill Hubick
Elkridge, MD

<www.billhubick.com>