Watching the kids this afternoon, so I thought I'd check Osprey and say 
hello.  Many signs of spring are present now.  Last night we had a 
woodcock (or two, I couldn't tell) making passes along the property edge, 
and doing both vocalizations (the squeaky chatter was made frequently; the 
peent was only made a few times).  It was not the first flight of the year 
here, but it was definitely more noticeable - the flight and calls seemed 
more dramatic than before (not a test run).  I really enjoy their calls!  
It flew right at dusk, and although nearly dark out was easily recognized 
by the long-billed profile and flight pattern even in the low light.

I also added two more new birds yesterday for our house this year; 
Wilson's snipe and Gadwall.  Though the snipe are here all winter (on the 
river shore), I have not seen any from our house until today.  Gadwalls 
are always spotty for me here, for some reason I only see them a few times 
each season.  A small flock was with a small flock of Canada Geese.

Any day now (within one week, I bet) we should have the year's first 
Osprey arriving here (Jug Bay/Patuxent River)!  They usually arrive no 
later than the first 5-10 days of March, and even as early as late 
February.  The yellow perch run has been on for at least three weeks now, 
and may be nearly over.  Water temps were warmer than usual here this 
winter, and fish runs seem much earlier.  I wonder if Ospreys have a sense 
of this (water temp and timing of fish runs) from feeding as they migrate 
North?  Do they even eat when they migrate in Spring?

Cheers-

Jeff Shenot
Croom MD