Was able to take off of work early and stopped by TR Island for a quick hour
of birding.  Most impressive for me was the Red-shouldered Hawk (RSHA) I was
able to observe for about 5 minutes. It perched on a branch about 8' above
the ground and right next to the trail.  I first saw the bird from about 75
feet away as it landed on the ground (at that point I could only tell it was
a raptor of some kind). I edged about 15' closer to get a better view when
the hawk obliged me by flying up to the branch.  Looking through my
binoculars, I could see it was a Red-shouldered and had a small snake in its
talons.  The snake was gray and 8 to 10" long.  I missed the moment when the
hawk actually swallowed the snake, but he was fast because I hardly took my
eyes off.  He saw me and didn't seem to mind so I finally edged closer very
slowly until I was abreast the hawk on the trail.  AWESOME!  Depressing,
too, because I didn't have my camera!

Also, at one point while watching the Red-tailed, another raptor flew by in
the background very quickly so I didn't get a chance to id it.  However
about two minutes after the first hawk flew off, I saw a Red-shouldered Hawk
fly overhead coming back from the direction in which the second raptor had
flown.  So. two raptors for sure and most likely two Red-shouldered Hawks.  

Also seen:
Carolina Chickadee, 8 (2 apparent pairs)
Carolina Wrens, 2 (apparently paired)
Fish Crow, 1
Common Grackles, 30+
Common Merganser, 1 m., 1 f.
Mallard, 1 m., 1 f.
White-throated Sparrows, 5
Northern Cardinals, 2 m.
Ring-billed Gulls, 3
Unidentified sparrows, (do I have to confess? It's embarrassing)

Other wildlife seen:
3 White-tailed Deer
1 Squirrel
@ 150 high school students from three tour buses (fortunately I passed them
after I was done birding and hustling to the car.)

Not a bad investment for an hour.

Paul Mackey
Hagerstown, MD