Was atlasing in David W. Force this AM and heard what I was certain was a  
worm-eating warbler singing in thick, low woods (below the golf course).   The 
song was a flat, mechnanical chatter, all in one pitch.  Luckily I  searched 
for the songster and was surprised to find a brightly colored  blue-winged 
warbler.  I watched it for a minute or so while it leisurely  foraged and sang. I 
always thought the blue-winged's song was the  beeeee-BZZZZZ.  Was this an 
aberrant individual or is such a variant  known?  I would appreciate any comments.
 
I met a local resident in these wooeds recently; he told me that the golf  
course is to be expanded, taking down some of the woods.  More good habitat  
going.
 
C&O Canal on Friday 5th; from Noland's Ferry to behond mile 47  (Frederick 
Fish And Game Assoc. boat launch).
 
Of interest: 1 singing N. waterthrush in canal at Noland's Ferry
                  2 singing prothonatory warblers (one seen).
                 1  Am. redstart (my first of the season - they do not seem 
to be so  common)   
                 2  families of wood ducks on the river
                  2 runners told me of a bald eagles' nest near mile 47 - 
which I did not  find.
                 
 
Sucker Run storm water pond (North Ridge Road, off Rogers Ave.)
   
5/2/06    4 solitary sandpipers
             1  kildeer
 
5/3/06    3 solitary sandpipers
             1  spotted sandpiper (in same field of view - great comparison)
             1  kildeer
             1  semi/western sandpiper (bill v. slightly down curved)
 
This pond has been recently regraded and now has lots of bare mud and its  
banks covered with straw to stabilize them until the grass  takes hold.  Earlier 
this spring 80+ calling, amplexing  American toads were present.
 
Regards,
 
Robin Todd
Allenford neighborhood
Ellicott City