May 31 and June 1 I did my annual birding pilgrimage to Western 
Maryland. I was treated to the usual abundance of singing warblers and 
thrushes at places in Garrett County like New Germany and Swallow 
Falls State Park, Snaggy Mountain Road, Jennings Randolph Lake 
Overlook (Walnut Bottom Road), Finzel Swamp, and Old Legislative Road 
and Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany. But, breathe easy, Kevin, - 
no Ruffed Grouse. I'll just focus on a few items.

Of most interest to me was a Yellow-throated Warbler (June 1) at 
Swallow Falls State Park in the manicured open area. I thought I heard 
one there last year but wasn't sure. This time it was singing in a 
tall lone pine and I got to see it well. That's the first 
Yellow-throated Warbler I've solidly ID'd in Garrett Co.

I heard Alder Flycatchers at Finzel, Little Meadows (on old Rt 40 a 
few miles west of Rt 546), and Snaggy Mountain Rd. Little Meadows had 
both Alder and Willow singing about the same time so it was a good 
study of the differences in the two songs.

On Old Legislative Road in western Allegany Co I had great views of 
Henslow's Sparrows, as usual. As a bonus, the usual Golden-winged 
Warbler was by the roadside as well.

I meant to post info about this great spot in response to Jason W's 
posting a while back, but got distracted by all these birds coming 
through. Sorry. Anyway, here goes:

Old Legislative Road is in western Allegany County, just short of 
Garrett County. The Henslow's spot is only about 5 minutes from I-68. 
From I-68 on the west side of the Frostburg area take exit 33 south to 
"Midlothian Rd." Follow the main road south about 2.5 miles. It 
becomes Old Legislative Road somewhere. Cross Klondike Rd (where there 
is/was a bar on the left). About 100 yards beyond the intersection 
there is a big grassy hill on the left (east) side of Old Legislative 
Road. (There is a side-road to the right with a gate.) The Henslow's 
should be within one or two hundred yards of the left side of the 
road, probably around the crest of the hill. Normally there is a 
vehicle track up the hill. Listen for the "see-lick" notes of the 
Henslow's. They often perch on weeds and sing. A scope helps if you 
want good views, but is not crucial. There are also lots of 
Grasshopper Sparrows around too, but their buzzy and tinkly notes are 
completely different.

There are no "No Trespassing" signs or fences, and I believe birders 
have been going there for years. Yesterday I confirmed that the road 
is kept clear by motorcyclists and the like. Amazingly the Henslow's 
were singing in plain view a few minutes after several motorcycles 
roared right past them. Any time I've stopped there in late May or 
early June since being introduced to the area about five years ago, I 
have always found Henslow's there.

Steve Sanford
Randallstown MD (Balto Co)
scartanATverizonDOTnet