This AM I spotted a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (formerly the "inland 
race" of the just-plain Sharp-tailed Sparrow) at the old land-fill in 
Oxon Hill Park, PG Co. - close (some would say not close enough) to the 
DC line. It was in tall (4-5')dense grass and rushes in boggy ground 
with pot-holes, though not actually open water. At first curious and 
well-exposed, it became skittish and stayed under cover thereafter. From 
the very bold white back streaks and rich ochre breast it seemed to me 
the interior, nominate race of Nelson's rather than the coastal "acadian 
race" which is more Saltmarsh-like.  June 3 is rather a late date for a 
migrant, tho' maybe this species does sometimes migrate late.

The spot is publicly accessable - up-slope from the bike trail just 
before (n. of) the phragmites pool that borders the fenced horse pasture.

-- 
Fred Fallon
PG Coordinator, MD-DC Breeding Bird Atlas
Bowie MD