After coming up empty with the Wilson's Phalarope at Huntley Meadows I
was upset with myself for not going down yesterday.  Then, I
remembered Steve Sanford's message from a couple days ago about
Henslow's and Grasshopper Sparrows near Frostburg, MD.  I made the
trip and, thanks to Steve's excellent directions, found both birds
right where he said they would be.

I parked at the top of the grassy hill he described below and walked
down the jeep trail.  On the way down the hill were Grasshopper
Sparrows, probably 10 calling and 3 showing themselves.  At the bottom
of the hill, and after taking a right onto another jeep trail for 50
yards, there were 3 Henslow's sparrows (2 calling, 1 seen briefly but
well).

Thanks to Mr. Sanford for the great directions.  Check out pictures of
the Grasshoppers here:
http://birddc.blogspot.com/2006/06/henslows-and-grasshopper-sparrows-in.html

Nick Lund

On 6/2/06, Steve Sanford <> wrote:
> 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
>
>