Since I couldn't go to the conference either, I continued atlas observation
in the River Rd. area of the Patapsco this morning. Things were quieter in
the scrubland today: neither the Yellow-breasted Chats nor the Prairie
Warblers were singing.  

I've been trying without success to confirm some Blue-winged Warblers for
the Sykesville-NE block. Instead, I've located the locust tree hang-out of
several bachelor male BWWA's: they appear to do nothing except Bee-BUZZ,
chase one another and preen their feathers. 

As these unattached BWWA's snack leisurely on insects for themselves (in
contrast to that poor overworked Blue Gray Gnatcatcher) it is clear that
they have absolutely no family responsibilities. They may not be passing on
their genes, but life IS good.

Felicia Lovelett
Sykesville, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Rick Sussman
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2006 12:22 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Saturday atlasing

Hi all (at least all those not at the conference!),
 While atlasing this morning below Brighton Dam along the Patuxent  River, I

watched an adult Blue Gray Gnatcatcher feeding a fledged Brown-headed  
Cowbird. The size difference was laughable. I can only imagine what the nest
must've 
looked like P:-)
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD