Jerry,

I am certainly doing less birding in general, and especially long-distance 
birding, this year. Not that I absolutely couldn't afford the gas, but with a 
family one must prioritize, and I can't in good conscience go blithely around 
the region like I used to. I have not been to the coast, or farther west than 
Washington County, at all in 2006. I've even passed on chasing a few nearby 
county birds. But it has given me more interest in my Maryland year list and in 
finding new places to bird locally. Considering the lack of Garrett and 
Worcester specialties I'm doing pretty well. Just another kind of challenge. Instead 
of trips to the coastal refuges I'm planning to do a few Hart-Miller trips this 
season. It is, after all, my home county!

Joel Martin
Catonsville, MD