Hi Folks,

Elaine and I just returned from a hike around Southwest Area Park (SWAP) in
southwestern Baltimore Co., where we found a PHILADELPHIA VIREO nabbing
small caterpillars on a tree along the southern loop trail.  This little
bird was solid pale green on the back and wings (no wingbars), was pale
above and below the eye with a weak dark eye-bar, and weakly spectacled.
Its breast and belly were medium yellow, neither bright nor overly pale.
The jizz was short and dumpy--more reminiscent of a kinglet than a catbird;
in other words, the bird did not have the longer, sleaker appearance of a
Red-eyed or Warbling Vireo.

I happened to check out the "Yellow Book" and notice that the early arrival
date for Philly Vireo is 20 August.  This is way out of date, as I've seen
them in mid-August before, and I think discussion on this listserve has
indicated that they may have shown up in Maryland as early as late July or
the first week of August.

Also of interest, a VIRGINIA RAIL was vocalizing at SWAP near dusk on
Friday, 4 August.  I keep going back hoping the moorhens will return.

Stan Arnold
Glen Burnie