Hi Everyone,
 
My girlfriend Becky and I found and photographed a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE in Frederick Co. this afternoon. We stopped at a nursery and were checking out plants when I noted with surprise its "hoo HOOO hoo" call. It took just moments to spot the bird, which flew numerous times, showing its dark primaries and gray undertail coverts. It even landed on the branch right above me while I made a few phone calls to spread the word.
 
I understand that Frederick Co. wants to keep bird chases manageable after some of the negative publicity associated with the Snowy Owl and Northern Lapwing chases. However, this might be the pleasantly chaseable collared-dove we've been waiting for. I spoke with three friendly members of the staff at the nursery, who said they wouldn't mind birders coming by to see the dove. The bird was frequenting trees along the western edge of Stadler Nurseries at 5504 Mt. Zion Road between Rtes. 340/15 and 180. I'd recommend parking on the west end of their large parking lot, then just hanging out and waiting. Also, win over the locals hearts and buy a few plants! They have a great selection of plants, which have in turn attracted a nice assortment of butterflies: Spicebush, Black, and Tiger Swallowtails; Monarch, Cabbage White, Orange Sulphur, Eastern Tailed Blue, Common Buckeye, Gray Hairstreak, Wild Indigo Duskywing, Silver-sided Skipper. The staff said they were surprised to find
 a Giant Swallowtail there last week. 
 
Here are a few shots:
<http://billhubick.com/new_set.html>
 
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
 
Bill
 
Bill Hubick
Elkridge, MD
bill_hubick AT yahoo.com
<http://www.billhubick.com>