Blue Mash Nature Trail, Zion Road Section, Montgomery County, 5 Oct 06,
0730-1030

It was slow going at Blue Mash this morning.  As the temperature dropped and
the wind increased, blue skies quickly transitioned to gray.  Great looks at
2 immature Red-shouldered Hawks perched low in nearby trees.  A kettle of 5
raptors were high in the sky, mere dots that made identification guesswork.
Also overhead were a multitude of Canada Geese and Blue Jays flying in all
directions.

Migration appears to be waning with only 1-Red-eyed Vireo, 2-Magnolia
Warbler, 1-B&W Warbler, and 4-Palm Warbler noted in mixed flocks of
chickadees and titmice.  E. Phoebe and Ruby-crowned Kinglet were plentiful.
Swamp Sparrow made an appearance when 2 popped into view.  Overall, most
passerines appeared unusually skittish with many skulking in cover.  A
momentary glimpse of a dark, stocky bird with upturned tail pointed to
Winter Wren; however, the view was too brief for a confident ID.  

Tom Marko
Olney, MD