While walking along the central dike at Hughes Hollow today, I heard the 
"croak" of a raven and after a few minutes located 2 birds atop the Cell 
tower you can see SE of the impoundments.  They took flight and soared 
to the north. Maybe cell phone towers will become a sorta of "bluebird 
trail" for ravens.  Also, had another Red-headed Woodpecker (where were 
they in 2005 when I tried for my Mo Co big year?) and sparrow numbers 
(Swamp, Song, White-throated, White-crowned and Juncos) are on the rise.

Yesterday, I had my first Ring-necked Ducks (2 males) of the fall at 
Lake Placid in Gaithersburg.

Good birding,

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg