We're enjoying a daily sunset gathering of Grackles and Starlings in Cabin John (Montgomery County).  Its been going on for about 10 days now.  Its a bit difficult to estimate the numbers as they keep lifting off and going into different trees but two days ago I counted around 5000 in the area in and around 75th Place and 75th Street.  Since more were streaming in over the creek I think this is an underestimate of the total.  I think they roost down in the woods by the canal but am not 100% sure.
   
  I've been looking through them for anything different but the only thing I've found so far was a female Brown-headed Cowbird.  Apart from that it has been just Common Grackles and Starlings, in a rough 70-30 split; no Red-wings at all.
   
  The flocks attract the local accipiters and I had a nice view of an adult Coopers Hawk the other day as it made several passes at the birds.
   
  Regards
   
  Clive Harris
  Cabin John, MD