I was remiss in not providing a summary of the Arboretum Subsector of the
Anacostia Sector of the DC CBC from last weekend (12/16).  There were nine
of us covering this area, including Count Compiler, Larry Cartwright, which
allowed for very good coverage.  We managed to find 52 species, which isn't
too bad for a day in December.  Highlights found by various members of the
team were:

1 ad. Peregrine floating over our heads at Mt. Olivet Cemetary (a brief stop
before the Arb opens)
1 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 Pine Warbler
1 Purple Finch

There were good numbers of robins, but low numbers of waxwings and finches.
We also had a good mix of raptors (9 species).

Today (Thursday, 12/21) I went to Anacostia River Park to try to refind the
Orange-crowned Warbler that Bob Ringler found there during the Count.  I was
successful in refinding the 2 Baltimore Orioles, but could not find the
warbler (just a bunch of O-c warbler-wannabees in the form of Ruby-crowned
Kinglets).  An adult Bald Eagle sitting on a piling about 50' away from me
was a nice consolation.

To top off my morning of birding, I ended it with one of those "only while
birding in DC" experiences:  I was approaching the Anacostia wetlands when,
what to my wandering [sic] eyes should appear but Santa Clause emerging from
the old NPS Nursery, pushing a wheelchair full of bags.  We exchanged
hellos, and he continued on his way as if this was all perfectly normal.  I
later saw him crossing South Capitol Street Bridge, heading for places
unknown.

On a related note (to DC birds, not to homeless people dressed as Santa),
two weeks ago I was scanning the flock of Canada Geese on the lawn of the
Washington Monument, and saw 2 geese with orange neck bands that had yellow
letters/numbers.  I could only make out one of them; it read "H2M7."  Does
anyone know how to trace the origin of this bird (or at least the band)?

Good birding,
Paul Pisano
Arlington, VA