A forwarded message from a fellow Harford Birder, Rich Cheicante
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"On the Rock Run CBC (Friday Dec. 29, 2006), I had a female
Dickcissel in the Havre de Grace sector.  The bird was found in a
hedgerow along the Bulle Rock Parkway about 0.5 mi. from Rt.
155."

"The hedgerow of sticker bushes and small trees also has a
protected creek and is adjacent to a one-year fallow cornfield. 
While observing and counting Song Sparrows and White-throated 
Sparrows, an unusual pale gray bird popped up from the field into 
the hedgerow.  As the bird turned toward the sun, a plain lemony 
yellow breast was observed which by first impression continued 
into the face.  The head and face appeared to be patterned, but 
pale.  After about 5 seconds the bird flew, and rufous appeared in 
the forewing.  The bird was more similar in size to the White-
throated and slightly larger than the Song Sparrows.  Also present 
was Carolina Wren, Eastern Towhee, Swamp Sparrows and a 
single Savannah Sparrow."

"Next day.  Went back and saw the bird again for 5 seconds.  This 
time I saw the nice lemony-yellow eyebrow"
 
"the back which I now had gotten a very good look at was grayish 
with fine dark streaks.  I took this back the field guide and found it 
to be another good field mark."

"Next day.  Found bird for about 10 minutes and photographed 
liberally (but not necessarily well)."

"Photos are available on request."

Rick Cheicante
 

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dziolkowski at usgs dot gov
PWRC, Laurel