On Saturday, the birds were lively at dawn and dusk, but unfortunately a little 
slow in between.  I started the day at the Gum Swamp area of Blackwater, 
hoping for the Barred Owl reported by Harry Armistead.  Instead, I was 
treated to 2 Great Horned Owls and 6 Eastern Screech-owls.

I ended the day at Tuckahoe SP in Caroline County.  The swampy area of the 
lake was full of Canada Geese and Mallards, but also American Coots (10), 
Hooded Mergansers (8), and Wood Ducks (12).  A Great Horned Owl started 
calling shortly before sundown.  I later heard an American Woodcock 
displaying on Cherry Lane.

I spent the morning on Hooper Island without seeing most of the interesting 
the birds reported the previous two weekends.  I missed the doves for a 
second time, all the goldeneyes and loons were Common, and all the 
shorebirds were Dunlin (60).  I did see 4 Northern Gannets and a Brown 
Pelican, which allowed me to complete the pelican sweep later at Blackwater.  
A cat flushing a Clapper Rail was a little strange to see.

In the afternoon, driving through Caroline County, I saw a Ring-necked Duck 
and 2 Hooded Mergansers on Williston Lake.  The Denton sewage ponds had 2 
female Buffleheads, 2 Ruddy Ducks, and 2 Ring-necked Ducks.

(Apologies if this comes through twice.  I thought I posted it last night, but
I don't see it in the archives.)

John Hubbell
Washington DC