I am happy to report that a Screech Owl has returned to our backyard box, occasionally peeking out in early morning.  
  
I took a hike back through the local ravines.  Our resident bald  eagle is sitting on its nest (same as last year, Glenn), only white head and big yellow bill visible.  Phoebes are alternately chipping and stridently calling.  Clumps of wild onion are up and little frilly green patches of squirrelcorn leaves presage the wildflowers that will appear in about 2 weeks.
   
  However, the clearest sign of Spring: the sqeaky calls of those inveterate warbler-watchers, brown-headed cowbirds.
   
  sue hamilton
  port republic, calvert county

PS  From last week in Washington County
   
  On the snowy morning of the 7th, I looked out the window at  the pretty little mill stream which meanders by my daughter's farmhouse, and did a doubletake:  a Common Snipe was feeding in the snow-lined water, only 8 feet away.  My grandchildren all got a great look, and I took a photo! ( i LOVE my little digital camera.)
   
   

 
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