After reading Chris Barnard's post about Pine Warblers at the North Tract of 
the Patuxent Research Refuge, I set out to see and hear them. Driving from 
the Visitor Contact Station on Wildlife Drive to the Baily Bridge, I heard Pine 
Warblers at four different locations (the first where Chris reported at the 
abandoned skeet range just past the Environmental Classroom). The last was 
in the deciduous trees between New Marsh and Cattail Pond. There were at 
least 2 signing, but one was giving great looks.

From the skeet range and after passing under the power lines, there is a bend 
in the road with trees on both sides (before emerging to an open field on the 
right). An American Woodcock was standing in the road as I approached (at 
10:15 am). I stopped and was watching it at close range as it carefully made 
its way to the safety of the edge on the right side of the road. Unfortunately, 
an approaching bike rider and vehicle spooked it and I was unable to see to 
where it flew. It was nice looking while I had the chance.

Later that afternoon, my daughter and I took a walk to the Little Patuxent 
Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve where we watched Trumpeter Swan #960 
enjoying the beautiful day - swimming and eating.

Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD