While birding David W. Force, by the river at 08.00, I startled an  adult 
great-horned owl - it could not fly but hopped over the ground then  clambered 
upon a fall tree, turning to stare at me (fearlessly I felt).   Beautiful bird, 
erect ear tufts with yellow inner surfaces, finely  horizontally striated 
breast, huge talons.  Other than one primary  feather being askew, there was no 
visibly wrong.  But clearly it could not  fly.
 
Sad.  I left it without further disturbance, and cautioned a dog  walker who 
was approaching.
 
Golden-crowned kinglets active
Rs Hawk calling
RT Hawk calling 
GB heron
Junco
WT Sparrows
Song sparrows
Towhees
and other 'regular' birds.
 
Spotted salamander egg masses (26 counted)
Frog spawn (wood frog?) masses (<5 seen)
 
Spice bush blooming
 
Robin Todd
Ellicott City
410-313-8154 - (in case any one has suggestions for helping the owl)
 



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