Hi all,

Yesterday, I monitored my nest boxes at the Oregon Ridge Trail.  I had one 
partial nest out of seven nest boxes. I was hoping for more by this time.  
Needless to say, this is rather disappointing.

I do have some good news though, especially for the birders that are out 
there. I saw on my my way to my nest boxes in the grassy area of the park 
near the trees, several Savannah Sparrows and at least two Vesper Sparrows 
(pink bills, white outer tail feathers), and four Tree Swallows buzzing 
around the nest box area (I thought one was going to dive bomb me, but he 
didn't!). I birded the red trail and the swamp area at Oregon Ridge Park 
across the street for probably the last time, and I saw, among other 
species, Golden Crowned Kinglets, a Winter Wren(!), and FOUR Hermit Thrushes 
(probably my favorite Thrush, though Wood Thrushes are nice, too).

There is a reason why I say that I "probably birded Oregon Ridge for the 
last time".  In fact, it's probably the last birding I will do in Maryland.  
I have been offered and I have accepted a position in the College of 
Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. So, I will be 
leaving Maryland sometime next week and today was my last day of monitoring 
my nest boxes.

It's only a post-doctoral position, but it's better than the job I had, and 
this one could last for up to five years (maybe by then it will be easier 
for Ph.D. scientists to find gainful employment?). So I am really excited 
about it.  At this point, unfortunately, my career takes precedence.  Some 
day I will make it up to the Bluebirds and the Tree Swallows, I promise.

I did see several Bluebirds yesterday, and some of them were so blue I think 
they were trying to be Indigo Buntings.

Good nestboxing (and birding) to all,
Richard

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