Folks

Gwen Brewer and I did some early scouting for our May 5 fundraising birdathon on Sunday in the Nanjemoy area of Charles County.  This is where we start our trip since this location has good night birds, and good neotropical migrants along the river.  Besides enjoying the early flowers and the profusion of flowering Dogwood trees, we had a nice collection of migrants and resident nesting birds.

Gwen, Bill Hubick, Tom Feild, and myself (the team) are doing the birdathon to raise money for the Cerulean Warbler Preserve in Colombia.  Bill will place a flyer on his website for all to review and hopefully contribute to.  More later on the scouting, but go to www.billhubick.com to see the flyer later today.

Red-headed Woodpecker (RHWP) were located on two locations on Rt. 224.  Two at Thorne Gut were carrying food.  They could be feeding young this late in April.

Three Red-tailed Hawk, not always a given on a big day.

Several Bald Eagles but they are trash birds along Rt. 224.

Two Great Blue Heron.  This is surprising because we were so close to the Nanjemoy Rockery, and these animals should be commuting between feeding areas and young this time of year.

Fish Crow found while walking into Purse's State Park.

Hermit Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Black & White Warbler along Adams Willet Rd.  No Wood Thrush in yet here.  According to Gwen Gnatcatchers and B&W WA were everywhere.  So much for my hearing.

White-eyed many locations along the way.

Solitary Vireo - Purse's but not likely to stay until May 5.

Yellow-throated Vireo - Durham Church Rd. and elsewhere.

Red-eyed Vireo - several locations

Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated along the way, and Liverpool Point Rd near the Potomac River.

Prothonotary Warbler - 1.6 miles south of where Liverpool Pt. Rd crosses Rt. 224.  One of the spots that had RHWP and Tree Swallow.

Ovenbird many locations setting up territory.  They are at the house by now also.

Louisiana Warbler - Durham Church Rd. and Purse's State Park.  Not that easy on some big days.  You need to sync time with species in setting up your route so the bird is singing when you come by.

Hooded Warbler - singing varied song at Friendship Landing Road Park.  One also singing a more representative song at Purse's.

Field Sparrow on territory along Hancock Run Road.

Swamp Sparrow - on Maryland Point Rd.  A spot to check on the route but they may be gone by May 5.

House Sparrow - Linda's store in Nanjemoy.  Yes a stakeout House Sparrow.  Time is of the essence on a big day and every species counts.

Next week I will scout night birds in this region.  Cobb Neck and many other locations will also be checked before that fateful day.  Wish us luck.

George