Some new arrivals this morning along the C&O Canal in Washington County
between mileposts 71 and 73. The Cliff Swallows have returned to the James
Rumsey Bridge. There are at least 50 nests visible on the downstream side of
the bridge, and the swallows actively working on them.

Along the towpath there were at least four singing Yellow-throated warblers
and one singing Louisiana Waterthrush. I addition to the Blue-headed Vireo,
there was one singing Warbling Vireo, the first I have seen this year.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets were moving through the area in small groups.

The Common Ravens were observed on their nest under the RR bridge

Later, in Shepherdstown, we saw about a dozen Chimney Swifts. They have been
around for a couple of weeks, but their numbers are increasing.


 Double-crested Cormorant
 Canada Goose   
 Wood Duck   
 Mallard   
 Mourning Dove   
 Belted Kingfisher 
 Red-bellied Woodpecker
 Downy Woodpecker  
 Hairy Woodpecker  
 Pileated Woodpecker
 Eastern Phoebe   
 Blue-headed Vireo 
 Warbling Vireo   
 American Crow   
 Fish Crow   
 Common Raven   
 Tree Swallow   
 Barn Swallow   
 Cliff Swallow   
 Carolina Chickadee
 Tufted Titmouse   
 White-breasted Nuthatch
 Carolina Wren   
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
 Eastern Bluebird  
 American Robin   
 Brown Thrasher   
 European Starling 
 Yellow-rumped Warbler
 Yellow-throated Warbler
 Louisiana Waterthrush
 Eastern Towhee   
 Chipping Sparrow  
 Song Sparrow   
 White-throated Sparrow
 Northern Cardinal 
 Brown-headed Cowbird
 House Finch   
 American Goldfinch

Plants in flower along the towpath include Bluebell, Dutchman's Breeches,
and Nodding Star of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Twinleaf are flowing in profusion.

Elliot

-- 
Elliot Kirschbaum
Shepherdstown, WV
kingfisher500 at comcast dot net