On my way over to ANS headquarters in Chevy Chase last evening 
(Thursday, 5/3) I was stopped at a traffic light at Cedar Lane and 
Rockville Pike, just north of the NIH campus. It's a long light for 
vehicles on Cedar Lane so there is ample time to scan the skies. To 
my surprise 4 adult Yellow-crowned Night-herons came drifting towards 
me, quite low over the road. They circled around and were heading 
back east when the light changed and I had to stop watching. Nearby 
vehicle drivers doubtless wondered why I was using binoculars at a 
busy intersection.

I would bet that at least two of these birds are the pair that 
successfully nested along the creek not far from Stone Ridge School, 
as reported last year by Diane Ford. This location is a literal 
stone's throw from the Beltway. I hope Diane or someone else checks 
to see if they have started nesting again.

It is always delightful to see these handsome birds in the suburban jungle.

Mike Bowen
West Bethesda, MD

(where a gorgeous male Yellow Warbler just stopped by at the mister 
over our bird bath)


D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom