This AM, after finding almost nothing in an early visit to Rock Creek 
Park, I thought to try and redeem the morning at the Arboretum. Arriving 
~9, I found "Mt" Hamilton alive with birds, incl Rose-br Grosbeak, 
Worm-eating Warbler, Redstarts, Yellow-throat, Parulas, Black-thr Green, 
perhaps Hooded, and especially so many Black-thr Blues here and 
elsewhere it was impossible to put a number to them. More species were 
undoubtedly present but a cacaphony of noise from chainsaws, shredders, 
mowers, and jack-hammers drowned out fainter, higher-pitched songs. (A 
huge old fallen tree was being cut up and carted away from the Azelea area).

In a surprise change of policy, the wide field surrounding the Columns 
has been left unmowed and now looks hospitable for grassland species; 
however, I found only Cowbirds and Starlings - in huge numbers - there 
today. There may be no near-enough populations for breeders to be drawn 
from, but perhaps some migrants may drop in during the season.

Fred Fallon
Bowie