I've not gotten out much to Rock Creek this spring but made the effort this morning.  I was rewarded with the first SUMMER TANAGER I've ever seen there.  I heard it calling from a tree on the west side of the field that's by the stables and then got decent views; it was a male but with yellow on the lower breast and belly.  Quite likely its the bird heard earlier this week on the Ridge.  I don't often see this bird as its range seems to stop rather abruptly south of DC.
   
  There were lots of thrushes along the forest paths- in particular Swainson's, but I did find a couple of nice Gray-cheeked amongst them as well as a couple of Veery and, of course, resident Wood Thrush.
   
  I didn't find that many warblers.  There were Canada and Bay-breasted singing at the equitation field (and the latter also at the Nature Center), and probably two different Kentucky warblers, one in the slope down from the Nature Center and the other in the woods on the long route between the stables and the Yard.  As well as those I came across a single female Yellow-rumped, Redstart (c 5 birds), Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, many Blackpoll still, Ovenbird, and Yellowthroat.  I might've forgotten some as this was more a thrush than a warbler day.
   
  Also around: Pewee (2), Acadian Flycatcher (5), White-throated Sparrow (1), Cedar Waxwing (c 20 at Dog Run).
   
  Good birding
   
  Clive Harris
  Cabin John, MD