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Subject:

DC National Arboretum, May 22

From:

Michael Bowen

Reply-To:

Michael Bowen

Date:

Tue, 22 May 2007 17:54:31 -0400

Having been involved with birding projects in Montgomery County this 
May, I have done very little birding in the District of Columbia.

However, intrigued by nice reports of birds at the National Arboretum 
by John Beetham, Tom Jones, and others, I decided to give "The Arb" a 
try this morning, May 22.   In the past, I must confess that I have 
not had a lot of success at this location.

I didn't arrive until 8:30 a.m., unforgivably late for a spring 
birding visit, and started at Mount Hamilton, above the azalea 
collection.  Best birds here were a female MOURNING WARBLER, seen 
briefly but well and only my second of this species in DC,  several 
female Black-throated Blue Warblers, a female Magnolia Warbler, and a 
nice GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. (I later saw another one, extremely close, 
on the trail in Fern Valley.)  I also saw a Swainson's Thrush, heard 
several more, and heard VEERY and Wood Thrush.

Probably the same OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER as previously reported from 
here was hunting insects from a high snag just up from the parking 
lot on the one-way road from the HQ area towards the azalea 
collection.  Most common warblers, by the sound of them, were 
Blackpolls and American Redstarts, with a few Northern Parulas and 
Ovenbirds, too.  I looked and listened for Kentucky Warbler without success.

A HOODED WARBLER sang repeatedly from a location in between the Fern 
Valley parking lot and the Langston Golf Course.  I never did see it, though.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher was Species #232 for me in the 
District.  Thanks to the earlier posters for getting me to see this 
one, which I have missed on several occasions up in Rock Creek Park.

Good Birding.

Mike Bowen
Montgomery Bird Club
Bethesda, MD

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom