I spent part of the day in Frederick County, but before leaving 
town I stopped in at Lake Artemesia, hoping to see the young 
Green Herons again.  (If a Green Heron can be cute, these 
guys are cute.)  This morning I found two more, for a total of 
four juveniles.  All four were in the same location where I saw 
them yesterday, on the rocks on the south side of the peninsula.
In addition, an adult heron flew from this area as I approached.  
I also spent several minutes watching the birds flying around 
the martin house.  There is no question that the birds I saw today 
(and the ones I was watching yesterday) are Purple Martins 
(as opposed to Tree Swallows).  However, the dull-colored, 
dingy-white-underneath birds may all be females, since it has 
been suggested to me that it is too early for fledglings.  I also 
saw the lone male Ruddy Duck that has been reported before.

After that I spent a couple of hours driving the back roads of 
southern Frederick County (between Routes 15 and 85), 
looking for Dickcissels without success.  I did see the "expected" 
open country birds, and the dog and I had a pleasant little walk at 
the Monocacy Battlefield, where the highlight was a low-flying 
Red-tailed Hawk.


Elaine Hendricks
Greenbelt, MD  (PG County)



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