This afternoon I kayaked from Jug Bay (near the visitor's center) to the marsh 
across from Mount Calvert.  I heard Sora calling almost immediately after 
leaving the landing, and heard groups of Sora throughout the marsh.  The first 
group of three was in the marsh across from and just to the north of Jackson 
Landing.  These birds called from very close by, but stayed hidden in the 
vegetation.

Next, I went to the marsh across from Mount Calvert (Billingsley Marsh).  I 
went up Railroad Creek to the interior of the marsh, and Sora were calling all 
around me.  I got several extended close views of both adult and juvenile 
Sora.  I was able to watch one adult on a mudflat from within 20 feet.  I 
watched this bird for over 5 minutes before a fiesty juvenile bird chased it 
back into the marsh.  In total, I saw six Soras (3 adults and 3 juveniles) at a 
variety of locations, and heard at least 8 more birds calling nearby.

Other birds present included Forster's Terns, Greater Yellowlegs, Laughing 
Gulls, 5 Great Egrets, Wood Ducks, Green-winged Teal, and a Northern Harrier.

This morning at Schoolhouse Pond, migrants included an Ovenbird and a Black 
and White Warbler.  Both Black-crowned Night Herons continue at the pond 
(1st summer and juvenile).  Today they were on logs along the shore closest 
to Governor Oden Bowie Drive.

Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS