-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Noyes [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 11:56 AM

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"Bird Activity at Patuxent Research Refuge - 1/11/08

Went to Patuxent Research Refuge Visitor Center to replenish feeders this morning. Feeder action: Am Goldfinches, Car. Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatches, Mourning Doves, Red-winged Blackbirds, BH Cowbirds and Dark-eyed Juncos. On CBC we had 3 Purple Finches at the feeders; didn't see them today.

Walked down to the head of Cash Lake near the blind to see if the Wilson's Snipes were there (had 13 of them on Bowie CBC on Dec 31). Counted 11 of them along with a half dozen Killdeer. Hard to see because of fog. They hang around the water's edge, often among some stumps.

Had flock of 400 mixed blackbirds/grackles/cowbirds come thru parking lot. And I spotted about 10 Rusty Blackbirds at the wood's edge by parking lot. This past week, I've seen Am Tree Sparrows at swale between Lake Redington and Cash Lake, hanging out with Song Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows.

Although the Visitor Center is closed for repairs, probably until April, the grounds are open from daybreak to 4:30 pm daily (except Federal holidays).

If you have questions about birding at the Patuxent, you can direct them to me at home (e-mail below).

Steve Noyes
Volunteer Naturalist
Patuxent Research Refuge
Laurel MD
 (home)"