Is a scope recommended for seeing the bunting from the trail or are
binocs enough?

Michel Cavigelli
Greenbelt

Ps I agree with Anna: it's fun to meet people we "know" via the
listserve--an added bonus of rare bird congregations.


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Anna Urciolo
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 2:21 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] WWCB and PABU - yes!

I joined Dave Sperling and Juan Pablo (whose last name I didn't get) at
Sligo 
Creek Parkway this morning about 7:20. Dave had the bird in his scope.
The 
bird stayed in the area for about 45 minutes, flying from the top of the
tulip 
poplar, then across the road and finally landing on Noah's feeder. We
watched 
it preen and spread its tail feathers. A fantastic sight. It also
methodically 
picked out seeds at the base of the dried Tulip Tree's flowers.

Then we headed off to see the Painted Bunting which we just missed at
the 
feeder. However, after about an hour (10:20 or so?), Barbara Gearheart
calmly 
said that she could see it far back in the holly. Eventually the bunting
came 
out and ate at the feeder - luckily the side facing us. Everyone had
wonderful 
views. 

On outings like this, I think it is so much fun to meet people whose
names you 
have heard of or whose posting you have read. Thanks to everyone who 
posted about these two birds.

Anna Urciolo
Rockville MD