After seeing Don Simonson's reports of WOODCOCKS in the fields at Sycamore 
Landing Road and River Road in Poolesville, I ventured out last night.  I 
happened upon three other Montgomery County birders already in the fields to 
the west of Sycamore Landing Road.  While we waited for the woodcocks to 
call, we observed wave after wave of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS move 
through one of the big oaks in the middle of the field heading north.  There 
were at least half a dozen waves with 12-20 birds in each wave.  I noted at 
least one SONG SPARROW amongst the groups moving through.  At 6:40, the 
woodcock show began with the peent calls and one gloriously long flight 
display while there was still enough ambient light to follow the bird's flight with 
bins.  There were at least three woodcocks calling from the west field.  As we 
were leaving, we heard several call from the east field as well, though it could 
have been that the west field birds had moved.  We also heard a BARRED OWL 
call close to 7:00.

Max Wilson
Kensington, MD (Montgomery County)
mercretas AT hotmail.com