Keith Costley called Monday. He had stopped at Southwest Area Park on 
the way to the airport and then to Atlanta for business. He said he 
saw a big flock of Rusty Blackbirds and some Tree Sparrows at the 
park.

So I went down this morning. At the woods down by the parking area I 
did indeed see a flock of Rusty Blackbirds numbering at least 30. They 
were at the location described by Keith: the area behind the 
now-closed K9 dog center, where there are three picnic tables. It was 
one of the best collections of Rusties I have seen.

There were 3 Fox Sparrows in those woods. There were at least 3 
Red-shouldered Hawks in or near the woods acting like locals. Downy 
Woodpeckers were very active everywhere with a few trees. I went up 
the road to the fishing area and walked the loop around the south end 
of the park. There were 3 Green-winged Teal in a small pond or inlet. 
The highlight was 9 Wilson's Snipe popping out of wet spots near the 
parking area. There must have been 100+ Song Sparrows, but 
unfortunately I couldn't find any Tree Sparrows. I didn't find any 
good Mexican food places either!

By the way, Southwest Area Park is right next to the "Baltimore 
Highlands" stop of the Baltimore Light Rail, making it very handy for 
anyone living along the line.

Steve Sanford
Randallstown, Baltimore County
scartan^at^verizon^dot^net