Hi all --

Took the dogs for another walk into the undeveloped section of Northwest Branch Park, Mont. Co., MD late this morning. The rain had made downstream impassible so we went upstream from our home -- this about opposite Indian Spring Country Club (or what used to be ISCC although the planned development of the property seems to be on hold, undoubtedly due to the housing market slump.) 

But enough of that -- it actually turned out to be a rather good walk for the area. Birds of interest included:

Wood Duck (pair)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Eastern Bluebird (6)
Winter Wren (1)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (8)
Louisiana Waterthrush (1)
Northern Parula (2)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)
Chipping Sparrow (heard only)
PURPLE FINCH (3, including a lovely adult male)

As well as the "usual suspects" -- cardinals, robins, chickadees, etc. etc.

Bluebells in bloom as well.

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD