Good evening,

While headed to the Arnold Post office in order to send off my last
few pennies, dimes and nickels (oh, the joys of this taxing season), I
spotted a 1st year NORTHERN HARRIER flying low over 84 Lumber.  That
was nice, and for a brief moment... it took my mind off of income
taxes.

After successfully depleting my bank accounts, I went to check out the
Severn River bridge PEREGRINES.  And despite the fact that I have not
seen them in weeks, I've been assured that they're still around.  Last
week the bridge was checked and the news is that these local falcons
have not YET established a nest.  Unfortunately, the bridge workers
are still doing some spot work and quite a lot of touch up painting...
not to mention the fact that every bit of dirt, rocks and road salt
that the birds used last year has been cleaned off of the girders
under the road deck.  Oh, but don't feel bad for these falcons, as a
deluxe 'Ritz Carlton' of nest boxes was installed this past winter.
They have a home if they want a home. It's just up to these birds to
find it and use it.

As the saga continues, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.

While observing the falcon-less bridge, I did see a number of NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS going in and out of nests in a nearby cliff
(visible on the Arnold side to the West when traveling over the
bridge).  In addition to those swallows, there were five PURPLE
MARTINS further up in the sky foraging for a late lunch.  I am looking
forward to getting my kayak in the water and getting a better view of
this cliff face.

Later in the afternoon, and a bit further South, I spotted another 1st
year NORTHERN HARRIER flying low just off of Forest Drive (about a
half mile South of the Safeway at the top of Forest Drive).  I was
also lucky to see and photograph an AMERICAN BITTERN very near my
folks house (behind that Safeway).  It was trying to fool me that it
was just a clump of dried grass. Despite it's best 'I'm Not Bittern'
impression, I figured it out and took many photographs.

So, in closing... Attention Sue Ricciardi!!! Tomorrow morning you
should have at least TWO HARRIERS headed to your famous Ft. Smallwood
Hawk Watch!  Do tell the Harriers I said hello.

Good Counting,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis, MD

http://wahzoh.blogspot.com/