Highlights at Schoolhouse Pond this morning included a singing Northern 
Waterthrush in the underbrush at the rear of the pond and a singing Blue-
headed Vireo high in a tree to the side of the pond.  Both birds were singing 
repeatedly, but remained mostly out of sight, except for brief appearances in 
the open.  Other birds included my first Orchard Oriole and White-eyed Vireo 
of the season.  Several Cormorants were present, and 3 Osprey flew over the 
pond looking for fish.  A large number of Chimney Swifts and swallows flew 
above and around the pond, with swallow species including Tree, Barn, and 
Northern Rough-winged.  Other birds included Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common 
Yellowthroat, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Eastern Bluebirds, Robins, 
Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Northern Parula.  

Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS