Hi Folks,

Not only is this the wettest Spring I've ever experienced in Maryland, but 
it has been the best migration I've encountered here in Ferndale.  We had 
our first SWAINSON'S THRUSH in the yard last Thursday (5/8), and a female 
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK has been dining at our feeders since the day 
prior--the first time we've ever had one for more than a day.  She was one 
of the last birds to leave the feeders at dusk this evening.  Yesterday 
(5/12), following several days absence, four WHITE-THROATED SPARROWs visited 
our yard, and as the rain was turning into a light drizzle, Elaine called me 
to the north side of the house.  She said she had a warbler with a green 
back.  A parula, I asked?  No, it's all pale underneath.  I was excited at 
the prospect, and even more so when my binoculars landed on a TENNESSEE 
WARBLER, not only a new yard bird (#127), but also a new county bird, and 
yard bird #99 for the year.

This morning (5/13) began with several singing warblers in the yard before I 
had to go to work, including Black-throated Blue, Blackpoll, and Redstart. 
While I was at work, Elaine sighted a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, and our yard's 
first COMMON YELLOWTHROAT this year (#100 for year).  After I got home from 
work and while working in the back yard this afternoon an adult BALD EAGLE 
flew over, and later while I was on the phone with Bill Hubick 
(congratulating him on the World Series win), a late MERLIN zipped by 
heading north, our sixth sighting of this species from the yard this year. 
The day ended with our first COMMON NIGHTHAWK, species #101 for the year.

On two different days last week we had ten species of warbler in the yard, 
and typically we've had six or seven each day this month.  Never before have 
we experienced a migration like this.  Is it the weather?

Stan Arnold
Ferndale (AA Co.)