Heard my first Blackpoll of the season this morning before I went to work. We usually have a nice run of them in mid-May. I think it's a bit later than usual.

So to celebrate I took my bins to work and ate lunch over at the North Central Hiker-biker trail that used to just have trains on it. Some kid tore up the tracks so the trains don't make it very well any more.
    I did a short walk from Paper Mill Rd to where the trail crosses the Gunpowder. Highlight was a right-over-the-trail look at my 1st CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER this year. Also heard Yellow-Throated Vireo, Great-crested FC, Northern Parula, Redstart, Ovenbird, and a Magnolia. I think. It made about 4 notes before it went up on the last one. 2 or 3 seems to be the norm. I think of it as a Redstart in reverse - up instead of down on the last note. It would have helped if I could find the bird.

    Jerry Tarbell
Sneaking into Balt County from the usual Carroll