I haven't gotten out to the Mall since early last week, and I have not
seen the Clay-colored Sparrow at the WWII Memorial reported recently.
However, around noon today a (the?) Clay-colored Sparrow was singing
loudly in the shrubs north of the WWII Memorial (in the area of the
circular stone sitting area).  It seemed quite tame and confident and
provided me with great looks.
   So I guess I can stop sulking now!

   Other birds at Constitution Gardens:
   Many Blackpolls
   Many Yellow-rumped Warblers
   A Magnolia Warbler
   A Yellow Warbler
   A female American Redstart
   Several Veeries
   Several Swainson's Thrushes

   At the DC Veteran's Memorial
   More Blackpolls
   More Yellow-rumped Warblers
   An Ovenbird
   More Veeries
   More Swainson's Thrushes
   A Red-eyed Vireo

In other notes, fledgling robins, grackles, and mockingbirds are on the
Mall.  Conversely, at this point in the spring, I usually have to
'listen around' hordes of teenage Starlings yelling at their parents for
food, food, more food, and the keys to the car.  I haven't seen any
fledgling starlings yet this year.  Perhaps the cold and rainy March
weather held them back.  Ideas?

Jim

Jim Felley
Smithsonian Institution