Folks

I found this OSFL along Barry's Hill Rd. in Charles Co. this morning.  The specific location is about 1/2 mile off Marshall Hall Rd. heading to Accokeek on Barry's Hill Rd.  The location is at the low spot in the road where you can often get Barred Owls.  There is a good number of snags in this Mill Swamp spot.  That is how the wetland is labeled on the Charles Co. ADC map.  The location is where the stream crosses Barry's Hill Rd.  If you go, good luck.  There are only a few records of this species for Charles Co.

When I first saw the bird I thought it was an Eastern Kingbird because I saw a white flash as a dull gray bird landed on the branch.  Taking up binoculars I saw the white was in the flank, not the tail.  The bird also had a distinct vest with a white band from the throat down to the under belly.  I quickly took up the camera and started using up memory.  The bird did fly around some and eventually flew north toward the Potomac.  Mill Swamp ends long before the Potomac, so this bird may stay around with the NW winds today.

Maybe the wind will keep this animal her for another day?  I hope so.

George