HI all --

Barry and I drove out to Poolesville this evening (6/15) to look for the Henslow's Sparrow reported earlier in the day (Rob Hilton had called us as well, from the spot later in the afternoon, having heard the bird singing in same location as originally described.)

We got there about 7:45 -- Bill Hubick and a friend had just arrived -- we all heard the sparrow singing from the high grass (to the left of the swale, near a single isolated tall thistle) and soon Bill located it. Great scope views were obtained as the bird sang almost continuously, with brief moments of preening and one short flight. Bill got some shots which he will be posting on his web site. What a great bird for Montgomery County!

The location is in the grassy field across from the house at 23021 Club Hollow Rd., the area is part of the NIH Animal Facility. The field to the left has recently been cut for hay, so this bird may get moved on unless NIH can be contacted and mowing suspended. Henslow's Sparrow is officially a Threatened Species in Maryland. 

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD