This is an update on the tail-less Common Grackle and news about our  
Chimney Swift colony in East Silver Spring:

The tail-less grackle has rejoined the other 3 Grackles with tails and 
is able to at least reach lower limbs of trees now.  It appears that new 
tail feathers are beginning to grow.  I will continue to take pictures 
from time to time to see if a new tail forms.  The bird seems otherwise 
to be healthy and with a hearty appetite.

This morning, Aug.9th, at 6:30 AM, I counted 12 Chimney Swifts swirling 
in a cloud above the old brick chimney  at the East Silver Spring 
Elementary School (631 Silver Spring Ave. 20910).  My count is probably 
very low as they move too quickly but there definitely were 12 in sight 
at one time.  I am not sure what I was witnessing but it was very 
interesting.  The swifts would dive toward the chimney and then veer off 
just at the top of the chimney.  This show went on for about 15 minutes 
before the birds dispersed in smaller groups.  I am wondering if the 
parents are introducing their fledglings to the colony and getting them 
ready to enter the chimney before the fall migration?

Last October, I counted over 400 chimney swifts exit that chimney and 
fly south.

George Lane