MD Osprey:

Two data points may not be statistically significant; however, two 
Northern Wheatears have just been reported in the lower 48 within the 
past two days ... one in Gray, Oregon and one today at Cape May Point 
State Park, NJ.

This weekend while you are out birding, check suitable migratory 
habitat including open areas such as grasslands, agricultural fields, 
barren hillsides, etc.

Maryland has one accepted record (9/11-13/1990, Hog Island, Caroline 
County), one that was not accepted, and one that is "unreviewable" 
(published, but no details were submitted).

Per National Geographic's Complete Birds of North American, "North 
American-breeding Northern Wheatears are among longest distance 
migratory passerines in the world."

The black "T" pattern on the tail is very distinctive ...

         http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/peterson/resources/identifications/nowh/index.shtml

Phil


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Phil Davis
Turnstone Business Development Associates
2549 Vale Court
Davidsonville, Maryland  21035  USA
cell:   (240) 460-5159
home:   (301) 261-0184
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