I had an opportunity to bird Blue Mash yesterday morning (dentist
app't).  The definite highlight was a Black-billed Cuckoo by the main
gate to the fenced facility (near the large pond).  It was being
discreet and secretive, but I got a number of good looks at it.
  Blue Mash was extremely birdy yesterday.  There were several groups of
warblers, including Blackpolls, Black-throated Greens, Magnolias, Palms
and a Bay-breasted.  (Perhaps also a Blackburnian, but I did not get a
good look).  There were loads of phoebes, catbirds, a few Brown
Thrashers, several House Wrens and groups of Towhees as well.  I also
saw a couple of family groups of Scarlet Tanagers and a single
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
   (after the dentist, I went to Lake Needwood, where I saw an adult
Bald Eagle soaring over the lake.  I also got involved in a chase
between a Red-tailed Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk as they careened
through the woods near the dam.  The Redtail was close on the tail of
the Red-shouldered.  When they got to me, the Redtail veered off about
30 feet away, but the Red-shouldered flew on, within 12 feet of me.  I
think it was something like a wide receiver using the official to avoid
a tackler.  No other new birds there, though).

Jim

Jim Felley