This is a late post for my trip to Garrett County this past week. The Highlights were the many different sparrows, a few late warblers, 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS!, and a large flock of migrating Siskins.

Date: 10/15/08
Weather: 40-50's. Cloudy and misty.
Time: 7:30AM-11:00 AM
Location: Finzel Swamp

American Robins (150+)
Common Raven (1)
Common Crows (x)
Ruby-Crowned Kinglets (5+)
Golden-Crowned Kinglets (2)
Downy Woodpeckers (2)
Northern Flickers (2)
Eastern Towhees (6+)
White-Throated Sparrows (x)
Chipping Sparrows (x)
*CLAY COLORED SPARROW* (1)
White-Crowned Sparrows (x)
*LINCOLN'S SPARROW* (9)
Savannah Sparrows (5+)
Black-Capped Chickadees (x)
Blue Jays (x)
Carolina Wren (1)
Eastern Phoebe (1)
Yellow-rumped Warblers (Many)
Black-Throated Green (1)
*BAY BREASTED WARBLER* (1 Female)
Northern Harrier (2)
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1)
Wood Ducks (6)
American Black Ducks (2)

Date: 10/15/08
Weather: 50's and Sunny
Time: 12ish
Location: Cranesville Swamp (WVA)

White-Throated Sparrow (40+)
Black-Capped Chickadees (x)
American Robins (x)
Red-Breasted Nuthatches (3)
Hairy Woodpecker (1)
Blue Jays (x)
Cedar Waxwings (13)

Mammals: Red Squirrels

Date: 10/19/08
Weather: Cold, Low 30's, Sunny
Time: 7:30-10:00AM
Location: Finzel Swamp
Highlights:
*RUSTY BLACKBIRDS* (3) - There was 1 male and 1 female and what appeared to be a juevenile. We saw them periodically during our walk. They were seen on the stags out in the middle of the marshy area, and then would disappear in the marsh.

*PINE SISKINS* (30-40) - A large flock migrating through the area. Never sat still - always flying from one tree to the next. Stopping only for a few seconds at each tree.

Field Sparrow (1) - Saw briefly right off the trail next to the marsh.

Other Highlights for the day were:

Cape May Warblers (4) - Saw from the top of Dan's Rock Overlook
Pie-Billed Grebe (2) - Piney Run Resevoir

Good Birding!
Ben