My wife Colleen and I birded out in Garret County this morning, venturing to
Finzel Swamp, where we ran into Jim Green, and then onto Piney Reservoir.
Most impressive was the number of PINE SISKINS. Between the two locations we
saw an estimated 350 in about 6 flocks! It certainly seems to be shaping up
to be a big irruption year for this species. Also notable were 2 WINTER
WRENS, 3 PURPLE FINCHES,  5 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS at Finzel, and a lone
BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Piney. Complete list follows.

Location:     Finzel Swamp
Observation date:     11/1/08
Number of species:     19

Pileated Woodpecker     1
Blue Jay     X
American Crow     X
Common Raven     1
Black-capped Chickadee     X
Winter Wren     2
Golden-crowned Kinglet     X
Eastern Bluebird     1
American Robin     X
Cedar Waxwing     30
Field Sparrow     1
Song Sparrow     X
Swamp Sparrow     1
White-throated Sparrow     1
White-crowned Sparrow     3
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)     6
Rusty Blackbird     5
Purple Finch     2
Pine Siskin     125

Location:     Piney Reservoir
Observation date:     11/1/08
Number of species:     10

Canada Goose     18
Mallard     13
Blue-winged Teal     1
Killdeer     2
Blue Jay     X
American Crow     X
Song Sparrow     3
Swamp Sparrow     1
Purple Finch     1
Pine Siskin     225


-- 
David Yeany II
Graduate Assistant
207 Compton Science Center
Department of Biology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532
Office: 301-687-7080