Perhaps a little later than usual this year, but FOX SPARROWS are 
back in force at the Blue Mash Nature Trail in Montgomery County.  I 
saw 11 different birds this morning (11/14) and there may have been 
more.  Quite a few were singing that slightly tentative but 
delightful song of theirs.

Besides the usual Song and White-throated Sparrows, both abundant, I 
saw about 10 FIELD and 5 SWAMP.  Flickers were all over and I counted 
14 of them.

Back at home in Bethesda this dreary afternoon, things brightened up 
quite a bit when a female Pileated Woodpecker showed up and started 
working on one of the suet feeders.  We see Pileateds only once or 
twice a year here, although there are quite a few of them a few miles 
south of us towards the Potomac.

Meanwhile the thistle feeder hangs unloved and unpatronized by any 
avian visitors.  Haven't seen any Goldfinches for about a 
week.  George Jett send those Siskins up from Waldorf!

Mike Bowen
Bethesda

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom