I did some birding near Upper Marlboro after work today.  My first stop was at Wrighton Road where I searched the hemlocks for Crossbills.  After a few minutes I began to hear some call notes and than a female White-winged Crossbill flew into the grass where it fed briefly.  I followed it as it flew back to the trees, where it foraged at eye level and allowed fairly close views.  A 2nd female White-winged Crossbill was also present, but this bird stayed more out of sight.  At one point, one of the crossbills perched motionless on an exposed branch for several minutes, allowing me to get some close photos.

I also kayaked on the Patuxent from the landing just off MD 4 (Wayson's Corner).  It was a beautiful late afternoon to be on the river.  Highlights included 2 Bald Eagles, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 3 Wood Ducks, 2 Northern Pintails, 2 Green-winged Teal, flyover Ring-billed Gulls and countless Red-winged Blackbirds.

Fred Shaffer

Patuxent MOS