I quickly walked the Serpentine Trail this evening at Soldier's Delight NEA and the birds are becoming more vocal as spring approaches. While I haven't compiled the list yet, a couple birds of note: Several PINE WARBLERS were found singing, one PURPLE FINCH singing in the pines at the corner, one BARRED OWL called four times, and most interestingly--

I had three "peet-seet" calls from a bird that, if it were May, I'd have called an ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. The first call, I was distracted, and passed it off as misheard. The second time, I was a little closer, and it was more clear and very recognizable. I waited and heard it clearly a final time. The time of year seems early and I never saw the bird so I'm listing it as probable, not definite. If anyone wants to look or listen, it was on the south side of the Serpentine Trail west of the electric right-of-way, and just before a small clearing/fields protected by a barbed wire fence.  I'm willing to entertain any suggestions for other potential species, if anyone has any. 

Happy Birding!

dcs

David C. Smith
Owings Mills, MD