I was surprised to find a Merlin at Germantown Soccerplex in Mont Co 
late this afternoon. Had a nice look at the bird perched on top of tree 
line between fields 7 & 8. Surprised how light in color (with rufous 
streaking) the bird actually was. My few previous encounters with 
Merlins have all been fairly dark birds.

Also went and saw Tom Stock's Yellow-crowned Night Heron in Sligo Creek 
park. Was not on nest but perched nearby. At Violette's/Riley's Lock 
around 2 pm highlights included 3 Long-tailed Ducks, a Red-necked Grebe 
and the 2 WW Scoters and Surf Scoter that have been hanging around for 
last couple of weeks.

Thanks to those of you who responded to my Pine Warbler question. Nobody 
reported Pine warblers doing this but they have seen similar behavior 
with Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Hairy Woodpeckers, Red-headed 
Woodpeckers and Carolina Wrens.

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg