Hi Folks,

There is an adult male Painted Bunting coming to a feeder in Howard Co., and

it is with some trepidation that I post this to the entire listserve.
However, since this bird is no longer a state rarity (following last
winter's
bird in Annapolis), I'm guessing that it will be of most interest to county
listers and Howard Co. birders, and may not draw the crowd that a new state
bird can bring.  This is however, the first chaseable Painted Bunting in
this
county.

The bird was first seen about two weeks ago in the same neighborhood and is
now being seen mostly at a feeder behind the house at 7919 Red Jacket Way in

the Huntington community of Kings Contrivance off of Vollmerhausen Rd.  The
homeowners and neighbors are being extremely accomodating to birders, and
birders are of course expected to exhibit the utmost courtesy while on
private
property to view this bird.  Here are the guidelines if you would like to
try
for this bird:

1.  Viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., any day.

2.  Park along Red Jacket way near 7919; there appears to be ample curb-side

parking.  Please don't block any driveways.

3.  Best viewing of the feeder is by walking along the right side of the
house, and walking along the back yard fence.  You will be walking in the
yard
of the residents of 7923 Red Jacket, and these folks have been very gracious

in allowing this.  Please don't wander around their yard, but stay close to
the fence.

4.  Please BE FAIRLY QUIET.  The woman who lives at 7923 Red Jacket works at

night, so sleeps during the day, and should not be disturbed.

5.  The homeowner, Alix Rolph, will probably come out to chat with you, and
the neighbors may do the same; they are all very nice, and seem more than
happy to share their great visitor.  Please reciprocate with your best
birding
behavior.

To get to this location, from I-95 exit onto Rte 32 west, then take the
first
exit, Broken Land Parkway, and turn left (south).  Go less than a mile to
the
end and turn left onto Guilford Rd.  Go a short distance down the hill and
turn right onto Murray Hill Rd.  Go about 1/2 mile and turn left onto
Vollmerhausen Rd.  You will go 2-3 miles on this road, crossing over I-95
and
the Little Patuxent River, and then shortly after Patuxent Valley Middle
School you will turn left onto Savage-Guilford Rd. at the stop sign.  Go a
few
blocks and turn right on Red Jacket Way, and pass a couple dozen houses to
7919 on the right.

Today, Friday 27 March, is the first day that this bird has been seen by any

Howard Co. birders.  It has not been seen on a very regular basis, but has
been around a lot this morning.  The bird likes to hide in the big spruce
tree
at the rear corner of the yard.

Good luck.

Stan Arnold
Ferndale (AA Co.)