Mike and all,

Just a few miles south from your observation point I typically find Caspian
Tern (admittedly in VA waters) the last few days of March.  I tend to think
this year's sightings are pretty much on-time.

Kurt Gaskill

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Michael Bowen
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 3:18 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] D.C. birds, March 30th

I braved strong NW winds and cherry tree watching tourists today by 
going into the District of Columbia to do a little scouting in 
advance of a visit from a Massachusetts birder who wants to work on 
his DC list later this week.  Here are some highlights:

On the Washington Channel, between Hains Point and Fort McNair -- 3 
Pied-billed Grebe and a COMMON LOON in breeding plumage.

In the Tidal Basin -- 3 HORNED GREBE, 2 of them in full breeding glory

In the 1/3 full of water Constitution Gardens pond, the usual 
American Wigeon pair, 5 BLUE-WINGED TEAL and my first GREAT EGRET of the
year.

Over the Potomac at Fletcher's Boathouse (AKA Fletcher's Cove) there 
was a newly arrived CASPIAN TERN.  This is the only Caspian I have 
ever seen in March in DC, or in local parts of MD and VA.  My 
earliest DC date is April 3.  Global warming, anyone?

Mike Bowen
Bethesda, MD

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