Made my annual effort for a Montgomery Whip-poor-will last night. Still 
"whipless" for my county but it was probably one of the birdiest nights 
I have had on one of these expeditions. Ambient noise was very quiet and 
conditions were excellent for listening.

Started about 11:45 pm with the moonrise. Starting at Pennyfield Lock 
and finishing in the parking area for Sugarloaf. It was a great night 
for owls and Northern Mockingbirds. Did not hear any overhead flight 
calls despite the calm conditions. I recorded for night migrants back at 
home but have not looked through sound files yet.

I heard the following:

Canada Goose
Barred Owl  11
Great Horned Owl  6
Eastern Screech-owl  1
Killdeer  1
Northern Mockingbird 20+
Gray Catbird  2 (may have been over the Frederick line)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  1
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
a rooster who was little on the early side for dawn at 2:14 AM
plus assorted cats, deer, foxes, and rabbits

Played King Rail and VA Rail calls at Hughes Hollow and along Sycamore 
Landing Rd w/o success.

Maybe it was too cold for whips last night. I am gonna run a few routes 
for the nightjar survey in June. Maybe it will happen for me then.

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg
apmartin2@comcast