Hi Everyone,

While relaxing in the yard after work today, I was excited when an adult male WILSON'S WARBLER landed in our cherry tree and began foraging. As he chipped and flew back and forth to one of our hollies, I couldn't help but wonder if he is the same bird that spent two full weeks in our yard last spring. His behavior was immediately so consistent with last year's that it seems pretty reasonable. Last year, my wife Becky first spotted the Wilson's on 5/11 and it continued until at least 5/24. During this time, WILSON'S WARBLERs were also seen multiple times at Fort Smallwood and at Stan Arnold's house in Ferndale. Wilson's Warblers like Anne Arundel Co.

A photo from last year: http://www.billhubick.com/images2/wilsons_warbler_our_yard_aa_md_20080513_01.jpg

If the bird is as reliable as it was last year, I'll post again in case anyone wants to try for it. Last year several birders successfully chased the Wilson's and a lingering Lincoln's Sparrow, which showed up last year on 5/15. 

Continuing around the yard are singing BALTIMORE and ORCHARD ORIOLEs, a pair of HOUSE WRENs, and nesting BROWN THRASHERs. We have daily RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDs, but I'm not sure a pair has set up shop yet. 

Before I spotted the Wilson's, a COMMON NIGHTHAWK called once from one of our large oaks. We've had up to six birds at dawn and dusk each time we've checked since 5/8. Ending an afternoon at Fort Smallwood or Weinberg Park should be a reliable place to see nighthawks through late May.

I love the precision timing of so many of our arrivals. Stan and Elaine, your Bicknell's Thrush should arrive on Sunday.

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com