Hello all--

While others might be chasing the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher this weekend, I'm contemplating a birding trip to Western MD for the first time. My time is limited as to when I can take such a trip, and there are a couple of potential lifers out west, which always trump state birds for me. Plus I'm hoping to break the next century mark on my life list while I'm at it! 

I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on where to go, or maybe suggested route (i.e., 1st stop, 2nd stop, etc.) I'm most interested in Alder Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, and Henslow's Sparrow, but I'll happily rack up state birds while I'm in the neighborhood, such as Ruffed Grouse and Black-capped Chickadee. 

I've read plenty of places mentioned, but have had a hard time figuring out where they are. I was thinking Finzel Swamp would be start, but I don't know where Old Legislative Road is, much less how to bird along it (are there pulloffs, or good stopping area?). Again, any guidance would be really helpful. And if there is more guidance to other speciality birds out there, that would be great too. This is likely to be my only trip out there this year.

Feel free to reply offline. Thanks!

dcs
David C. Smith
Owings Mills, MD
dcs_wamphyri AT yahoo.com