On the way home this afternoon, I thought I'd scan (scope) the river
for a bit.  The clouds looked ominous. The winds were gusting and I
expected rain to pour any minute, but the sun prevailed (for now).

There was a stunning male COMMON LOON trolling around the North side
of the river.

Over the past two years, I've put up two Purple Martin houses on Weems
Creek.  A quick look at both and it would appear that there are no
occupants this year.  I'll do a more thorough inspection soon.  Last
year we had one pair nest successfully.  In the late summer, the
numbers increased on the creek.  I was hoping to have more, but thus
far it's mostly Barn Swallow and NRW Swallows.  Incidentally, the NRW
typically nest on the Northern slope of the Severn River.  Anyone who
drives over the Rt 50 Bridge can see the two cliff faces on either
side of the roadway (Arnold side).  Some of those home owners (in an
effort to save their homes or build bigger ones), have reversed the
grade of the slope in order to curb the erosion. In the process, I'm
sure some great nesting habitat was lost.  For now though, the two
most popular nesting cliffs remain cliffs.

Other notables in the Weems Creek / Severn River area:

Black-crowned Night Heron
Green Heron
Peregrine Falcon

Back here at the house, the Song Sparrow couple have been looking for
a home.  With the interest rates so low, I think they may have
recently put a contract on the (no idea the variety) low, wide,
long-leaf pine tree in the front yard.   The House Wren sings every
morning from the Tulip Poplar on the side yard. I haven't had the time
to explore the nest boxes in the yard, but hopefully a nest is nearby.
 Lastly, a hummingbird has finally taken notice of all of my spring
plantings around the yard.  As the summer progresses, the yard should
begin to explode with various bright red blooms.  And by November,
hummer rarities will be all over our yard. I'll keep you posted.  ; )

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis, MD