This trail runs along the north bank of the Big Gunpowder Falls, from 
Belair Rd, southeast towards Rt. 95.  It is accessed from a large 
parking lot on the east side of Belair Rd, just north of the river. 
Drive too fast and you'll miss the lot.

We had a smattering of common nesters, mostly heard only's, and missing 
many species that are usually on this trail.  It was somewhat of a 
surprise to get a Brown Thrasher in the middle of the woods, barely a 
bino field away from a singing Ovenbird.

Most interesting bird was one that got away, an unidentified raptor.  It
didn't give us a long enough look, but the silhouette suggested possible 
Mississippi Kite.

We also had an unidentified song:  a clear, whistled "Three-A"  with 
long pauses between repetitions  of the two notes.  I feel like it's 
something I SHOULD know, but can't I quite place it.  Never saw the singer.

Off topic:  Denise L Goodfellow is an Australian Ph.D candidate who is 
doing research on American birdwatchers who travel internationally as 
couples.  She has a multi-page survey on line.  If you'd like to 
participate, the URL is:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h3NCqTwur3H_2bPlbFtk_2bSpw_3d_3d

Our complete list of birds on the trail today:

Great Blue Heron
Mallard
Turkey Vulture
Mourning Dove
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush
American Robin
BROWN THRASHER
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Parula
Ovenbird
SCARLET TANAGER
Field Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
American Goldfinch