Just heard a screech owl here at the house (9:50 pm).  The last time we had one here was 18 months ago on 1-5-08, and I am sure this was a post-breeding wanderer (perhaps a dispersing hatch year bird?).

Another surprise this week was on Monday, I saw a Peregrine Falcon buzz over the Silver Spring Metro station at about 10 am.  I see them around there in winter routinely, but I have only seen one here in breeding season one other time, several years ago.  It seemed to be just blasting happily around the buildings, it could have taken a pigeon or starling if it wanted, but it seemed happy just to strafe the area.  I saw it buzz past the NOAA building twice and then it went somewhere east on East West Hwy and out of site.

Cheers!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD