Chris Murray and I did some birding on Saturday after an early family
breakfast at the in-laws home in Bethesda.  Chris is dating my wife's
sister, so he pretty much counts as family.

We decided to visit Lil' Bennett. Best birds: 2 Fox Sparrows and 2
Winter Wren.  Several Golden-Crowned Kinglets brightened up the day
with their glowing heads. A Brown Creeper and a Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker also made appearances.

Later we dropped by Lilypons. Best birds: one AMERICAN TREE SPARROW.
Also present: a White-crowned Sparrow, along with several Field, Song,
Swamp and White-throats.  As we were leaving, an Eastern Phoebe was
hanging out on a telephone wire.

Later, in Silver Spring, we rendezvoused with my Mother-in-law to pick
up my son Declan.  Declan's Great Grandmother lives in an assisted
living facility.  I can't recall the name of the place, but I only
mention it because the facility recently acquired two Trumpeter Swans.
They were unbanded, untagged and unhappy to see us.  As I was taking
one of the bird's photograph, the other came charging up and nearly
took a chunk out of my leg. Chris, after laughing a bit, managed to
get most of the greeting on video. Oh joy.

Needless to say, I warned my wife's Grandma!

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
West Annapolis, MD


The Maryland Natural Resources Police encourages citizens to report
illegal hunting activities by calling the Catch-a-Poacher 24-Hour
Hotline at 1-800-635-6124. The anonymity of the caller is guaranteed.