Hi Everybody:                                                                                          Monday, 02/08/10

     Decided to give the snow shovel a break (not to mention my back) and venture out on some of the roads in Montgomery County midday. The majority of my birding was viewing birds along the side of the road from inside the car. I first went to Riley's Lock Road with the intention of  checking the Potomac River only to be denied when 1/3 of the way down the road (just past the last house on the left) there was a tree down across the road and this is where the plowing had stopped. 

     Along River Road between Riley's Lock Road and Sycamore Landing Road there were various spots where the plowing had included parts of the shoulder of the road down to grass and dirt. At most of these locations along the way were multiple N. Cardinals and more White-throated Sparrows than I cared to see. Other highlights included HERMIT THRUSH (2), EASTERN TOWHEE (7) and FOX SPARROW (2). FYI: for anybody with a 4-wheel drive Hunting Quarter Road is not plowed at all yet at either end so there is no chance to get to Hughes hollow unless you walk in.  Sycamore Landing Road appeared to be plowed - the width of one car only - so I headed down the road to try and check the Potomac River for waterfowl, etc. I had smooth sailing until just before the first bridge and there was a fallen tree down here also. The road had not been plowed beyond the fallen tree. So I backed up and continued on River Road.

     On Willard Road I had a total of 6 FOX SPARROWS including 5 along the side of the road in one location. On W. Offutt Rd. I also saw another 6 FOX SPARROWS and one more E.TOWHEE.

     I traveled various other back roads of western Montg. Co. but if the road was not plowed to the shoulder there were no birds. I cut through Poolesville and up to Frederick County and there was nothing along the roadsides on Rt. 85, Oland, New Design, Adamstown or Lily Pons Roads.

     On my return trip I checked the open water of Little Seneca Lake along the Rt. 121 causeway. Among  the several thousand Canada Geese I also saw: 32 TUNDRA SWANS, 5 HOODED & 3 COMMON MERGS, 5 BUFFLEHEAD, 6 RING- NECKED DUCKS, 64 CANVASBACK, 4 REDHEADS and 9 RUDDY DUCKS. While I was scanning the waterfowl I first heard and then saw a COMMON RAVEN fly over Rt. 121

     It was nice to get out and enjoy the snowladen scenery  and see some nice birds at the same time. The highlights for me were the number of TOWHEES (8 total) and FOX SPARROWS (14). I feel like I can go most winters in Montgomery County without seeing that many of either. It was a nice break from the snow. Now, I guess we have to get ready for another one. Bring it on!

Jim Green
Gaithersburg, MD

Work in moderation, BIRD IN EXCESS!!!