Hello all,

Birded at Calvert Cliffs S.P. this morning and then Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in the afternoon with pretty good results. Not birding for a week in spring makes for some heavy FOY days and today was one. Saw my FOY Palm Warbler (singing) in the parking lot and Green Heron at the pond (FOY). Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Pine Warblers, and Chipping Sparrows were singing as well. We hiked the Red Trail first and turned up a few Black & Warblers (FOY), several Blue-Gnatcatchers (FOY), Yellow-rumped Warblers (singing), several pairs of E. Towhees, 2 Brown Thrashers, E. Bluebirds, B.H. Cowbirds, at least 8 different Osprey, 2 Bald Eagles, 12 Wood Ducks, Tree Swallows, N. Rough-winged, and a few Bank Swallows (FOY) apparently inspecting the cliffs. There were a few Bufflehead out on the water and some distant Gannets plunge diving. We hiked the Blue Trail back and found 2 Yellow-throated Warblers (singing, FOY), and a slightly surprising Nashville Warbler (FOY), seen well foraging near the tree tops. Herps seen included numerous red-bellied cooters, green frogs, and one adult male Eastern Fence Lizard. 

At the Cypress Swamp we added 2 singing Louisiana Waterthrushs (FOY) and 1 singing Northern Parula (FOY), a small flock of Wild Turkey (heard but not seen), and 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, along with more RC Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, etc. Pawpaw, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and spring beauty were in bloom.

55 species total, and with the weather, a great day to be out birding!

Frank Marenghi
Annapolis, MD




 		 	   		  
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