Right now there is a pair of PHOEBES at the water garden. One was bathing. I think they commonly nest under my neighbor's deck. Nice treat.

extra-limital highlight:

This AM we had breakfast in Gettysburg and then drove/walked parts of the battlefield. The battle is over so we were safe in doing so. I think. Still a lot of guns sitting around.

However the battle between the RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS is just heating up. We saw them chasing each other and one came down to the ground, then hopped up onto a low branch and was feeding at eye-level. This is a nice-looking bird.

If anyone has to have a Red-headed fix, they were along Confederate Drive, just north (toward Gettysburg) of where Pickett's charge started. I think the statue there is of Gen Lee.There were several birds in the area and while it doesn't count as a MD tick, it is a nice bird to see this close up. And it is close to MD.

We also had an OSPREY up there along Willoughby Run. Laura also got her beloved MEADOWLARKS out in the fields at Pickett's charge. Pickett probably missed them. I think he was busy doing something else at the time.

Jerry Tarbell
Still fighting the Civil War in Carroll County