On Saturday I led a walk for the C&O Canal Association from Sycamore Landing.  It was, um, awful.  The sole warblers were three Northern Parula, two Louisiana Waterthrush, and one Common Yellowthroat.  Before the walk, I had three Common Yellowthroats and one Prairie Warbler at the turn off River Road.  Maybe 26 species total in the 3 hours/3 miles we did.  The wildflowers were more abundant.  Guess I should've taken them to Hughes Hollow!

I did better this morning at Williamsport/Cushwa Basin.  A very vocal Warbling Vireo was at the parking lot.  At lock 44 I heard a Blue-headed Vireo.  Near the parking was a Yellow Warbler, and along the towpath were several singing Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers.  The numbers of American Goldfinch were very impressive.  Barn Swallows were very evident perching on a wire going round the boat launch area.  Rough-winged Swallows were quite evident on the Canal.

But Antietam was unquestionably the best of my weekend.  I got there about 10:15, and almost immediately had a Vesper up on a wire singing his heart out.  He was one of several I encountered before leaving about 1:30.  The last was singing in a tree at the Visitor Center, allowing lots of photos and some video before a mocker chased him.  Grasshopper Sparrows were also vocal, but mostly staying hidden.  You can practically STEP on the Chipping Sparrows at the Visitor Center.  I briefly sighted what might have been a Savannah, but didn't stay on it long enough to be sure.  White-crowned Sparrows were also singing, and also heard and saw Field Sparrows.  Several Eastern Meadowlarks were present as well as at least on American Kestrel.  Early on I heard a Raven, and later, when I was about to leave, one soared over the Visitor Center.  And the Cliff Swallows are in at the Burnside Bridge.

Kurt Schwarz
HowCo
goawaybird at verizon dot net