Between my morning and lunchtime walks around Schoolhouse Pond, I tallied 51 species including several migrants and returning breeders.  This morning, I had my first Wood Thrush of the spring at the pond, as well as a Blue-headed Vireo.  At luncthime, it was even busier in the light drizzle.  There were lots of Mrytle Warblers feeding in the low willows, plus two Palm Warblers, 1 singing Prothonotary Warbler, and a singing American Redstart in the woods along the back trail.  Other birds included 2 singing House Wrens, Barn Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, 9 flyover Great Blue Herons, bigger numbers of Chimney Swifts, an Eastern Bluebird, Osprey, and a Pileated Woodpecker.  The other warblers heard were Common Yellowthroat and Northern Parula.  And, a Barred Owl hooted twice from deep in the woods to the east of the pond.

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel