Hi Everyone,

Our pet CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW has returned to Weinberg Park and is singing away on this cool, peaceful night. I look forward to enjoying that sound from my yard for weeks to come. The last two year's arrival dates (or at least detection dates) were 4/26/08 and 4/28/09.

If tradition continues, this bird will be reliable at least for the next month, and then get progressively quieter until early July. While regular in several areas in the county and elsewhere on the Western Shore coastal plain, this might be the closest reliable bird for many Maryland birders. To visit, take Fort Smallwood Road like you're going to Fort Smallwood Park and take a left on Fairview Beach Road. Park at the first gate on the right and just listen. He usually gets started right at dusk and is also active pre-dawn. Tape use or any other form of disturbance (including trying to see the bird) at this tiny breeding area is unnecessary and is not appropriate. Enjoy!

Good birding,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com