We usually do our Jug Bay trip in early May, say around the 2nd. This time
we somehow wound up in Mid-July. I'm getting old: June and most of May
slipped right by me. Or so it seems. Hot out there for any time of the
calendar.

We were joined today by Bobbi Reichwein, Barbara Ricciardi and Ed Carlson.
Great day birding. We got around 70 species. Highlights:

HOODED WARBLER in one his many usual spots, this one near the head of the
trail. We all got him. Later we got a good look at a female that seemed
upset at us.

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in his most accessible spot near the lookout over the
water. Seen well by all. Other also heard, but not seen.

BLACKPOLL seen by Laura and Barbara in the pines near the parking lot when
we got back form the morning walk. All heard it. Only they saw it.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER seen near the parking area as you make the left
toward the drive over to Merkle. Laura and I got it just before we were told
the gate was open and we headed back to Patuxent River Park.

PRAIRIE WARBLER seen and heard by us on the way to Merkle after the others
had left us at the observation tower.

Other Warblers included Parula, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Blue, Pine,
Yellow, Ovenbird (Many!) and Common yellowthroat.

REDHEADED WOODPECKER! Yep. You read that right. Seen near the end of the
trail where we turned around. Not sure who spotted it first - maybe Ed - but
we all saw it. There was an open swampy area nearby where I suspect he
spends more time than he does up near the trail where we got him.

BOBOLINKS seen by Laura and I in the trees near a field in back of the brick
house at Merkle. Odd that they were gathering in the trees but we scoped
'em. Nice find.

BOTH ORIOLES  were also seen at Merkle but we got best looks at some
ORCHARDS cavorting nearby as we scoped the prev bird.

BOTH TANAGERS! Barbara spotted one while we were searching for the elusive
Blackpoll mentioned earlier. She assumed it was SCARLET (seen by Ed and I
earlier) but it turned out to be the SUMMER.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS in the pond at Merkle with our second SPOTTED SANDPIPER of
the day.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER was heard at several points as was the EASTERN WOOD
PEWEE. None seen.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO  heard only at the end/turnaround point on the trail.

PINK LADY SLIPPERS. Don't think this is a bird as it appeared to be stuck to
the ground but the women were fascinated. Found along the road to Merkle not
far past the wooden bridge and observation tower. I also saw one in the
Catoctins on Friday. Showy little thing but again I'm not sure it belongs on
this list.

Many other nice birds were seen/heard but these are the highlights. Purple
Martins are back at Merkle and we saw & heard a few Wood Thrush. Many
Ospreys are on nests.
Nice time and thanks to our companions for the day.

Jerry Tarbell
Back in Carroll County and wondering if I have the nerve to turn on the a/c
in May. Hell we just turned off the heat a week ago.