Hello all,

 

Had a great day birding Saturday, despite the high winds, as mentioned by others, made actually seeing land birds more difficult than usual. I visited Gov Bridge Natural Area, Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, and Calvert Cliffs S.P. 

 

Highlights at Gov. Bridge: Pair of Bald Eagles, Blue Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, RT Hummingbird (FOY), Blackpoll Warbler, Scarlet Tanager (FOY), Yellow-breasted Chat (FOY), Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, N. Parula (too close for bins), E. Kingbird, E. Wood Peewee (FOY, heard only), Acadian Flycatcher (several), Wood Thrush, Red- and Whte-eyed Vireos, and a lingering White-throated Sparrow. 

 

Battle Creek highlights: Pair of Barred Owls dueting with gusto (at 4:30 pm). We saw one well flying directly overhead through the canopy of cypress. Also picked up Louisiana Waterthrush (seen and heard), Prothonatary, Hooded, Worm-eating (heard only), N. Parula (heard and seen, again, too close for bins), and Acadian Flycatcher.

 

Calvert Cliffs: 3 Red-headed Woodpeckers (FOY) squabbling over something (I assume territory or a mate). We saw all three adults very well foraging on snags, flying, chasing, and sqwaking for an extended period, which was very cool. We also got excellent looks at both male and female Summer Tanagers (FOY). At least 2, probably 3 males and one female was present, including one obvious pair. We heard them doing their "picky-tuck" call, in a couple different spots and saw one male with raised crest in a tree about 20 ft away just above head height for an extended period. Probably the best views I've ever had of this species. Also had Great Egret and N. Rough-winged Swallow, among the more common species. 

 

67 species for the day. 

 

Good Birding! 

 

Frank Marenghi

Annapolis, MD
 		 	   		  
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