I got a late start today and, finding that the rain was late too, decided to
make a quick run to do my first ever birding in Baltimore County. I started
at Milford Mill Park around noon. Not much interesting going on in the
warbler department--just a few Redstarts, one Parula, and a few Blackpolls
(heard). I had wild hopes of finding a Bay-Breasted, but...alas. I wish I'd
gotten out earlier! Also had an Empid at fairly close range but wasn't able
to ID it without voice.

After Milford Mill, I hopped over to Soldiers Delight, which I'd been
wanting to visit for a hike for years now. It was such a cool place! Very
different feel from the rest of Maryland that I've seen. The diversity was a
little greater here, but in the early afternoon most activity was pretty
subdued. I got a lifetime high count of 18 Prairie Warblers on the 2.5 mile
Serpentine Trail, many of which were seen. Also had many House Wrens,
Chipping Sparrows, Towhees, and Field Sparrows.

Finally, I stopped at the Oxbow Lake in Laurel on the way home, and was
treated to an easy view of the previously reported Common Moorhen (thanks
for the post!) swimming in open water around 4:00. At first sight of me,
though, it took off and flew much farther out and hid among the vegetation.
I was able to get a poor photo for documentation. An easy find of a state
bird for me, putting my state list over 200, which I was pretty excited
about! The only warbler I was able to pull out of woods there was a single
Pine. I did get great looks at a very vocal male Scarlet Tanager, several
Red-Eyed Vireos at eye-level, and a small flock of Cedar Waxwings.

Also...as a quick addendum, I hiked the Ridge Trail in Rock Creek after work
yesterday and was surprised at the numbers of Swainson's Thrush, many of
which I was able to see at fairly close range. Several Acadian Flycatchers
were calling, as well as a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers. I had close
looks at a Yellow-Billed Cuckoo and a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. A Common
Nighthawk flew low overhead calling in broad daylight, which was neat to
see. In the warbler department, I had two calling Ovenbirds, two Blackpolls,
one Parula, and one Canada low in some thick brush. The hike was rounded out
with incredible close-up shots of a Baltimore Oriole and its nest about
three feet above my head.

-Jake Hall
 College Park, MD