Peter Kaester called yesterday (Saturday) morning to say that he had the Upland Sandpiper in the field near the junction of Oland and Lilypons roads. Not only that _ a few minutes later he had a family of 8, yes eight, Virginia Rails, including many juveniles, out in the open, crossing a lawn, at Lilypons Water Gardens.

   Lisa and I had a wedding to attend Saturday, and, after dancing into the night, got up early and headed out Sunday morning. It took nearly an hour to find the Uppie in the tall grass near the back of the field. State bird #290 for Warren! The field and environs also held Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows and a Savannah Sparrow. A trip to Lilypons itself brought none of Peter's rails, but we did have a calling YB Cuckoo, plenty of Purple Martins, Brown Thrasher, Green Heron and other goodies.

   Now it's nap time.
   Good Birding!
   Warren & Lisa Strobel
   Annapolis, MD
   www.birdcouple.com