31 August
         After a month or so of spectacular numbers of Great Egrets at 
Hughes Hollow (Mont Co) we are back to more normal counts for this time of 
year.  Today I recorded only 9 even though I was here early. Sunday (8-29) 
my high count was 13.  Two LITTLE BLUE HERONS and the SNOWY EGRET are still 
present.  I also saw 3 BLUE-WINGED TEAL flying around and heard a SOLITARY 
SANDPIPER fly over.  With the continuing lack of rain there may soon  be 
shorebird habitat.
         The main reason I came out was to check the food strips before dove 
hunting season starts tomorrow.  The two sorghum (millet) ones along 
Sycamore Landing Rd aren't ripe yet so they didn't have many birds-28 INDIGO 
BUNTINGS and a few yellowthroats.
        The sunflower field by the upper parking lot was more productive 
with 22 MOURNING DOVES, 10 HOUSE FINCHES & 168 AM. GOLDFINCHES.
        I am still hearing my mystery bird calling from the buttonbush swamp 
as it is getting light. I'm not good at describing calls but it is a four 
part call and not one I'm familiar with.

Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA