A cold and blustery early morning walk around Schoolhouse Pond was rewarded by close views of an Ovenbird along the back side of the pond.  The bird was foraging along and on the asphalt trail, frequently coming out into plain view.  I watched the bird for five or more minutes, at times as close as 20 or 30 feet.  Unfortunately, the low light, frigid temperatures, and small, moving bird were not conducive to my photo-taking efforts, but I did get several identifiable pictures of the bird, showing the patch on the crown, white eye ring, face pattern, and plumage of the upper and lower parts.

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel