Hi Everyone,

I was fortunate enough to be with the small initial recon group yesterday morning as well. Congratulations to Bruce Peterjohn on the epic find, which had earned its place as #8 in Maryland's last revision of the Maryland's Next 10 Species (http://www.billhubick.com/docs/Marylands_Next_Ten.pdf). Thanks also to Nancy and Walter for making contact on behalf of the birding community. 

I have posted my only two shots, which were take just three minutes after my final, final, nail-biting, no, seriously, I really have to leave, time. Birding does way too much to encourage my obstinacy. As Tom Feild and I say regularly, "no, really, I can quit anytime."

I agree with Jim Stasz and Dan Haas in their words of encouragement. I also echo the sentiment that staying in one's car is absolutely key here. This is definitely the one way where birders risk this straightforward, positive arrangement. Please politely remind any birders seen out of their cars that they are risking access for all of us. 

I also believe that the birds are likely to be seen anywhere along the hedgerows. The large Zonotrichia flock yesterday was moving all up and down the left hedgerow in the morning. They are just as likely to move past your car on their way down the hedgerow. Like Jim said, patience is likely to pay off.

So aside from repeating what everyone has already said, remember that this bird is related to your talkative White-throateds and White-crowned Sparrows, which sing earlier and later in the day, and generally more consistently, than many other birds. Listen to your recordings ahead of time and be prepared to hear snippets of song, separating its plaintive song from the vocal White-crowns and the often poor (OK, variable)  renditions of normal White-throats. 

The chip note was our first clue that the bird was skulking nearby. For those who are familiar with sparrow chip notes, this should stand out. I made a couple recordings when we first arrived, which are below the photos here:

http://www.billhubick.com/photos/birds/golden-crowned_sparrow.php

A note about audio: Now that the bird is documented, the use of any audio playback or pishing should be discouraged. I can't say for certain that it would stress or drive away a wintering bird, but anything that might negatively affect the bird or remaining visitors' chances seems like a bad idea.

Thanks, and good luck!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com