Hi all,

Such a nice sunny warm day after the last week's poor weather, we 
decided to visit Brookside Gardens to see if there was any bird activity.
We 
also checked the feeders at the Nature Center next door.

Not too much, actually, as regards diversity but many many Goldfinches 
and Housefinches, singing and calling. All the Chickadees at the feeders 
or in the Gardens were Carolina.

However -- some very early signs of spring:  About a dozen COMMON 
GRACKLES feeding in the leaf litter and a few RED-WINGED 
BLACKBIRDS calling as well. Song Sparrows were singing, Robins 
chuckling in the hollies as they scavenged the last berries, woodpeckers 
drumming (4 species seen, Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied and Pileated). 
Three Red-shouldered Hawks perched or soared.

In all, about 25 species seen -- and when we got home, a single 
CHIPPING SPARROW at our feeders -- another indication that spring is 
coming!

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD



--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web.com - Microsoft® Exchange solutions from a leading provider -
http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange