I don't think waterfowl are the only thing on the move.  It came as no surprise that there is a marked decline in activity at our feeder stations since last weekend.  I did a little watching while doing some other catch up activities this morning, and noticed far fewer White-throated sparrows.  We typically have 40-50 at the stations, but today there was only about 16 for a high count so far, plus only one Junco (normally about 8-10).

At least one of the Black-capped Chickadees is still here.  I thought maybe they had left since I did not see one earlier this morning, but I just saw one.  I am pretty certain it is the original one that showed up last fall, which has fed here all winter.  We had two here for the winter, and they can be distinguished by suttle differences that are distinct at close range (as viewed at feeders).  One is a bit darker than the other one, and there is also a slight size difference.  I don't know if its because of age, sex, or if they are the same age and sex maybe its due to normal variation.

I've also wondered if there may be a possibility that one is a hybrid (BC x Carolina cross).  Does anyone know if Carolina breeds with Black-capped?  I know out in western MD there is an overlap with their range somewhere around Sideling Hill (I think in the western Washington and eastern Allegany area).  At some point they certainly share habitat, but presumably these birds are year-round residents and do not migrate.  Any comments on feasibility of hybrids?  The Chickadees (and all the other early breeders!) were singing mightily this morning.

The Fox Sparrow is still present (at our feeder).  This afternoon I hope to do some looking around the southern part of PG County to see what kind of sparrow composition is around.

Cheers!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD

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