Hi All,
 
This morning I checked out the McMillan Reservoir and had a nice (but skittish) VESPER SPARROW on the short grass inside the fence - just east of 4th st. NW).  My first BARN SWALLOW of the year was also patrolling the waters while I scoped a very strange duck. Here's the description: Seemed to be on the small side, brown head, brownish breast transitioning into gray towards rear. No markings (white or otherwise)on body.  Stiff, upward tail - like a Rudy Duck tail. Crisp, white circular patch at base of bill - but not going up onto forehead. Pretty large gray bill with small dark tip. Underparts white. Peak of head above eye, top of head flattish and then sloping back. Seemed to have a yellow eye.  
 
Paul Pisano and I spoke about it and came to the conclusion that it was/is an immature male common goldeneye transitioning into adulthood. Looking online at photos of similar birds, it's the best candidate. Goes to show how the light can play games with you - especially when you have a duck at 100+ meters without a Swarovski Scope!
 
At Hains Point a PALM WARBLER made it's first appearance of the year for me by the wood chip yard, along with a gang of hungry CHIPPING SPARROWS.
 
My FOY BROWN THRASHER was both the Indian Museum and US Botanic Garden, along with multiple SWAMP SPARROWS.  Hold overs from winter included WINTER WREN and a pair of YELLOW-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS at Theodore Roosevelt Isle.
 
Overall a great day to be birding and biking Around town!
 
Jason Berry
Washington, DC

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