Yesterday on my way out of town, I caught a break in the downpour, made a few stops, and picked up a few new year birds. Most notable, perhaps, was an early male ORCHARD ORIOLE high in the treetops in the riley's lock parking area. Doesn't seem too early, but I haven't seen any reports for maryland yet this year (previous montg arrival in ebird was 4/20).  What initially drew me to the area was the singing/calling of 50+ goldfinches. I have been trying hard to get a siskin in montgomery but had struck out until yesterday. At least one PINE SISKIN was mixed in with the group. yay. Another highlight was picking out a BANK SWALLOW in with the many tree, barn, roughwingeds at violette's lock. Heading up to 270, I had a few turkeys along Montevideo rd, and FOY CASPIAN TERN & COMMON RAVEN at Black Hill Regional Park. On my way back today I stopped by Brighton Dam and saw the recently returned CLIFF SWALLOWS. 

Jared Fisher
North Bethesda, MD

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