After returning from birding the CADT (see previous post), I went out with my kids to do some Herp Atlasing in a nearby block (Upper Marlboro SE), and 5:50 pm we saw an adult Broadwing that was very unusual. Any Broadwing in lower PG Co is noteworthy these days and I don't see many here, but I have seen thousands elsewhere. They formerly bred here but now are only seen as migrants (confirmed during MD's first Atlas, 1983-87; looked for repeatedly in second Atlas 2002-2006, but found none). Since we are not in a flight path for them here you have to get lucky to see one of the occasional ones that pass through.
It was seen at tree-top level and very close, and I recognized it by shape, small size, and plumage (dark primary tips, dark band bordering wings, strongly banded tail). It circled over us twice, very low, looking at us intently. I'm not sure if we spooked it from an evening roost, or if it was hunting here, or looking for a roost.
It had a plumage I've never seen, and was so light (pale) I was momentarily confused as to what it was. It was not leucistic - the color was not white, the areas of normal red/brown/rust color were like a bleached out tan/blond color (sort of like a Krider's RTHA). I didn't need bins to id it, but when I looked at it with bins I was amazed and wish I had a camera. It reminded me of a Krider's race of Red-tail. The lower underside was typically white and pale, but its upper chest, head, and back were bleached, and appeared as if the color had been lost. The dark border along its wings and banding of the tail were evident but also not as dark (black) as normal. At first I thought it was some oddity of lighting, but as it circled and we had outstanding view of it, I clearly saw its plumage in great light. It was very odd looking and I think would easily be recognized if seen again.
Cheers-
Jeff Shenot
Croom Md
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