Hi Everyone,

Woohoo! I stepped out of my house this morning to get my first Chuck-will's-widow of the year, and as my ears adjusted to the chorus, I could hear the familiar quality of a calling nightjar from across White Pond. (It sometimes takes me 10 seconds to discern anything among the pre-dawn spring chorus here!) Except... holy crap... it wasn't a Chuck, it was a WHIP! This species has become far too difficult in Anne Arundel away from Patuxent Research Refuge, and to be honest, I never really expected it on my yard list. I have to give Dan Haas credit for annually recommending that I throw a Whip into the mix with our reliable Chuck-will's-widows. Thanks for making me a believer, Dan! Although I woke up too late for an extended performance, I did record a few verses for the record. 

Fortunately for me, no one was out at Weinberg listening for Chucks this morning. They would have gotten to see me standing in my pajamas with an audio recorder and a crazy look in my eye. Unfortunately, by the time I'd driven over, it had stopped calling. There were many Wood Thrushes and expected species getting started. 

So... it seems like there's a shot at Whip-poor-will at Weinberg tonight. As previously posted, take Fort Smallwood Road to Fairview Beach Road (Weinberg Park). Take a left at Fairview Beach Road and park at either the first or second gate on the right. The first gate is traditionally better for chucks, but I'm not sure which one is closer to this bird. 

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com

############################

To unsubscribe from the MDOSPREY list:
write to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
or click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MDOSPREY&A=1