Lisa and I did a Western Maryland big day on Sunday, focusing on hotspots in 
Garrett and Allegany counties. While the rain truncated our listing hopes 
somewhat, we ended the day with 88 species, including nearly 20 warbler species.

In brief, the highlights were: a mini warbler fallout in the morning at Finzel 
Swamp not far from the parking lot, including Bay-Breasted, Wilson's, Magnolia, 
Palm, Northern Waterthrush, Chestnut-Sided, Blackpoll, Hooded and others. At the 
same time, we heard (and felt), RUFFED GROUSE drumming very close by, making two 
new state birds for me (Bay-Breasted and the grouse) at the same instant.

Piney Run reservoir had lots of nice birds, the highlights being a calling Least 
Flycatcher and a YB Chat that Lisa saw, but not I, meaning it stayed off the Big 
Day list.

After ticking Blackburnian and hearing Barred Owl at New Germany State Park, we 
headed straight for Old Legislative Road. We were treated to TWO singing 
Golden-Winged Warblers. A group of fellow birders that included Michael Powers 
put us on to a well-seen Henslow's Sparrow, with Grasshopper Sparrow singing 
nearby for accompaniment.

After stopping at C&O Canal North Branch (Warbling Vireo, Cliff Swallow, etc), 
the clouds darkened and the skies opened up. We drove all the way back to 
Annapolis in the rain, but didnt mind a bit.

Good Birding!
Warren and Lisa Strobel
Annapolis, MD
www.birdcouple.com

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