The previously reported (maybe young male) Dickcissel was still at 
the location at Hains Point, DC, this morning (12/6) where it has 
been reported by several people over the last few days.  It doesn't 
show much yellow, but the bend of the wing is very red-brown and the 
throat patch is quite dark.  Jason Berry got decent photos a couple 
of days ago.

At 10 a.m. this morning, before the heavier rain began, I found the 
Dickcissel feeding on short grass just North of where the gravel 
maintenance/service road begins on the SE part of Hains, right at the 
Southernmost part of the golf course.  The grassy patch was between 
the roadway and the chain link fence, right by two medium-sized 
willow trees that have yet to lose their leaves.

The Dickcissel was in with a mixed flock of Song Sparrows, 
White-throated Sparrows and House Finches, with a Carolina Wren, 
Goldfinch, and Downy Woodpecker feeding nearby too.  The flock 
flushed when a series of school buses passed nearby, and I could not 
re-find the birds.  But by then it was raining steadily.

I should think the Dickcissel will stick around all day today, but 
after the imminent cold front comes through it will probably be off 
-- never to be seen again.

Michael Bowen
Montgomery Bird Club
Bethesda, MD

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom

-- I use GoodSearch to benefit the American Birding Association --
http://www.goodsearch.com/ 

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