Good evening all,
 I had a bit of time this morning to compile my yard list for 2011. I saw 115 species from/in/over the yard last year, adding 10 new species to my cumulative total (144). Species added, in no particular order, were; Common Merganser, Bonaparte's Gull, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-throated Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Lincoln's Sparrow, Tennessee Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and American Coot. 

Note; one species, Tennessee Warbler was added to my yard list by Bob Ringler during the Big Sit in October, and though it is part of the cumulative yard list, I did not see it, so my yard list is at 143.

Still planting trees here, and have added several evergreens (our live Christmas trees) to the front yard near existing Norway Spruces, so maybe one day a crossbill? Hoping to improve the backyard habitat for warblers and vireos as well, but waterfowl and shorebirds are lacking (especially shorebirds). Getting harder and harder to find nes birds...

Also, I'm keeping an eye on a distant hawks nest (likely Red-shouldered) along the edge of the woods across the field, for any signs of a Great Horned Owl. I can get a decent view with my scope in the morning sun. I'll post if I find anything.

Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD

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