A trip to the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley SP was rewarding with
three new warblers for the year. I started with a Yellow-throated Warbler
singing at its traditional haunt near the intersections of Marriottsville
Road, Henryton Road, and Marriottsville Road #2. This is six days earlier
than my previous early record which was in 2004. Six days may not seem like
a significant difference but I have seen Yellow-throated Warblers at this
exact location since 1976. Most years I don't see the first one until early
April so this is truly early.
   There were also a few Myrtle Warblers about, the first I have seen since
January when found one on the winter count. This is eight days earlier than
my previous early record for a migrant.
   Third was a silent Louisiana Waterthrush working a feeder stream to the
North Branch. I watched it closely for about 15 minutes as it collected
invertebrates along the stream. It never made a sound the whole time. This
is three days better than my previous early record. I believe this makes
seven counties plus DC with new early arrival dates for this species.
   Also notable were a pair of Wood Ducks perched in a tree and another
pair on the South Branch. I also saw one Winter Wren, a species which has
been rather scarce this winter. The presence of Goldfinches here and at my
feeder at home for the first time since January may indicate some spring
movement too.

-- 
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD

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