Highlights from today: 
Two Virginia and one KING RAIL were vocalizing at Greenbury Point. 

I know that calling/identifying a large rail in our area can be iffy at best, but two factors made me call this bird a King; it vocalized a dead-on King grunting outburst call (all while two Virginia Rails also grunted away), and the marshy pond where I heard the rail is (as best as I can tell) fresh water, mostly rain-fed.  Occasionally, half of the pond will dry, revealing mud on the shallow side. When conditions are right, this spot can be good for shorebirds.

I attempted to record the bird vocalizing, but it was not cooperative. I will certainly try again soon, but...

For those interested in going for a listen (checking my work), I would highly recommend / suggest high boots and tick repellent. The pond is about 3/4 of a mile down the West road, on the right.  It is a short bit before the road opens up to the Severn River.  Ticks are all over and you have to bush-whack a bit to get down to the pond area where the rails are located.  

Also on that pond: a dozen American Coot, 6 Blue-winged Teal and some Mallards.

Later, I went back to Sandy Point to try and relocate the Vesper Sparrows.  I couldn't find a one, but I did enjoy finding an obvious-migrant EASTERN MEADOWLARK foraging in the same grassy area where the sparrows were yesterday.  I see on the eBird gadget that Joe Hanfman located a Vesper, so they're likely still hanging around the park.

I had Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in a few locations. As others mentioned, Common Loons were certainly on the move today. Finally, a MERLIN flew over my home late this afternoon.  

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
St. Margaret's, MD
nervousbirdsatgmail.com
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