Nervous Birds

Strange Visitor?

2008-07-17T15:46:00.010-05:00

My good friend and band mate Josh Chapman had this strange little visitor drop by he and his wife Anne's front porch yesterday in St. Margarets, MD. Could it be a commonly-sold DOMINANT SILVER ZEBRA FINCH? They go for almost $40 smackers! It's more than likely an escaped pet, but the identification is still a fun activity worth exploring.The little bird flew away soon after these two cell phone shots were taken. No more updates to report as of today.So, regardless of how you feel about those cute little birds trapped in cages at your local pet store, what do you think it is?

The little guy (or gal) sure looks sad in that second photo, eh?

Dan>

Become Enlightened

2008-07-15T07:09:00.007-05:00

It's raining here at the beach, so I went on the interweb. There I found my friend Josh Cohen's blog. He is my local Representative and lives only a block or two away from my home. His yard is looking good, but what's more, his website is very informative. If you live in Anne Arundel County, I would go so far as to call it a 'must-read'. It even has the same minty-green background. Soothing to look at, right?And now... some bird-related news: North Carolina, the state located just South of Virginia, and North of South Carolina, has a great deal of fun. I've seen a lot of new life birds: SANDWICH TERN, WILSON'S PLOVER, BACHMAN'S SPARROW, EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE, and a bird with the absolute, best name... a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE.And though I've seen a WOOD STORK in Costa Rica, finding over 30 of them in two trees was an impressive sight.The even have an island devoted entirely to goats. I've your in North Carolina, you simply must goat. It's not ba-a-a-a-a-a-d.I've been birding with my wife's sister Eliza's significant other this week. The famous Chris Murray. Here is a photo of Chris, Eliza, Emery, Declan and myself enjoying a moment of beach bliss. The Dec-Man LOVES the beach, the water, the sand, the surf and of course, the ladies.We hope you are enjoying your own bliss this week as well.

Dan

Welcome to the Annapolis Environmental Commission

2008-07-10T09:19:00.004-05:00

I'm honored. Recently, I learned that I was added to the Annapolis Environmental Commission. I am eager to learn about the role of the Commission. What's more, I can't wait to get some of my ideas turned into actions! I've got ideas for everything from regular community waterway clean-up events, to building chimney swift towers, erecting more purple martin houses, to implementing elementary school yard habitat improvement contests to... well, I could go on and on and...

Suffice it to say, I'm very excited.

Have a great weekend.

Dan

Falcon Update

2008-07-07T13:31:00.006-05:00

Despite numerous unsuccessful checks for a nest this year to the Severn River Bridge, it appears as if the Peregrines may finally have set up shop. More details will soon be learned. US Fish & Wildlife Endangered Species Biologist Craig Koppie will be sneaking a peak sometime soon. With any luck, I might be able to join in on the fun. I will certainly keep you posted. In the meantime, here are three superb photos (taken by Craig) of the Peregrine Falcon Family from the Route 495 American Legion Bridge that connects Montgomery County, Maryland with Northern Virginia. Mom, Dad and hatch year female... all looking happy, healthy and marvelous.

MOM

DAD

HATCH YEAR FEMALE

Enjoy your week,

Dan

The Creek is Sparkling Clean

2008-07-06T19:59:00.005-05:00

I trust everyone had a fine 4th of July weekend. Here are some results from today's excursions.

My friend Josh Chapman and I set out on kayaks at the crack of dawn (or maybe it was 10AM?) for the first annual 'Clean Up the Mess on the Bay Day'. Our prize? We took home SEVEN fully-stuffed black garbage bags filled with old cans, glass, styrofoam, nets, yards and yards of cloth, Tyvek house wrap, rusty wire crab traps, and more plastic bits of junk than one could ever imagine. I hope everyone enjoys the new, much cleaner looking Severn River.

Oh, but what about the birds you ask? Here are some highlights...

TWO PURPLE MARTINS. They have recently moved into one of the two Martin gourd houses that I installed around Weems Creek in West Annapolis. The white gourds are easily visible from the Ridgely Avenue Bridge just to the North. As for the second martin house, it is located high up on a hill at my friend's home, a far too difficult location for us to reach today. We had our minds on our garbage-collecting mission. I did send my friend an email to inquire about his gourds. As of yet, I have no information on the second martin house and/or it's possible current residents. As per the usual, there were numerous Ospreys and Barn Swallows. But the best news of the day: TWO PEREGRINE FALCONS may have started a family. After some extended observation, it is highly likely that these two have a scrape and are in the process of raising chick(s). More soon.

I returned home and took a much needed shower to remove that wonderful marshy-mud smell. Decided to get back out and do some more birding... this time with less trash.

Later, I was joined by Warren and Lisa Strobel of THE BIRD COUPLE fame. We spent a few hours at Waterworks Park and vicinity in Annapolis. Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Northern-Rough Winged Swallows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlark, Belted Kingfisher, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Barn Swallows, Cedar Waxwings and Orchard Orioles were just some of the avian highlights. We also found some really interesting plants and empty eggs that will be fun to ID.

It was deja vu all over again. I returned home and took yet another shower, this time to remove the bug-repellent. And now... I'm happy enjoying some much needed relaxation.

Good Birding,

Dan

Ravens, Falcons and Cleaning Up Your Bay

2008-07-03T08:51:00.005-05:00

I saw a poll on WBAL Channel 11's 6AM news cast this morning while feeding now my 6-month old son Declan his mushed-up bananas. It read something like, "Do you think it's okay for the Baltimore Ravens NFL Football team to fly trained Ravens over the stadium during home games?" They were asking people to email their responses about how they felt about the idea and about PETA protesting the live birds at M&T Stadium. County listers, I don't think this would count. Anyway, my son and I were covered in bananas, so I couldn't email the station with my response hon.

And here is a somewhat bird-related idea for the coming weekend...

This Sunday is the Chesapeake Bay's Kennedy Fitzgerald Pick Up or Shut Up (July 6th, 2008). It is an annual event dedicated to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. I don't know exactly what it's about, but I'll be out on my kayak in the Severn River with my garbage bag cleaning up Weems Creek and the surrounding areas. If you have time on Sunday, perhaps you too might spend some time cleaning up a stream, tributary, or even the bay itself?

While I'm out there, I'll be sure to paddle over to the two Severn River Bridges. The local pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS have been using both bridges this summer for perching, hanging out, passing the time, etc. No nesting news available as of yet. If I find anything out, I'll be sure to let you know. The giant nest box that was installed this past winter has not been moved into yet. You can read all about that experience HERE.If you go to Jonas Green Park or the Severn Inn near the Naval Academy / Rt 450 bridge, look up under the span at all of the mounted lights. The male has been perched there on a few occasions under the highest part of the bridge. A scope would make this a more enjoyable experience.These two photos were from this past Saturday, June 28th.

Have a great 4th of July weekend. You should start your holiday by celebrating your independence from Rainwater Runoff. If you live in Anne Arundel County, get your RAIN BARRELS HERE!

Good Birding,

Dan

My Community Kills Bees (and who knows what else?)

2008-06-24T07:50:00.012-05:00

Last night, my wife Emery, five-month old son Declan and I decided to go downtown to get some ice cream on a warm summer evening. As we were walking out to the car, a truck came by spraying for mosquitos. What???

I started running towards my car and threw Declan and his car seat into the car and slammed the door. My wife and I unfortunately had the cloud of toxic chemical flow right past us. I was beyond upset.

So I called Anne Arundel County this morning. It turns out that our West Annapolis Community ASKED for this crap. Unreal. I never got any notice and our community association is weakly organized at best. There is NO online website or place on the web to find contact information except for a website that was last updated in February 2007.

The gentlemen with Anne Arundel County whom I spoke with this morning was very nice. He told me that the driver should have turned off the mist spray whenever anyone was near. This driver did no such thing and he no doubt saw me running with my my infant to get him out of the spray. Well, I am now (after the fact) able to exempt my property from this toxic gas. What parent in their right mind would chose THIS over a few bumps on their child's skin? People are so screwed up with their priorities.

Here are some highlighted hazards that my community actually ASKED to have sprayed into our lives:

HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Caution. Causes moderate eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed, absorbed through skin or inhaled. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Avoid breathing vaporor spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco. Prolonged or frequently repeat-ed skin contact may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
This product is extremely toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Do not apply directly to water, to areas where surface water is present or to intertidal areasbelow the mean high water mark. Do not apply when weather conditions favor drift from treated areas. Drift and runoff from treated areas may be hazardous toaquatic organisms in neighboring areas. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment washwaters. This product is highly toxic to bees exposed todirect treatment on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds while bees are actively visiting the treat-ment area. Do not allow spray treatment to drift on pasture land, crop land (other than crops listed), or water supplies.

Incidentally, I thought we were supposed to be concerned about massive honey bee die-offs. But here in West Annapolis, we requested their demise in order to hopefully prevent a few bug bites.

My family and I live amongst fools.

If you think your community might be getting poisoned with this crap, here is a form you can use to EXEMPT your property. Click HERE to view and print the form.

-Dan

Barred Owl Family on the Eastern Shore

2008-06-18T09:34:00.017-05:00

After work yesterday afternoon, I decided to take a trip to see the Dickcissel on Egypt Road just North of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. I arrived around 6PM and wouldn't you know it, the bird was a no show. Actually, all three birds I was looking for (Dickcissel, Black Rail and Whip-poor-will) were no shows! However, on Egypt Road there were some Northern Bobwhite, an Eastern Meadowlark, several Grasshopper Sparrows, a Blue Grosbeak and a Prothonotary Warbler who were all kind enough to have made appearances.I enjoyed seeing a family of Barred Owls perched all along the trees along Bestpitch Ferry Road. I snapped some photos of the two little ones with Mom (or Dad) closely watching over them from a tree further off into the woods. A mile or sp down that same road, two Northern Bobwhites sang a duet with a two Seaside Sparrows and a Marsh Wren.On Elliott Island Road, the Chucks were singing as well. Quite loudly, I might add. I counted seven, but there probably were more. No Whips sang, but I did enjoy an Eastern Screech Owl whistling it's trill in the last stretch of pine before the marsh takes over the landscape. Around 10PM, I heard 'part' of a Black Rail's call, but not the part that would lead me to conclusively identify it as such.Under last night's nearly full moon, the marshes were surprisingly quiet. It was still an enjoyable way to spend a Tuesday evening in Maryland.And in non-birding news, there were many of Maryland's famous Sika Deer foraging along the roadsides yesterday evening. They're actually non-native (like most all of us) to this part of the world.Sika Deer were brought here from Japan by a gentleman named Clement Henry. He released them on James Island in 1916. You can read more about these deer here. Personally, when I see a deer of any kind, all I can think of is ticks. Argh.

Good Birding,

Dan

The West Annapolis Flood of 2008

2008-06-09T16:13:00.009-05:00

After Wednesday's storms, and Thursday and Friday's floods, how lucky were we all to have the temperatures climb into the 100's? So lucky. Especially us Haas family members.Our AC blew out last Saturday and the parts didn't arrive until Friday. Of course, installation of those special parts couldn't take place until a few hours ago on Monday afternoon. It's been a total nightmare.When we first stumbled on the flood waters at 2AM on Thursday morning, my guitars were under three inches of water. Most were in cases, but a few were in soft cases and soaked. They were dried immediately and seem to have survived. They'll all need a tune up and neck adjustment after the humidity spike. The cases are mostly dry now, but all have some damage. I lost a slew of CD's from being on the ground, as well as the two towers that held them organized on the wall.The desk that used to have twelve straight legs have now expanded to have thicker bases. The wood finish on the furniture all show the high water mark as well. Luckily, I saved most all of my studio equipment and microphones. Some paintings and memories were ruined and the carpet is no more. But, trying to work here in my home for three days in the 97 degree heat was nearly impossible.The good news is that the AC is back on and *hopefully* working. The wall board (drywall) and the insulation behind them were soaked over a foot off the ground. They will have to be removed soon. The hot water heater has also finally been able to stay lit. Up until today, the pilot light kept going off.Floods are seriously no fun. But I am still the luckiest person ever to have a happy healthy family.Emery, Declan, Oiseau, Kee Kee and I all owe my folks a huge debt of gratitude for housing us these past few days. What a mess. I hope you've enjoyed these few photos of our madness. There wasn't a bird in sight to be discussed in todays blog!

On a side note, I wanted to inform all of you who might be interested: I will be leading a kayak trip through our basement after the next big rainstorm. I hope you can attend.

-Dan

Rescue a Hawk. Lose Power. Enjoy the Flood.

2008-06-06T17:12:00.005-05:00

So on Wednesday I was driving around Charles County visiting schools, solving problems, selling School Specialty products and shmoozing. It's what I do. I got to do some birding too. Well, not exactly.

I was driving on Route 6 in the extreme Southwestern portion of Charles County when I noticed this RED SHOULDERED HAWK sitting on the side of the road. I stopped, for there could be a good photo opportunity. Route 6, despite it's rural location, is a rather busy road. The cars on Wednesday were in a bit of a rush. In any case, I got out of the car and walked towards the hawk. It was very happy to be photographed. As I got closer, the hawk still didn't move and that is when I knew something was wrong.

I grabbed a towel (always have one in the car) and an empty School Specialty catalog box and scooped up the injured raptor.

It was now about 2 PM and the weather was about to turn ugly. I called Kent at the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia in Falls Church, Virginia. He answered, "Hey Dan. How's the bird?" Somehow Kent knew I had an injured raptor in my possession. What are the odds?

I drove an hour through some torrential storms in rush hour traffic to get the bird to Ken. The diagnosis, as I suspected, was that the bird was probably hit by a car. There were no serious bone breaks and all of the bird's functions appeared to be okay. It could not stand too well during it's examination. Ken got some fluids into it's system and began treatment. Shock probably best described the bird's situation at that moment. One thing for certain, it wouldn't have survived without some timely first aid.

The sad news is that this hawk was probably one of a mated pair. That means that there are, more than likely, some hungry chicks that need care and feeding. Hopefully the other half of the pair will assume this now larger responsibility. As a new parent, I know a lot a great deal about this subject. If my wife were ever hurt, Declan would sure have a time of it with just me!Oh, the other part of the story: when I returned home Wednesday evening, the power in my home was out and our basement was flooded under four inches of ground water. Today (Friday) the flood finally receded when the power returned. There is nothing better than a battery-powered back up sump pump (brand new) that fails! I saved my guitars. The cases and a lot of other stuff (carpet, furniture, walls, etc) did not fair as well.

PS: If there are grammar errors, it's only b/c I'm in a huge hurry to get back to the mess that is my home!

Have a great week!

Dan

Summer in Annapolis For The Peregrine Falcons

2008-06-03T21:02:00.019-05:00

I have great news...

BOTH PEREGRINE FALCONS

I dropped by Uncle Frank's this evening and was delighted to find both Mom (banded) and Dad (not yet banded with bird bling) PEREGRINE FALCON perched very near each other on the bridge.

DAD PEREGRINE

Mom is looking large and bulky, which is a good sign for what I hope is a mother-to-be.

FATHER PEREGRINE FALCON

During my hour long visit, she paced the girder, but never left for her scrape. I was hoping to see where they might be nesting this year. But since she was out and about, and not on eggs, it's anyone's guess as to whether or not they're trying to start a family.

FLYING FATHER FALCON

WALKING THE GIRDER: MOM PEREGRINE

Craig, Alison and several others put up a really nice nest box for them, but as of yet they haven't decided to use it.

MOM FLEDGED FROM THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE IN NEW YORK

Maybe it's due to the constant bridge work?

DAD, PERCHED AND WATCHING

Maybe they like the safety of being near Uncle Frank's place? Maybe they recall how they found their fledgling chick last year on Uncle Frank's beach drying out after she took a dip in the Severn River? Whatever their reasons, I'm looking forward to this year's events.

FATHER PEREGRINE FLYING ABOVE THE BRIDGE

Dad PEREGRINE was performing a few acrobatics in the brisk wind above, below and all around the West side of the bridge.

PACING MOTHER PEREGRINE FALCON

I look forward to my next visit and this summer's bridge watch. It's time to break out the kayak.

DAD FALCON

Happy Nesting!

Dan

Anyone want to name that bird? SOLVED

2008-05-29T07:25:00.013-05:00

This little bird (below) was seen on Route 495 perched right next to a farm pond in Garrett County, Maryland. Feel free to Google Earth the exact location for yourself. The pond is located right next to the "d" in Bittinger Road, just between Glendale Rd and O'Brien Road.
If you'd prefer, simply click on any of the photos for the larger version.I figured that since migration is slowing down a bit, maybe you needed something to do?

Some of the emailed responses were: GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW and even a female INDIGO BUNTING. But there were SEVEN votes for a female BOBOLINK.

I hereby declare... this bird is a BOBO!

You want another? I've got some more...

Good Birding,

Dan

Western Maryland Memorial Day Birding Expedition

2008-05-27T20:44:00.021-05:00

Emery let me go birding for one last big 'end-of-migration' weekend this past Sunday and Monday. I did manage to get to the family BBQ/Birthday party on Monday night in Bethesda on time! Did I get any bonus points? Hmmm, not likely. In any case, I drove miles and miles. I saw lot and lots of birds. I had many LIFERS and several amazing encounters. Without going into it in too much details, let me show you some photographs. I promise to explain where ever necessary.BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEES occur in Maryland's Western Counties. There is a subtle distinction between this bird and it's Eastern Maryland relative, the CAROLINA CHICKADEE. One such field mark are these (above) slightly more prominent white edges on the secondaries (on the wings). I set my camera to 'blur' so as to illustrate this identification mark... not because I'm a bad photographer. Ok, mostly because I'm a bad photographer.An EASTERN "Western MD" BLUEBIRD. I liked this bird's burnt orange coloration on it's breast and how it matched the fence rust. Artsy, eh?A BROAD-WINGED HAWK with some feather issues. I saw quite a few of them out West. It is always a treat to see this raptor catching an afternoon thermal against a mountain's side.Two views of a BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. For whatever reason, these warblers were much more locatable than their Eastern Maryland relatives. Perhaps it was because there were a lot of them? Yes... maybe.The CHIPPING SPARROWS are certainly more 'punk rock' than the conservative ones we have here in Annapolis. Notice the mohawk? Yes, and even it's song has more of a grundgy-quality to it.An UPLAND SANDPIPER that found me in Pleasant Valley. And what a pleasant valley it was...A SCARLET TANAGER at Swallow Falls State Park. After visiting this park, I've decided that it's long past time to get the wife, the boy and a few good friends to head out West for some camping. There is one thing I will always be watching for from now on...Western Maryland's Black Bears are so adorable. My bed head from getting up at 6AM probably was the main reason this bear skee-dattled into the woods right after he (or she) noticed my presence.Ok, you want the truth? Well, I'll tell you the truth. The bear and I wrestled for several minutes. It was a draw. A tie. We had nearly the same amount strength, classic Roman technique and cuteness. Afterwards, we sat and ate some berries. Laughing frequently, we talked for hours about how we missed our honeys, what we liked to eat, why it is that people are always wanting to snuggle with us, etc. I even told him about Lisa Strobel's HONEY BEES. Once BEAR learned about Lisa's bees, he broke out in hives (get it?) and started to drool. Drooling much like you can see here (below), as performed by my adorable son Declan.And so, after we'd become fast friends (MAN and BEAR), we parted ways. I'll always remember the morning I spent with my friend, the BEAR. If only you could've been there...

Hunting these black bears should be crime.

Enjoy your first real week of summer!

Dan

Long time, No blog... pt IV

2008-05-21T15:47:00.011-05:00

So I've been rather busy these days. My sincere apologies for the noticeable lack of blogging. Migration has that affect on me. I promise to get back to my regular pace... just as soon as all of the birds are done moving North. It's just that lately, there has been much to do around the house. Keeping up the nest is hard work!In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these few photographs. Don't get me wrong, the family and I (dog included) have been having a BALL this spring.It's just... well, I simply don't have too much to CHAT about today.I can tell you this for certain... love has DEFINITELY been in the air (and on the ground, and in the water, and in the trees, and...) lately.Enjoy your May migration!

-Dan

Letter to My Wife Emery, Told in Birdspeak

2008-05-05T18:31:00.010-05:00

Lover, out of ALL the chicks in ALL of the flocks in this great big world of ours, how lucky was I to have found you? VERY lucky indeed.I know that sometimes you like to do your thing. And, me? I like to do mine. But I'm so happy that we live in the same pond so we can share all of our wonderful experiences with each other.And, yes... far too often I go on and on about birds, or music, or Declan, or about keeping the house neat, or about the dogs, or about... well, you know what I mean.I'd bet that my all-day-birding trips make you pretty BITTERN sometimes too.It probably makes your head turn knowing that I want to go out yet AGAIN this coming weekend and do it all over again. It can be hard to SWALLOW sometimes, I know.Hey... wait. Don't perch so far away lover! I know that you and I are doing this balancing act, but trust me... I'm getting to the good part.I know that sometimes we don't always see things the same way...But Emery... ever since we BANDED together...And started our very own family...I would fly with you ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!I LOVE YOU EMERY. Thanks for letting me get my bird-fix this year.

Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Dan

Happy May 1st

2008-05-01T08:27:00.009-05:00

From 6AM to 8AM this morning, my friend Andy Sprenger and I birded two locations in Annapolis.Of note were two AMERICAN REDSTARTS, a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Year Bird #200) and a BLUE GROSBEAK (Year Bird #201) calling off of Forest Drive near Spa Road and four SOLITARY SANDPIPERS around a fresh lake in a field. The best bird of the morning: a beautiful, singing HOODED WARBLER behind the tennis courts at Truxton Park. It popped up several times in the morning sun for a superb show.
Andy had to get to work roasting the beans at Caffe Pronto, and I've got to get back to work too. ENJOY YOUR MAY 1ST!

Have a good morning,

Dan Haas

A Cuckoo Afternoon.

2008-04-30T19:42:00.015-05:00

I'm at 199 species for the year. It's very exciting to speculate... to wonder what bird might be # 200. ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, WHITE-WINGED TERN, or perhaps some variety of WARBLER?

Meantime, enjoy these latest to pose for my camera: YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, INDIGO BUNTING & a PRAIRIE WARBLER.
Yes, the YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO has occasionally been known to lay it's eggs in other bird's nests. That gesture isn't very nice, to be sure. But on the bright side, CUCKOOS eat lots of caterpillars. I don't know if you've noticed yet, but this year looks like it's going to be a very bad one for bag worm caterpillars. So... eat up CUCKOO! And if you must, I hope that you lay your CUCKOO eggs in either a EUROPEAN STARLING or a HOUSE SPARROW nest.The INDIGO BUNTING is known to have regional dialects. Basically, when this bird sings, it has a bit of an accent. There is a good chance that the one shown here prolly has a Balmer accent hon.The PRAIRIE WARBLER has a whispy song that increases in speed and pitch. Sadly, this bird is declining in numbers throughout North America. PRAIRIE WARBLERS like shrubby habitat. America is either becoming strip malls, housing developments, farm land or forests. Far too infrequently, grassy fields and shrubby habitat is not thought of as valuable or important.Take Care and plant some shrubs.

Dan

Peregrine Falcon Aerial Acrobatics

2008-04-29T19:27:00.014-05:00

I noticed two exceptionally sleek, thoroughly speedy raptors darting about in the skies above the Greenbury Point this afternoon.At first, I saw only one PEREGRINE FALCON. Or, should I say that IT saw ME?It appeared as if this particular falcon was in the middle of a hunt. Soon, I saw the larger female PEREGRINE join in the fun.These two PEREGRINE FALCONS were streaking across Annapolis' mostly-sunny skies much to my delight.I was hoping to see one or both perform an extended stoop, one of their famous hunting techniques. Instead they performed loads of acrobatics, complete with speedy dives and tight banks. Alas, there were no lead balloon-like plummets for prey while I was observing. Love (not lunch) was in the air.That (above) is a NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW.
This bright fellow below? That'd be a BALTIMORE ORIOLE.The last time I saw one of these BALMER ORYULS so close, I was in the town of Arenal in Costa Rica. As soon as Declan and Emery would like... we will return!Good Birding,

Dan

Reminders

2008-04-27T19:08:00.024-05:00

It was a ROYAL day that I won't soon forget.

TODAY I saw and heard my first CERULEAN WARBLER, one of America's most threatened birds.

Whenever work gets too stressful or whenever I make some big old mistake that needs fixing, I will simply think back to this morning and recall the excitement of seeing this wonderful blue warbler for the first time.

TODAY I saw my first BROAD-WINGED HAWK of the year.

Whenever I am playing a gig and a request to sing an awful song is made by a patron who has had too much to drink, I will think back to this fine overcast morning and find happiness in the memory of seeing this stunning migrant raptor so close.TODAY I went looking for CLIFF SWALLOWS in the skies of Carroll County. Finally finding two of them foraging overhead with some CHIMNEY SWIFTS gave me the internal thrill and satisfaction that goes along with adding one more species of bird to my life list.

TODAY I saw a VEERY. It was very, very nice and it filled me with delight knowing that so many wonderful things share this world with my family and I.TODAY I heard my son DECLAN 'coo' and 'ahh' and 'ayeeeah'. There is nothing in the world that could fill me with love and wonderment and hope and joy more than my son and his mother, my most-amazing wife Emery. Nothing...

When some future TODAY offers up life's inevitable ups and downs, I will be able to look back to a day like TODAY and find the happiness I need to get me through the rough spots.
Have a wonderful week.

Dan

Black-necked Stilt at North Beach Marsh

2008-04-25T13:03:00.018-05:00

Special thanks go out to James Tyler Bell for discovering the STILTS and to Jim Stasz for reporting them on MDOSPREY.

IN FLIGHT / STANDING

Have a great weekend.
-Dan

Barred Owl Photo Shoot

2008-04-24T21:34:00.020-05:00

While hiking through the Patuxent River Park off of Governor's Bridge Road in P.G. County I kept hearing BARRED OWLS hooting down by the river. After some exploring, I found a trail that led down to the banks of the Patuxent. That is where the OWL made it's presence more visible. But first, this frog. What species is it?Anyone have the answer, hmmm? WHO WHO WHO knows about this frog? I could look it up, but I will instead await word from you... the frog expert. One thing I do know is that my lovely wife Emery 'cooked for me' tonight! Oh, it's just a bad BARRED OWL joke. Get it? I'll move on.If you ask me, in this next photo... well, it looks as if this BARRED OWL was up all night.This BARRED OWL was quite cooperative and up until the time that we were aware of each other's presence, this nocturnal predator was quite noisy.

Here are a few other birds that were seen this afternoon. There were several BLUE GREY GNATCATCHERS, WHITE-EYED VIREOS and NORTHERN PARULAS. However, two year birds (an ORCHARD ORIOLE and a PRAIRIE WARBLER) didn't pose long enough for a worthy photograph!As the weekend approaches, the migration season continues. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and if you see a great bird... let me know.

Okay, fine... here is the ORCHARD ORIOLE. It was 7:30PM when I got this photo. I wasn't expecting much and I hope you weren't either.

-Dan

THE WEEKEND UPDATE

2008-04-22T20:07:00.014-05:00

This adult male NORTHERN HARRIER flew over the many who attended this Saturday morning's WALK FOR THE WOODS presented by the SCENIC RIVERS LAND TRUST. Walkers, birders and naturalists alike thoroughly enjoyed this rare visit to the Bacon Ridge Branch in Crownsville, MD. As for this HARRIER, it was one of two adult males making their way North for the summer. Other fun birds seen and heard on Saturday were: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, HOODED WARBLER, BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA. I almost forgot... swimming in one of the containment ponds was a hybrid CANADA GOOSE x GREYLAG GOOSE.On Sunday afternoon I spent the afternoon on the Eastern Shore looking for a RUFF. My good friend Andy his fine young son James joined me for a trip to a marsh just East of Easton, Maryland. James actually spotted the WILSON'S SNIPE in the photo below! Here are some visuals from our brief visit.Early this morning I dropped by Schoolhouse Pond and got to see two life birds in five minutes! Wouldn't you know it... I left my camera at home on the shelf.

Not only did a brilliantly-colored PROTHONOTARY WARBLER sing and flit all around me as I walked the boardwalk, a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH sang and briefly showed itself as well. It was a magnificent morning. As I was leaving a WHITE-EYED VIREO perched mere feet from me to cap off my visit. As of today, I am up to 180 avian species in the state of Maryland in 2008. I'm really loving this migration season. I hope your day was wonderful too.

Good Birding,

Dan