Nervous Birds

2011

2011-12-30T16:23:00.002-05:00

JANUARY1. Peregrine Falcon2. Tundra Swan3. Gadwall4. Mallard5. Greater Scaup6. Lesser Scaup7. Long-tailed Duck8. Bufflehead9. Hooded Merganser10. Ruddy Duck11. Canvasback12. Surf Scoter13. Red-breasted Merganser 14. Double-crested Cormorant,15. Red-shouldered Hawk16. Ring-billed Gull17. Herring Gull18. Great Black-backed Gull19. American Crow20. Canada Goose21. American Black Duck22. Black Vulture23. Turkey Vulture24. Red-tailed Hawk25. Rock Pigeon26. Mourning Dove27. Belted Kingfisher28. Red-bellied Woodpecker29. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker30. Downy Woodpecker31. Hairy Woodpecker32. Northern Flicker33. Pileated Woodpecker34. Blue Jay35. Fish Crow36. Carolina Chickadee37. Tufted Titmouse38. Red-breasted Nuthatch39. White-breasted Nuthatch40. Carolina Wren41. Winter Wren42. Eastern Bluebird43. American Robin44. Northern Mockingbird45. European Starling46. Cedar Waxwing47. Eastern Towhee48. Field Sparrow49. Fox Sparrow50. Song Sparrow51. Swamp Sparrow52. White-throated Sparrow53. Dark-eyed Junco54. Northern Cardinal55. Red-winged Blackbird56. Common Grackle57. Brown-headed Cowbird58. House Finch59. Pine Siskin60. American Goldfinch61. House Sparrow62. Bald Eagle63. Sharp-shinned Hawk64. Loggerhead Shrike65. American Kestrel66. White-crowned Sparrow67. Golden-crowned Sparrow68. Purple Finch69. Northern Shrike70. Hermit Thrush71. American Wigeon72. Common Goldeneye73. American Coot74. Clay-colored Sparrow75. Great Blue Heron76. Yellow-rumped Warbler77. Merlin78. Brant79. Common Eider80. Black Scoter81. Red-throated Loon82. Common Loon83. Ruddy Turnstone84. Red Knot85. Sanderling86. Purple Sandpiper87. Bonaparte's Gull88. Dovekie89. Iceland Gull90. Lesser Black-backed Gull91. American Tree Sparrow92. Killdeer93. Wood Duck94. Great Cormorant95. Harlequin Duck96. White-winged Dove97. Chipping Sparrow98. Ross's Goose99. Ring-necked Duck100. Northern Pintail101. Redhead102. White-winged Scoter103. Cackling Goose104. Rufous Hummingbird105. Snow Goose106. Green-winged Teal107. Virginia Rail108. Nelson's Sparrow109. Greater Yellowlegs110. American Oystercatcher111. Cooper's Hawk112. Common Merganser113. Snow Bunting114. Glaucous Gull115. Wild Turkey116. Orange-crowned Warbler117. Black-capped Chickadee118. Barred Owl119. Long-eared Owl120. Northern Saw-whet Owl121. Northern Harrier122. Short-eared Owl123. Savannah Sparrow124. American Pipit125. Eastern Screech-Owl126. Horned Lark127. Lapland Longspur128. Rusty Blackbird129. Eastern Meadowlark130. Great Horned Owl131. Brown-headed Nuthatch132. Golden-crowned Kinglet133. Gray Catbird134. Northern Shoveler

FEBRUARY135. King Rail136. Long-billed Dowitcher137. Tree Swallow138. Marsh Wren139. Greater White-fronted Goose140. Black-headed Gull141. Blue-winged Teal142. Mute Swan143. Eurasian Wigeon144. Red-headed Woodpecker145. Eastern Phoebe146. Horned Grebe147. American Woodcock148. Osprey

MARCH149. Common Redpoll150. Pied-billed Grebe151. Red-necked Grebe152. Laughing Gull153. Wilson's Snipe154. Little Gull155. Pine Warbler156. Northern Gannet157. Razorbill158. Sooty Shearwater159. Black-bellied Plover160. Piping Plover161. Dunlin162. Boat-tailed Grackle163. Northern Rough-winged Swallow164. Common Raven165. Purple Martin166. Lesser Yellowlegs167. Forster's Tern168. Barn Swallow169. Great Egret170. Brown Creeper171. Brown Thrasher172. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron173. Pectoral Sandpiper174. Caspian Tern175. Black-crowned Night-Heron

APRIL176. Royal Tern177. Snowy Egret178. Cattle Egret179. Ruby-crowned Kinglet180. Palm Warbler181. Louisiana Waterthrush182. Little Blue Heron183. Glossy Ibis184. Broad-winged Hawk185. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher186. Yellow-throated Warbler187. Black-and-white Warbler188. American Redstart189. Common Yellowthroat190. Northern Parula191. American Bittern192. Clapper Rail193. Black-necked Stilt194. Willet195. Chuck-will's-widow196. Seaside Sparrow197. White-eyed Vireo198. Solitary Sandpiper199. Ovenbird200. Prothonotary Warbler201. Green Heron202. Vesper Sparrow203. Bank Swallow204. Brown Pelican205. Eared Grebe206. Sora207. Eastern Kingbird208. Chimney Swift209. Blue-headed Vireo210. Hooded Warbler211. House Wren212. Spotted Sandpiper213. Ruby-throated Hummingbird214. Veery215. Wood Thrush216. Prairie Warbler217. Great Crested Flycatcher218. Least Bittern219. Yellow Warbler220. Yellow-throated Vireo221. Least Sandpiper222. Red-eyed Vireo223. Black-throated Blue Warbler224. Black-throated Green Warbler225. Swallow-tailed Kite226. Northern Waterthrush227. Blue-winged Warbler228. Nashville Warbler229. Least Tern230. Blue Grosbeak231. Eastern Whip-poor-will232. Indigo Bunting233. Scarlet Tanager234. Rose-breasted Grosbeak235. Acadian Flycatcher236. Orchard Oriole237. Grasshopper Sparrow238. Worm-eating Warbler239. Cliff Swallow240. Warbling Vireo241. Baltimore Oriole242. Bobolink

MAY243. Blackpoll Warbler244. Semipalmated Plover245. Tennessee Warbler246. Purple Gallinule247. Common Gallinule248. Yellow-billed Cuckoo249. Magnolia Warbler250. Blackburnian Warbler251. Kentucky Warbler252. Cape May Warbler253. Canada Warbler254. Yellow-breasted Chat255. Semipalmated Sandpiper256. Chestnut-sided Warbler257. Common Nighthawk258. Northern Bobwhite259. Dickcissel260. White-rumped Sandpiper261. Eastern Wood-Pewee262. Summer Tanager263. Swainson's Thrush264. Common Tern265. Short-billed Dowitcher266. Saltmarsh Sparrow267. Wilson's Warbler268. Willow Flycatcher269. Bay-breasted Warbler270. Black Skimmer271. Long-billed Curlew272. Tricolored Heron273. Ruffed Grouse274. Black-billed Cuckoo275. Least Flycatcher276. Henslow's Sparrow277. Cerulean Warbler278. Golden-winged Warbler

JUNE279. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck280. Monk Parakeet281. Black Rail282. Wilson's Storm-Petrel283. Roseate Tern

JULY284. Mississippi Kite285. Western Sandpiper286. Stilt Sandpiper287. White Ibis288. American Avocet289. Black Tern

AUGUST290. Upland Sandpiper291. Gull-billed Tern292. Sandwich Tern293. Baird's Sandpiper294. Cory's Shearwater295. Great Shearwater296. Audubon's Shearwater297. Leach's Storm-Petrel298. Pomarine Jaeger299. Marbled Godwit300. Mourning Warbler

SEPTEMBER301. Buff-breasted Sandpiper302. Olive-sided Flycatcher303. Lark Sparrow304. American Golden-Plover305. Wilson's Phalarope306. Red-necked Phalarope307. Hudsonian Godwit308. Alder Flycatcher309. Gray-cheeked Thrush310. Connecticut Warbler311. Philadelphia Vireo312. Townsend's Warbler313. Ring-necked Pheasant

OCTOBER314. Lincoln's Sparrow315. Green Violetear316. Red Crossbill

NOVEMBER317. Calliope Hummingbird

DECEMBER318. American White Pelican319. Rough-legged Hawk320. Golden Eagle321. Black-headed Grosbeak322. Barrow's Goldeneye323. Sedge Wren324. Western Kingbird325. Pied Crow326. Franklin's Gull

It has been a very, very good year. Hard to imagine what this list would look like if I would have motivated myself to chase the Wood Stork, the Allen's Hummingbird, the Cave Swallow, or if I would have gone on that late Fall pelagic. Wow! But all in all, I am amazed and pleased and excited to focus on other things in 2012. And yes now.... rest!

Still here!

2011-10-11T10:43:00.002-05:00

It's October 11th, and I have one lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD enjoying my plants and feeder.

Do you still have a hummingbird?

Better question: do you still have your feeders out, cleaned and full? If not, why not?

You could get a rare Western vagrant any day now. Me... I'm keeping my feeders out until 2012! Dare to dream big!Good Birding All, -Dan

Tell me why this is not a Curlew Sandpiper?

2011-09-06T21:43:00.001-05:00

Observation date: August 19th, 2011. Anne Arundel County, MD.

Click on any photo to enlarge it. These were taken using a iPhone 4 pressed up against my scope one afternoon in August at Swan Creek Dredged Materials Facility in Northern Anne Arundel County, MD.

Urban Kestrels

2011-06-20T19:43:00.003-05:00

This morning, while helping with a furniture installation in Hamden at Hamden Elementary School, I stepped outside to make a phone call. While I was on the phone, a vibrant and vocal male AMERICAN KESTREL streaked past in the skies, eventually perching in a tree on the next block.It would seem that I find more Kestrels in Baltimore City in the summer months than I do (in what one would think is a more appropriate habitat) on the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland!So, I propose this: go bird Baltimore sometime soon. There are only a handful of parks and cemeteries, but I've found Kestrels in the middle of neighborhoods where there is little to no parkland (wild areas).Since I have to be in the city for work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, I think I'll keep my eyes and ears peeled for urban falcons. And of course, I'll eBird the results!

Good Birding,

Dan

The New Yard

2011-03-05T18:57:00.007-05:00

I've been really, really busy lately. It doesn't look like it'll let up anytime soon. But at least I've got my new hoe to enjoy. And the birds...I've gotten my yard list quickly into the mid-40's. Okay, so I've decided to count my community as my yard. This includes all three community docks. Today I discovered Pier 2. Oh, I love Pier 2. It has a fantastic view (okay, it's a view) of the open Chesapeake Bay! My yard list can go amazing places now! Today I added HORNED GREBE (2) and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (2 drakes, 3 hens) to my list. I am sure that a RED-NECKED GREBE is just lurking out there now!I hope you are enjoying these last few days of winter. Migration is on. Much like the Haas family, Maryland's wintering geese and waterfowl have been busy making plans for moves of their own. As a matter of fact, Friday and today seem to be THE day that huge numbers have decided to get going North. And today, an OSPREY, my THIRD?! of the year in the county, flew over my home. Something IS up around here. Like our local PEREGRINE FALCONS (above photo). That is the female swirling around in the skies above Annapolis, gaining altitude and venturing off to get some lunch with her tiercel friend!

Hear that??? That is the sounds of birds singing to impress. Spring is coming. Migration is on. But now? Now I've got to go out and sing myself... at a tavern... somewhere over there on the mainland.

To usher out the cold winter weather, long nights and short days, I happy leave you with this (below) ICELAND GULL (and some nifty added effects).Be good,

Dan

It is almost that time...

2011-02-03T17:16:00.006-05:00

Despite the intense winter storms hitting the United States in recent days, love is in the air. At the very least, several species are seriously involved in procreation.The BALD EAGLES of Blackwater NWR have laid three eggs already... the earliest on record for this pair!GREAT HORNED OWLS have begun hooting it up, laying eggs and nesting as well.Perhaps you've heard these giant beasts hooting around your home early in the morning, or at night?And pretty soon, my dear friend (the local PEREGRINE FALCONS) will begin their yearly ritual. I only hope and pray that they actually FIND the nest box this year. It may get relocated within the next few weeks to better the chances of breeding success. (Wow, that will be a COOOOLD job).But, I look forward to those cool 70 degree mornings when the young falcons attempt their first flights. Hopefully, there will be no need to go back to my old job as a pool lifeguard. ; )And thought I know it is a BIT early (these owls, eagles and falcons have me inspired), I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day.

-Dan

Four out of Six...

2011-01-23T22:16:00.005-05:00

In most years in Maryland, with some hard work, one can observe six species of owl within our state's borders: NORTHERN SAW WHET, EASTERN SCREECH, BARRED, SHORT-EARED, LONG-EARED and GREAT HORNED OWLS. Today, I missed out on Eastern Screech and Great Horned... and they can usually be heard near my home. Argh!!!But forget about all that... it was an AMAZING day of birding. And what's more, it didn't start until after 2pm! Nice.I found this Northern Saw-whet Owl while searching for the Long-eared Owl. Talk about a great consolation prize! On the way out (of this undisclosed location) a Barred Owl flushed from right in front of me. Three prizes in ONE stop!I closed out the evening at Blue Mash Nature Trail near Olney Maryland in Montgomery County, as two Short-eared Owls hunted on the horizon, soon after two Northern Harriers went off to sleep.But if you think I'm just lucky, please note: I missed the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE that everyone has been seeing lately in Howard County. You win some (many) and you loose some (far too many to count), but being outdoors (in most cases, birding) is always an adventure. At least it gives me something to yell about...-Dan

Post-flu Car Birding

2011-01-22T17:47:00.013-05:00

I'm getting over Round 5 of the 2010-2011 Winter of Nasty Colds. I'm sick of being sick... really. After three days of home-bound fever aches, I had to get out and see what was stirring in the 7 degree air. Brrr. I could've caught a cold if I wasn't careful. Who am I kidding? I've welcomed into my life every strain of virus known to planet earth lately.So here is a quick update. My back yard feeders have been empty of birds. Why you ask? This SHARP-SHINNED HAWK spends nearly every day perched in my backyard, awaiting his next meal.On the plus side, my seed has lasted a very long time! No House Sparrows anywhere. The down side? I was worried about my white-headed WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. I figure that bright head might be like a bullseye for an accipiter. Alas, look who showed up late this afternoon (when there was no sign of the hawk!). Smart sparrow. I'll keep an eye out for him.Anyway, back to the mini-trip. I ventured to Bay Ridge where I was able to literally open my car door and snap a few photos of a BONAPARTE'S GULL. There were two present at the point during my brief visit.From Bay Ridge, I made my way North to Sandy Point State Park, picking up some breakfast along the way. One sad discovery I made was this male CANVASBACK. It had a broken wing, likely the result of an unsuccessful shot from a hunter.I got in contact with the local wildlife rescue, but as of 5pm, the bird was not relocated. Don't get me wrong, hunters as a group do more than most any other outfit, to help these waterfowl. By helping to protect habitat, hunters actually help these ducks maintain healthy populations. But please don't get me started on fishermen and their old line (I know, sometimes line breaks)... I found three dead ducks today as well: a RUDDY and two SCAUP, all with fishing line attached to their beaks. Seriously? Snapped fishing line to the mouth must be a really awful way to die.

If you'd like to do something really simple that will help these birds, just BUY A DUCK STAMP!But I'll finish this post on a high note; with the continuing ICELAND GULL at the Northeastern-most tip of Sandy Point State Park.What a beautiful gull.

Good Birding,
Dan

Life is Hard

2011-01-17T20:16:00.011-05:00

Standing on the rocks at Jonas Green Park in Annapolis, this Cooper's Hawk looked majestic and fierce.The bird was on the hunt, and quickly decided a better vantage point was in order. So it flew to the top of the old Severn River Bridge.Prey spotted, it took off like only an accipter can... much like a bolt of lightening.Since I was beneath the old roadway, I had to run up the hill back to the bridge to see where this raptor went. No worries, a FISH CROW alerted me to the hawk's exact location.What happened next was a blur. The hawk, in between the time when I photographed it on the bridge and when I ran up to the top of the hill, had snagged it's prey item. Dinner was served. Try to guess...Watch your back!

-Dan

Snow Goose, Snow Goose, Snow Goose

2011-01-13T20:31:00.005-05:00

I had a morning appointment in Snow Hill, MD. Just outside of town, there is a field that is regularly littered with hundreds upon hundreds of SNOW GOOSE. I was able to nab two birds with tags, which I will report.That one tag feels like my belt after Thanksgiving dinner. Someone put that one on a bit tight, no?Anyway, I was particularly interested in this one odd goose. I checked my guides, and searched the internet... but there are very few images or descriptions of a BLUE SNOW GOOSE with this eye ring. Thankfully, Bob Ringler and Frank Marenghi respond to my query about this goose. It does occur occasionally and is nothing too unexpected.The only image I could find online was of a flat painted snow goose decoy with a white eye ring!And yes, my meetings went great! Thanks for asking...
-Dan

Embarrassing, But Worthy of a Post...

2011-01-11T20:33:00.024-05:00

Snow started falling late this afternoon, but only in very brief spurts. So before I went back home to my office, I decided to stop off and scope the river. Bad weather almost always equals good birds. It also means terrible photos, but these things can be edited later.So I took a look at this GREATER SCAUP and it's friend. I thought... look at that eye ring. Hmm. And the slope on the head. Interesting. It's not a GREATER or LESSER SCAUP, and it is certainly is not a RING-NECKED DUCK. I decided to blow out the exposure on the photo. Well, now I am left wondering what this bird could possibly be...I'm looking at all sorts of field marks, and for whatever reason, I never once consider the obvious. So what do I do? I email a friend and highly-respected birder and ask for his opinion. A REDHEAD, he (probably while holding back some laughter) replies. Sure enough, turn the page in nearly any field guide to REDHEAD and it's this bird. Oh damn, I thought to myself. Now how will anyone believe me the next time I find a rare bird?Excuses? Sure, I could make a million. First off, let me just say that (from now on) REDHEADS should only be male. ;) Wait, no... my mind was distracted with furniture quotes for my schools. Uhm, how about... our home is getting an offer put on it any minute? I was tired? What if I said that it was snowing and that made it kind of dark outside? No, seriously, look...Well I'm here to tell you that I have got no good excuses, only the thought that I need to slow down, think clearly and be absolutely thorough. These are three steps that I'll continually work on while birding, and in all aspects of my life. Identifying birds, for me, is a welcome challenge.But please... don't even get me started on THIS goose.-Dan

A Wild Goose Chase and a White-winged Dove

2011-01-10T17:32:00.012-05:00

Check out this partially-albino Canada Goose.
Wait a second... something is not right about this bird. Let's see if I got another shot. Oh yes, here...a first-ever record for a ROSS' GOOSE in Harford County, MD. This bird breeds in the Arctic, but typically spends it's winter in California.That said, this species is being observed more and more on the East Coast.But here, enjoy some extremely awful photographs of a recently-discovered mega-rarity for Maryland; a WHITE-WINGED DOVE.According the Cornell's BIRDS of NORTH AMERICA ONLINE, "this large, semitropical dove ranges from the southernmost U.S. and Mexico (where it is partially migratory) south through Central America and much of the West Indies." Here, check out the range map (Courtesy of BNA Online) to see how rare a bird this is in Maryland.I suppose as the birds in Maryland get better and better, my photography just gets worse and worse.Eh well, I'm still quite happy...

-Dan

Harley in Baltimore AND Anne Arundel

2011-01-09T20:24:00.016-05:00

This morning, the third ever recorded HARLEQUIN DUCK was discovered by Keith Costley at Fort Armistead Park, which is situated at the Southern end of the Key Bridge (Sunday, January 9th, 2011).For a bird that prefers rocky coastline and fast surf, the weather and the habitat certainly suited this sharp-dressed duck.Makes me wonder just how many might be around in the bay, as they typically are found down at the ocean.If you are enjoying the shores along the our mighty bay this month, do keep your eyes peeled for this magnificent duck.Considering that more than half of eastern North American population of Harlequin Ducks winter in coastal Maine, anytime one gets found in Maryland, it's exciting and worth documenting!The fort was named after Major George Armistead. And for all of you history buffs out there, George was the commander of Fort McHenry during the British bombardment in the War of 1812.The fort was abandoned in 1923, but was eventually claimed by the City of Baltimore in 1928.The property was used as a Navy ammunition dump during World War II and returned to the City in 1947.It has been run down in recent years, and the scene of many a crime. But today this historic park at the foot of the Key Bridge played host to a most beautiful bird.To the best of everyone's knowledge, the duck paddled over the county line a few times, making it a 'tick' for both Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties... for those of you keeping score. ; )ABOVE: Baltimore County.BELOW: Anne Arundel.Best,
Dan

Iceland Gulls on Both Sides of the Bay Bridge

2011-01-09T02:30:00.009-05:00

Saturday morning I made a trip out to the site of the old Hemingway's Restaurant to see if a recently-reported ICELAND GULL was still mixed in with the rather sizable flock hanging out on the East side of the Bay Bridge. Lucky for me, it was...The bird was a ways out in the water, but a great bird never the less.

Later in the day, I decided to check out Sandy Point State Park to see if that bird (or another) was on the Anne Arundel County side of the Bay. Again, as luck would have it, no sooner did I set up my scope did I find an ICELAND GULL bobbing out from the main point.It was kind enough to land very near the shore, as well as fly around the point a few times. I couldn't stay long, but I certainly enjoy my visit.From Cornell's website, ALL ABOUT BIRDS, they have this to say about ICELAND GULLS: "A pale gull of the north Atlantic, the Iceland Gull breeds in the high Arctic and winters south of the Maritime Provinces only in small numbers. The American race known as "Kumlien's Gull" is one of the most variable of all gulls in plumage characters, and no two seem to have the same amount of dark on the wingtips."
Good Birding,

Dan

A Roadside MERLIN Story

2011-01-06T20:26:00.012-05:00

Driving down a fairly busy road in coastal Maryland this afternoon, I spied a MERLIN perched on top of a telephone pole. Truth be told, I've seen a few MERLINS on these poles before, so every time I drive past this spot I make it a point to check. As luck would have it, today there was one of these amazing falcons sitting comfortably on one.I quickly pulled far off the side of the road, cut the engine, hit my flashers and grabbed my camera. The MERLIN watched me for a bit, while I enjoyed watching and photographing it. The bird stood very still for a time, so I thought I'd squeak 'hello' and have the bird switch position to get into better light. And then...The MERLIN leaped off it's telephone pole and took to the skies.I thought for a second that it was coming directly at me, as if it had plans to fly into my car.Maybe it didn't like my squeaky noise?Aghhhhhhh! It's going to land in my car... alas, no. It flew over the Volvo and behind me. I could not tell where it went. "That was a fun moment," I thought. And then...This small falcon immediately returned to it's perch.And it would appear that it brought lunch... as best I can tell, a DARK-EYED JUNCO.It wrestled with it's prey for a short while and then began to dine.Experts say that mid-to-late afternoon is the MERLIN'S witching hour. That is the time when this species really likes to do it's hunting. From my experiences, this bird is HIGHLY successful at hunting smaller birds.After a minute or so, I decided to leave this falcon to dine in peace. Poor Junco.Best,

Dan

And Your Bird Can Sing!

2011-01-03T19:49:00.008-05:00

You tell me that you've got everything you wantAnd your bird can sing
But you don't get me, you don't get meYou say you've seen seven wonders
And your bird is greenBut you can't see me, you can't see meWhen your prized possessions start to weigh you down
Look in my direction, I'll be round, I'll be roundWhen your bird is broken will it bring you down
You may be awoken, I'll be round, I'll be roundYou tell me that you've heard every sound there is
And your bird can swingBut you can't hear me, you can't hear me

I could not have said it better myself. Thank you John, Paul, George and Ringo. And Happy New Year everyone!
-Dan

Anyone like to chime in on this gull?

2011-01-01T16:24:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, I know... I should be more careful in the field when birding. This photo was taken today from my car at Bay Ridge. It is a private community and they really don't care for folks parking their cars and birding, fishing, visiting their beach, etc. But I go anyway because the ducks and gulls are great here. It's a risk I take...

And I visited this spot today, January 1st, 2011, to see what might be lurking about on the point.One bird caught my eye and I quickly snagged a few photos. Unfortunately, I lost the gull when I had to move my car. I suspect it is a HERRING GULL, but a few things about this bird grabbed my attention:The bird's head is really a nice, pure white. It appeared smaller and more rounded than most Herring Gulls. I thought most Herring Gulls start in on their breeding plumage around February. I could be wrong on that, and this could be a very normal plumage for this time of year. Most of the Herring Gulls had dirty heads. ; )Sadly, I did not get a look at this bird in flight, nor was able to snap a true profile photo that shows the bird's primary feathers. I think the bird, based on size, overall shape and bill is a Herring, but it never hurts to ask, right?I welcome your thoughts on this New Year's Day. Enjoy 2011!

-Dan

2011 is Fast Approaching

2010-12-28T14:39:00.008-05:00

But that doesn't mean there are still a few good birding days left. Sure, I could camp out at the OC Inlet to try for a few alcids, or I could drive hours and hours out West only to get snubbed by the elusive (I'm not sure if they really even exist) Ruffed Grouse!Well, no... I'm saving on gas. This morning Warren Strobel, one-half of THE BIRDCOUPLE, joined me for a chilly search through gulls and ducks at Sandy Point State Park, and later through passerine flocks in the North Tract of the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge.Thursday I'll be doing the Bowie Christmas Bird Count and Friday... well, who knows?? Maybe I'll chase one last year bird. I hope you had as wonderful a year as I did. May 2011 be even better!Much like this Red-breasted Nuthatch, you'd better get some shut eye before the big partying starts on December 31st!

Best,

Dan

Declan and the Northern Wheatear

2010-12-23T14:16:00.019-05:00

Declan and I went to Wilmington to see a bird. The bird was a NORTHERN WHEATEAR. They breed in Northern Canada, Greenland and Alaska. They winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Go ahead... check out a map and you will better understand why it is so impressive to have one of these birds land in our region.This bird was the 2nd sighting EVER recorded in the great state of Delaware. The first sighting was by Maryland birder Sam Dyke near the Indian River Inlet on September 21st, 1957.According to Cornell's 'The Birds of North America', "This may be the only regularly breeding passerine bird of North America that migrates to wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa, crossing either the Atlantic Ocean or the continent of Eurasia."Birders all over the region are delighted that this one stopped in Wilmington, Delaware. Lucky us, although next time, I'd prefer this bird land in our state. This NORTHERN WHEATEAR was my 100th bird in that flat state just to the East of Maryland, and it was a lifer for both Declan and me.Finally, this falcon (the photos above and below) is far more likely to be observed in our neck of the woods... an AMERICAN KESTREL.Here is Declan, thrilled to have seen such a wonderful wayward migrant, as well as three speeding Acela trains.Merry Christmas!

Dan

Maryland Birding Community Wins GOLD!

2010-12-20T16:37:00.016-05:00

A winter hummingbird in Silver Spring! An EARED GREBE in Gaithersburg! A GYRFALCON flew past a hawk watch in PA (headed to Maryland perhaps?). An ICELAND GULL and probable CALIFORNIA GULL at Schoolhouse Pond! WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and EVENING GROSBEAKS are showing up around the coastal plain.Recently, there was a THAYER'S GULL and an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER spending their time down at the ocean. A PAINTED BUNTING stopped by a feeder in Calvert County. What's more, SHORT-EARED OWLS and AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS are being reported in various locations in our region. It's getting hard to concentrate.A GLAUCOUS GULL was keeping company with two ICELAND GULLS this weekend at Northeast Community Park in Cecil County! What could possibly top these sightings? I have an idea, but...Yesterday, a truly incredible bird showed up in Kent County. Was it a winter BLUE GROSBEAK? That's wild to think that a bird that should be in Central America is still here... but nope, that's not the bird. A lingering LINCOLN'S SPARROW? Awesome too, but nope. A SHORT-EARED OWL and a BARN OWL enjoying an overgrown field? Fun? Yes, but that's not the bird I'm referencing. How about a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK perched on a farm? Just superb. Nah... not the jaw-dropper.Oh, but that's not the real star of the show. Nope, that honor goes to this GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. A State-record means that I don't have to explain just how rare and amazing it is to have this bird in Maryland.Discovered by Bruce Peterjohn, this bird was relocated and photographed by several of us. If you get the chance, make plans to go to Chesapeake Farms, just North of Rock Hall in Kent County, MD. But DON'T GET OUT OF YOUR CAR. It's frowned upon by those who own the property.In the meantime, enjoy this photo of a NORTHERN HARRIER departing. Think of it as inspiration as you plan your birding adventure to Kent County, Maryland!Merry Christmas Maryland Birds and those who chase, feed or enjoy them!

-Dan

Sandhill Crane and Black-headed Gull

2010-12-11T19:04:00.008-05:00

Here are a few photos of the SANDHILL CRANE that has been present the past few weeks in Northern Carroll County, MD. I observed this massive creature on Friday just as the snow began to fall.Also included here are some photos of the recently discovered BLACK-HEADED GULL in Baltimore County at a place called Paper Mill Flats. After getting a few text messages about the birds rediscovery, I packed the family into the car and drove to Hunt Valley to observe this RARE gull late Saturday afternoon.How happy was I that the bird stayed after it was rediscovered by JIim Stasz, Bill Hubick and Tom Field? Very. The area where the bird was found (by Jon Corcoran) is actually the Northern-most portion of the Loch Raven Reservoir, which is what quenches Baltimore City's thirst for H2O.Happy Holidays!

-Dan

Purple Sandpipers at the Point

2010-12-04T14:47:00.005-05:00

I was happy to see these two shorebirds come flying in off the Thomas Point Lighthouse rocks this afternoon. This pair of PURPLE SANDPIPERS made two loops, but decided to head South down the bay instead of visiting the rocks that line the Thomas Point Park.The LONG-TAILED DUCKS were out on the bay in decent numbers. Check out the tails on these two birds. There was also a hot little REDHEAD, but she was too far away to get any photos. ; )So instead, I'll leave you with a flock of BUFFLEHEADS in flight.Best,
Dan

Ring-necked Pheasant

2010-12-03T16:01:00.003-05:00

Did you know that a family of RING-NECKED PHEASANTS live in Southwest Area Park in Baltimore City? It's nice to know that wildlife can still thrive, even in an urban setting like Baltimore hon.-Dan

I Saw What?

2010-11-30T21:14:00.006-05:00

A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL peers down from it's day time roost. Over the past few weeks, these impressive little owls have been migrating through our region. They're mighty tricky to locate, but quite docile once found. For the record, I did not find this bird... I just have really nice friends!Not the best photo, to be sure, but a bird cool enough to merit a blurred photo: an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.Lastly, even a HERRING GULL enjoys a good old fashioned crab feast. All this bird needs is some newspaper and a pitcher of beer.-Dan

Ash-throated Flycatcher & Short-eared Owls

2010-11-29T15:26:00.017-05:00

It was a very nice Sunday spent on Maryland's Eastern shore. The weather was mild, the sun was shining and the birds were cooperative!My son Declan and I enjoyed the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER on Assateague as it fed around the Bayside Campground area.Later in the evening, and about an hour West of that wonderful flycatcher, we finished the day watching two SHORT-EARED OWLS flying around the marshes of Elliott Island Road. What a fantastic way to finish the Thanksgiving weekend. A life bird, great weather and some cherished father/son birding... I mean BONDING.The sun was vanishing below the horizon, so we were mighty lucky to have one of the owls glide by us... before all the lights went out!Happy Holidays,
Dan

Rufous (selasphorus) Hummingbird in College Park, MD

2010-11-22T09:17:00.009-05:00

Here are many photos of the RUFOUS selasphorus HUMMINGBIRD currently being seen in College Park, MD. It could become an Allen's or it may be a Rufous. Banding measurements taken today (Friday, Nov 26th) determined that this bird is fact a hatch year female Rufous!

Fall and winter hummingbirds are fantastic!

Enjoy!So... have you got your hummingbird feeders cleaned, filled and outside? What are you waiting for???

Happy Thanksgiving,

Dan

November (for MD Birders) is Rarity Month

2010-11-01T19:40:00.011-05:00

Thus far this fall along the Eastern seaboard up to New England, the Western vagrants have started to trickle in and be observed. Here are just a few of the notable rarities being reported:

-A state-record Yellow-billed Loon in Maine.
-A Tropical Kingbird in New York.
-A Tropical Kingbird in Falmouth, Mass.
-A selasphorous hummingbird in Northern Virginia.
-An Ash-throated Flycatcher in New Jersey.
-A Western Kingbird and a White-winged Dove in Delaware.
-A Mountain Bluebird in Pa.
-Orange-crowned Warblers at several locations from WVa to New England.
-A Rufous Hummingbird in New Hampshire.
-Cave Swallows in several states (mostly to the North of MD).
-Long-eared, Short-eared and Saw-whet Owls are on the way.
-Common Ground Dove in Cape May, NJ and Captree, New York.
-A Gray Kingbird in Ogunquit, Maine.
-Snow Bunting at Cape May, NJ.
-Lark Sparrow, Black Brant, Evening Grosbeaks in Massachusetts.
Here in Maryland, we've had two Cave Swallows at South Point in Worcester County (found by Jim Stasz) and a Say's Phoebe (3rd ever in the state) found in Queen Anne's County (found by Jeff Culler and Joe Hanfmann). Both of these rare sightings were observed this past Friday, October 29th, 2010.Bring on those Western vagrants!

Good Birding,

Dan

Yellow-headed Blackbird in Scotland

2010-10-17T19:48:00.005-05:00

Okay, so when I write Scotland, I'm referring to St. Mary's County, MD. Just in case you thought I took a flight across the Atlantic to see this bird. I only drove to the South to the fields just before Point Lookout. The bird stayed a fair distance away from us the entire morning, before a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK decided to fly in, thereby dispersing the blackbird flock far away and all over. Here are a few distant shots of this beautiful bird.I'll never look at a flock of Starlings and Cowbirds the same again...

-Dan

ps. Remind me sometime to tell you a story all about the Goshawk that might have been.

Le Conte's Sparrow in Howard County

2010-10-16T16:42:00.009-05:00

On a day when a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was found in St. Mary's County (a would be lifer), I can't be at all upset about observing this little sparrow this morning. There is always Sunday to chase...Good Birding,
Dan

October Hummingbirds

2010-10-06T18:55:00.012-05:00

I welcome your thoughts on this bird that appeared today (or possibly yesterday) to the plants in our yard. For the record, I shot these in the mid-day sun, through a window. My apologies for the quality of the photographs.
Here are two more shots from this morning (7:40AM, presumably the same bird). The bird sure looked interesting, but thought it was most likely a richly colored Ruby-throat.Good Birding,
Dan

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at Kinder Farm Park.

2010-10-06T12:35:00.006-05:00

The fall out was incredible at Kinder Park this morning, in the heart of Severna Park, MD. Far and away, the best bird was this CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. Enjoy!-Dan

Mikey Found A Sparrow

2010-09-28T14:52:00.020-05:00

Here are some photos of the CASSIN'S SPARROW from Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary's County, MD (below). HUGE Thanks to Mikey Lutmerding for finding this incredible STATE RECORD. And special thanks to Jane Kostenko, Marty Cribb, Tyler Bell, Mark Hoffman, George Jett, Jim Stasz, Joe Hanfman and Patty Craig, for keeping us all updated of this bird's appearances.Mikey originally posted this about his discovery on Sunday, September 26th: "Hi all,

I spent the morning at Point Lookout State Park, the definite highlight was flushing an unknown sparrow from near the point. I originally flushed the bird from the Bay side (as opposed to the river side) of the island of trees before the lighthouse. I slowly worked around towards it and flushed it into the grassy center of the loop road where it ran around under the boulders occasionally perching on them. I initially felt that it was a sparrow that I had not seen before, but unfortunately, talked myself into a strange plumage of a young Vesper that I was not familiar with. Some things bothered me about this, and I uploaded photos and solicited opinions. Matt Hafner and I talked about the bird and about what my initial feeling for the birds ID was. He and Marshall Iliff agreed that an Aimophilla sp. is involved. I managed to take many shots from a distance (which I have posted below) and feel that there are at least 2 shots that strongly argue for CASSIN'S SPARROW as opposed to Bachman's or Botteri's. The outer tail as viewed from underneath had a distinctive white border (see photo 5- Bachman's and Botteri's have an indistinct border) and the central tail feathers were barred (hard to see but evident in shot 10, I believe Bachman's and Botteri's tail is plain) which is something that jumped out at me in the field. Unfortunately the whole incident lasted a few minutes and the bird disappeared into the fenced off area around the lighthouse. I spent the next hour and a half walking the grassy area hoping it would return with no luck. I truly hope the bird sticks around!

Photos of the bird can be seen at- http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeycerw/

Comments welcomed."

Good Birding all.

-Dan

Peepin' Aint Easy

2010-08-02T22:00:00.004-05:00

Think being a small shorebird, migrating thousands of miles twice a year is easy? Think again. There is always some other peep fighting for that same worm or food item. Don't tread too close to your rival's portion of the mud, or else...Be safe out there...

-Dan

Banking on a great weekend

2010-07-23T20:59:00.003-05:00

It's hot out there, so do do your best to stay cool. And, by all means... it's the weekend so have a nice stretch.

-Dan

Despite the heat...

2010-06-28T14:06:00.009-05:00

I'm so tired of looking at a SNOW BUNTING photo whenever I see my blog. In order to remedy this, I've decided that some new photos are in order.I sure do miss looking for birds. Lately it's been all work, music and family. Though, I must admit enjoy all three activities quite a huge bit.

Enjoy your summer!
-Dan

A Quick Catch Up

2010-04-12T20:36:00.011-05:00

I am really sorry that it's taken me so long to attend to this blog of mine. In an attempt to catch you up on things here is MD, I'll fast forward you through several months and a few dozen degrees in the temperature column in one long post. Here goes...I found this MUSCOVY DUCK (domestic type) while looking for ducks in Caroline County. This bird was particularly friendly, that is until I told it that I was fresh out of corn.There was also a SNOW BUNTING in Somerset County, way down South on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.And things were almost getting too slow, that is... until Ron Gutberlet found this TUFTED DUCK near Kent Island!The AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS returned to Blackwater in record numbers this year. They're up to 40 now... or something near that number.Recently, I heard about some RING-NECKED PHEASANT in Queen Anne's County.They were there, to be sure, but something about the blue jewelry got me thinking that these incredibly beautiful birds were not wild. I found 4 in minutes, and sadly another one dead on the road.But now... MIGRATION is ON. Bring on the warblers, the vireos, the tanagers, the swifts, the hummingbirds, the flycatchers, the shorebirds! We'll start with this LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH that found on Honeysuckle Lane here in Anne Arundel County. It was singing in it's usual spot, right on time if not just a tad early!

Truth be told, my birding has been kept to a minimum. I've been having fun with these rare beauties...Enjoy your spring!

-Dan

Snow Bunting

2010-02-21T21:10:00.006-05:00

For lack of more creative title, I went with the obvious: "Snow Bunting." But today was much more than just a cool little bird from up North.This morning I brewed the coffee and packed up my obliging (and adorable) kids into the Volvo. My lover and I were off on a family birding adventure. My lover, of course, being my loverly wife Emery.Declan and Isla were thrilled to go out for a drive. (After being pent up in the house for so long with all of the recent snows, it's no wonder.) Oh the things Declan would be able to see on our drive South! Fire trucks. School buses. Bald Eagles. Jet planes. Snow Bunting. Helicopters. Peregrine Falcon. Big bridge and oh those BIG Machines! It was one amazing thing after another for him today. So much so he needed two naps, one each way, during our drive. It's exhausting looking at stuff.This morning we decided to visit to Point Lookout State Park on the Southern-most tip of the Western Shore of Maryland. That's in St. Mary's County, for those of you without a map. There we enjoyed some snacks, a nice walk and the beautiful setting of the Chesapeake Bay where it meets the Potomac River.And oh yes, a SNOW BUNTING.I've been looking for one of these all winter. It was (as it is with most birds I try to find), worth the wait.Before I venture off to bed... two quick things. ABOVE is a photo of a most-welcome visitor to my yard last week: an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW. Lastly, while racing through the internet I stumbled upon this Canadian's website. His photos are AMAZING. Check out this photo of a GYRFALCON catching an IVORY GULL! Say what?!?! An amazing sight to imagine, let alone witness and photograph. His name is Brandon Holden and he's got some incredible photos on his website. Newfoundland sure sounds nice this time of year. Cold too. But judging by his photos, I'd say the chill is well worth it.

-Dan

Lapland Longspurs and Painted Buntings: Maryland's Odd Couple

2010-02-16T22:59:00.008-05:00

They look alike, in a buntingly, sparrowish sort of way. Okay, they don't look at all similar, but they are both here in Maryland at the moment. One is rather drab in the winter, so as to blend in with it's habitat. The other looks like a clown painting a rainbow... the full box of crayons... America's own technicolor feathered wonder.

Yes, one bird spends it days foraging in the open corn fields with the likes of Horned Larks. Or, the case may be lately with all this snow... on the side of roads in Queen Anne's County; the LAPLAND LONGSPUR.The other bird summers on the coast of Carolinas down into Texas; the PAINTED BUNTING.During the summer, these most brilliantly-plumaged birds boastfully sing from the tops of any suitable coastal scrub or tree. But in the dead of winter, it's too cold to sing and skulking deep in the brush is preferred. Unless it's time for a snack, in which case a feeder in Bowie will do just the trick.In other news, the blizzards of 2010 brought two great birds to the Haas estate: a FIELD SPARROW and an absolutely magnificent AMERICAN TREE SPARROW. More on those characters in a future post. Until such time, do have yourself a great week. Must fly now...Dan

Today's Forecast: Varied Thrush

2010-02-13T13:50:00.003-05:00

Frank Marenghi and I drove to Herndon, Virginia to see a slightly-off-course VARIED THRUSH this morning. Typically observed in the Pacific Northwest, this bird has been frequenting a suet feeder in a neighborhood just outside of DC.

The homeowners were super obliging to the many birder guests present. They even had fresh coffee and donuts for us! I didn't partake, but was nevertheless impressed with that famous Southern hospitality. These photos below were taken on an overcast, gray morning through their kitchen window.

Impressive little bird. Enjoy!

-Dan

Tiercel Video

2010-01-27T20:36:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I enjoyed spending some time with the local male Peregrine. He was enjoying a sunny afternoon on his perch. For the most part, the falcon preened, all the while constantly surveying and protecting his territory. At one point, he quickly flew off his comfortable limb so as to intercept a passing RED-TAILED HAWK. He flew over to greet the much larger raptor, flying directly at the hawk. To put an emphasis on his 'move along please' message, the PEREGRINE quickly flew vertical and dove down on to the Red-tail.

The hawk flew off, this time just a bit faster than normal. Message received.

Best,
Dan

My Big Year

2010-01-19T19:49:00.014-05:00

2010. So far, so good. Declan is becoming a handful (the good kind).To see the joy he gets from going to the B&O Railroad Museum, or to watch a helicopter fly, or even to spot a Bald Eagle flying ; ) well it fills me up good with all sorts of delight.And Isla? She is, between her cries and slumber, nothing but a bundle of giggle and smile. Oh and is she cute.Don't forget Oiseau.He and I have some jogging to do this year.The Ois also enjoys kayaking the Severn and chasing cats and squirrels.That leaves my wife and I to come up with some goals, and maybe a few objectives to strive for over the next 11 months. What to do? What to do?-Count birds in Maryland?
Done it. Loved it. Worked it like a champ.

-Count birds in Anne Arundel County?
Yep, I did that too.

-Book a ton of music gigs, actively self-promote the band, write loads of songs, do some recording?
You guessed it... I've done that and enjoyed every bit of the journey.

For a goal-oriented person like myself, I'm left wondering what I should strive for this year? Don't get me wrong... my work with the schools will continue to be crushing down upon me. The stress, goals and objectives that need meeting (if not exceeding! seem to get bigger every day. But I'm talking about the stuff where true passion lives.

And so I've come up with a few ideas...

IDEA 1: BIRD-RELATED. See every species of falcon in North America.

Being a fan of this family, I think this is something that might actually be attainable. It would require a few things like luck, travel, money and luck. A visit to South Dakota and Southwest Texas would be vital to completing this goal. I've seen American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon and most recently Prairie Falcon. That leaves the two more (three if you count Crested Caracara): Aplomado Falcon and Gyrfalcon.

IDEA 2: MUSIC-RELATED. Write and record a new record with the band.I've been singing and playing my guitar more than ever lately. Declan loves to sing and play his little guitar while I rock out to some classic (that I make up as I go along). Classic hits and timeless favorites like 'Let's Go Poo Poo in the Potty', 'Don't Cry And Whine And Your Mommy Will Be Fine' and 'Eat All of Your Noodles Or I'll Turn Oiseau Into A Poodle'. I throw in a little 'Jingle Bells' every now and again too for good measure. Isla loves it. Declan goes nuts. It's a hoot. It's a party. And maybe making a record for kids might be just the thing for my Big Year?

Then again, making a record for adults might also be the ticket. Difficulties of this goal are: scheduling, expense, getting the musicians lined up and oh yes... writing the songs! Benefits: making music is like nothing else in this world.

IDEA 3: ART-RELATED: Finally finish my bathroom mural.It's been neglected the past two years, but a long time ago I began painting the birds of Maryland all over my bathroom walls. On one side is my depiction of the Coastal Plain. On another side, vaguely resembles the Atlantic coast. And on yet another side, I've yet to even begin to paint some of Maryland's forest-dwelling species. Not to mention the Michelangelo portion: a kettle of more of raptor silhouettes flying on the ceiling! Only downside would be when my wife needs something done at night and I'm in the bathroom with my brushes and paint.

IDEA 4: Make no goals and just do stuff.

The benefits with this are endless. But, if I know me... and sometimes I do... this isn't an easy goal to set for myself. Having no goals is like sailing without a tiller. Like texting while driving. Like peach cobbler with no vanilla ice cream. You get the point.

I do have goals of course that are not tied to any particular year.

I want to try to do some traveling with Emery. I'd like to get more regular haircuts. I'd like to eat healthy and exercise. I'd like to continue enjoying chocolate, garlic, red wine and coffee.

On a more serious note, I'd like to work with Annapolis' new Mayor Josh Cohen to help our city continue it's leadership in protecting and preserving the environment. There are so many local things that can be accomplished that could make a big difference. I've whittled down my commission responsibilities to just the Annapolis Environmental Commission, so with that change comes greater focus.

And of course, I will continue to look for new county, state and life bird in 2010. I will continue to monitor and enjoy our local falcons. No doubt that fixing up our home will be in the mix.Taking my kids to visit the National Zoo, the Smithsonian, the National Aquarium and the B&O Museum, etc. will be many a weekend activity. Sculpting cool objects out of Play Doh will always suffice on rainy days.Oh, and I've already got my wife and I tickets to go see Bob Schneider at the Ram's Head in March. In other words, date night will be a regular 'thing' for us.

So to all of my friends who I didn't see much because I was chasing birds: I look forward to seeing more of you in 2010. To all of my friends who I didn't see because I wasn't gigging as much in 2009: I look forward to performing a little bit more for you in 2010. And to everyone who has been asking for a new CD (all 4 of you!): that might just be coming soon to a stereo near you.

I'm just making plans you see.

Meantime, enjoy some more iPhone images and video of our local Peregrines.

Her.Him.Her.Him.Her.

Now I know full well that this blog and my goals aren't the least bit important to you! But I certainly enjoyed writing it all down.

What are your goals for 2010? As for me, I plan on deciding soon. Until then, have a great 2010!
-Dan

Big January and Big Help

2010-01-18T08:54:00.020-05:00

As I wait to go onto a Monday morning conference call for work, I thought I'd post a new blog. First off, how've you been? I trust that you are enjoying your year thus far. I am.

2010 has been busy with family and work, but of course I've seen a precious few great birds. And that got me thinking about my goals/plans for 2010, but more on that in later post.Here is one sighting worthy of a report: the Shippensburg, PA wintering PRAIRIE FALCON. Declan and I drove up there for a falcon visit last weekend.That PRAIRIE FALCON flew in at 12:30 from the rock quarry where it is thought that the bird likes to roost. This stunning falcon bolted right over our heads and landed in a distant tree.Both Declan and I were thoroughly impressed with this life bird. Inspired, I paid our local Peregrine Falcons a visit recently. It's not often, but sometime I luck into finding both the male and female Peregrine (as evidenced from the tricked-out photo below).The only thing bird-related that I've REALLY been following as of late is a "BIG JANUARY" competition that the Bird Couple and Ross Geredien have been engaged in this month. As I type, Warren is at suffering through work in DC, while the blonder-half of the Bird Couple (Lisa) is out in the field looking for new month birds. And Ross? Well, he is doing a big day on the Eastern shore. It's very exciting indeed. My role in their adventure? Well, I might be bolstering their totals by adding a Peregrine (or two) to their list.

A SHORT VIDEO TAKEN WITH MY IPHONE PRESSED AGAINST MY SCOPE.

Anytime one birds the Eastern Shore of Maryland, one adds loads of bird species. So to Ross... good thinking. Bird Couple... time to pay that Bay Bridge toll and get over to the coast! Just start in Worcester County and bird your way home.In the meantime, whilst I was enjoying Thomas Point the other day, I felt quite honored to observe this floating life-saving vessel speed past our famous lighthouse on it's way to Haiti. Tears were in the eyes.My bands and I are currently working on an idea to help with the relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

-Dan

Bookends

2010-01-03T20:35:00.009-05:00

Have a look at the last bird that I observed in 2009: the local female PEREGRINE FALCON. I thought it fitting that I stop by on December 31st to wish her a Happy New Year.When I arrived she was on the tree right above my head. I was scanning the bridge and didn't even notice her perched a few feet above my head. To correct my poor observational skills, she took off and flew over to buzz the bridge. She then proceeded to fly immediately back into the big, old dead tree. It was as if she was wishing me a Happy New Year too. Here's hoping she and her mate have nesting success this year.And so, after finishing my afternoon coffee on New Years day (that's right... afternoon coffee! Did I mention that it was late night on NYE?), I decided to run some errands. I thought what better way to start of 2010 than to go say hello to the falcon? Well, I'm sure there are bazillions of better ways to start a decade, but I have enjoyed my time spent with the local Peregrines and errands needed to be run. So why not?

And there is another pair that I REALLY loved spending time with... these two!! Declan and Isla. FUN is most certainly on our 'to do' list this year.Oh the plans that I have for us in 2010! I am very excited about the memories that are soon-to-be created.

Happy New Year!

Dan

Sandy Point in the Snow

2009-12-20T21:19:00.008-05:00

After the twenty odd inches of frozen precipitation that Maryland received this weekend, Chris Murray and I decided to venture out late this afternoon for some local snow-filled birding. Sandy Point seemed like a safe bet.With almost all available field and forest covered with the white stuff, I figured that the beach area where the water kept the snow from piling up, might be a great spot for hungry foragers. We were not disappointed. We found one, possibly two, HORNED LARK and two SAVANNAH SPARROWS enjoying whatever morsels they could find in the sand.We returned home, backs aching from shoveling snow, and legs destroyed from hiking through knee-deep snow drifts. Sleep and some Advil will be most welcome this evening. And the best news of all... no school tomorrow.Declan and I will see you on the sledding hill!

-Dan

Odd Goldeneye in Queen Anne's County

2009-12-17T21:19:00.013-05:00

There was an interesting post from Harry Armistead on the MDOSPREY listserv earlier this week.

It read, "I just had a call from Lou Carpenter of York, PA, who asked that I post this information on MDOSPREY. At 12:30, Monday, December 14, he saw 2 female goldeneyes at Jackson Creek Public Landing (east side), Kent Island, Queen Annes County. One had an all yellow bill. He's not saying this is a Barrow's Goldeneye but wanted it reported so that others might secure a better look at other features, such as the head profile and the pattern of white on the upper wing. He saw these 2 birds, no males present, at c. 200 yards through a 40X Bushnell scope. - Best to all. - Harry Armistead, Philadelphia."Today, I was driving back from a meeting in Salisbury and thought I'd stop off at Jackson Landing Road to investigate this sighting. The temps felt like the 20's and the winds were burning cold straight through my clothing. My face felt sunburned and my fingers ached as I tried to take some photos of this bird. It stayed a great distance away, but here are a few photos from this afternoon.I took these poor quality photos and sent them in an email to some of my more experienced birder friends. Matt Hafner was kind enough to reply with the following welcomed information: "Hey Dan, I'm far from a goldeneye expert, but this strikes me as a Common Goldeneye. I've only seen one like this before, but Steve Collins photographed one at Conowingo a few years ago. Photos HERE. Basically, the bill looks very long and the head shape seems to better fit Common. It is very triangular with a point over the eye. Thanks for going to check it out. I'm surprised someone hasn't already. -Matt"Despite it being completely yellow-orange in color, this Goldeneye's bill looked massive compared to what I would expect for a BARROWS GOLDENEYE. My only experience with a BARROWS were last winter's male BARROWS in Calvert County and female BARROWS in Dorchester County. Those two birds had cute, little bills and a strikingly different pushed-forward forehead.Click on any of the photos for slightly larger versions.

Good Birding,

Dan

Cape May, NJ Exceeds It's Stellar Reputation!

2009-11-30T20:09:00.009-05:00

At 2AM on Sunday morning, I had just returned home from my gig at the Ram's Head Roadhouse with the band. It was a nice night, to be sure. Simply put, I was exhausted from playing four gigs over the holiday weekend. But did that stop me from setting my alarm for 3:15AM to go see a rare bird? To put it even more simply, no.Fellow birder and Cumberland, Maryland resident David Yeany II and I met up at 4AM in Catonsville in order to carpool to Cape May, New Jersey.We were off to see a very rare gull of the polar region, the IVORY GULL. You may recall that I went to Massachusetts earlier this year to see an IVORY GULL earlier this year. So, this bird was not a lifer. But being that this bird is such a rare species this far South, I just had to go see it.Needless to say, we were successful. While we were there, David asked a friend to show us around. Mandy Weston has been a raptor bander in Cape May for this fall's migration. The season just ended today. In any case, Mandy was kind enough to show us around, introducing us to one rare bird after another. SWAINSON'S HAWK, on your left.SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD, on your left.To your right, you just barely missed seeing a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD and a WESTERN KINGBIRD. Two EURASIAN WIGEON, dead ahead.

In Cape May, the birders there have a system in place where rare bird alerts go out via Twitter, a web blog and even texting. Mandy's phone was alerting her of bird sightings all morning! Being a bird enthusiast, she had the ringer set to the call notes for a SCARLET TANAGER. We didn't spot any, but even still... a nice touch.

I was so impressed by the birding network in Cape May, I wrote Don Freiday from www.birdcapemay.org to thank him and his fellow birders for putting on such a wonderful show. Little did I know, he posted one of my photos to the site's blog.

I even got the opportunity to meet world-renown birder, writer, hawk-watcher and columnist Pete Dunne. At that point in the day, I was so exhausted I believe I was only capable of a blurbling mumble. But I did say something along the lines of, "It was nice to meet you."

Cape May... I'll be back soon, and often.

-Dan

Pre-winter Bird Update

2009-11-22T21:56:00.016-05:00

Hello folks! (Mind if I call you 'folks'?)

As fall migration cooled down for warblers, things heated up again quickly as the sparrows and the waterfowl started to arrive into the mid-Atlantic region. Here are just a few highlights from some of my more recent adventures.The above two photos are perhaps the last two photos taken of the Howard County CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, a long-awaited life bird for me. I observed this little fellow last Saturday, November 14th. This sparrow not been reported since then. Perhaps one reason why might be the lark chunk of it's head feathers that went missing? Some thing, be it a Cardinal or a Cooper's Hawk, nearly did in this wayward migrant.Forgive the awful photography, but I just wanted to show you a PINE SISKIN that appeared on my sock feeders last week in the midst of a downpour. I remember that last year the only time the Siskin flock ate at my house was when the weather was raining.Mikey Lutmerding found this EARED GREBE at Piscataway Park in Prince George's County, MD. It's located just across the way from George Washington's place. Sadly, I found this rare grebe diving in the midst of a river of garbage.On Saturday, Chris Murray and I birded both Montgomery and Frederick County in central Maryland. A BROWN CREEPER is always a nice find (below), as is a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (above).A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW graced us with it's presence at Lilypons Aquatic Gardens later in the afternoon. Despite the thick, overcast skies, the sun managed to peak out for a second... long enough to get one photo of this bird in actual sun light (the middle of the three photos).Note the bi-colored bill, the jet-black feet, the very light reddish-brown wash on the sides and this bird's stunning red head. Indeed, this is one fine looking sparrow.And perhaps my favorite of all of our wintering Sparrows, this AMERICAN TREE SPARROW was, for us, the bird of the day. That is until this bird almost bit me!When I tell you that this TRUMPETER SWAN (one of a pair) owns the pond at Riderwood... I MEAN IT! Warn any relatives that you might have living at this famous assisted living facility in Silver Spring! These stunning beauties will bite.

Good Birding,

Dan

300

2009-11-06T21:30:00.018-05:00

It's been a busy year. Work has been a challenge. Declan and Isla are the two most amazing, absolutely adorable kids on this planet. Despite having less gigs than most years, I've still been busy with dozens of musical events. I'm quite lucky to have one very active, yet extremely loyal and loving dog; Oiseau. And last, but most certainly not least, my beautiful, gorgeous and VERY busy wife Emery.Suffice it to say, it's been a jam-packed 2009 thus far. Yet, thanks to the winds, the weather, some luck, some study, some experience and MDOSPREY, I've made it to 300 birds seen in 2009. To prove to you just how amazing 2009 has been for avian variety in Maryland, back in 2008, I did not reach the big 300 until I saw a LARK SPARROW at Vessey's Orchard on December 6th. Go figure... I am a full month ahead of last year.Ok, I should divulge a little detail. Currently, there are three birders who have broken the single year record already... in early November!!!Stan Arnold, Jim Brighton and Jim Stasz are all around 335 or 336 for the year in Maryland. 336!!! That's just incredible.There are still several other birders in the high 320's, but the exact details I don't know at this time.In order to stay sane, I decided to concentrate on Anne Arundel County this year. And of course I would try and chase the occasional Life Bird too. Well, with this year being so rich with rarities, there has been more than a few trips outside of the county.I could say that responsibilities kept me from the reaching the 320's, but that would diminish the success of those at the top. They studied every corner of our state, they learned where to be and when to be there in order to get their target birds. They spent years perfecting their skills and acquiring knowledge.Breaking the Maryland Big Year record requires a combination of wisdom, research, skill and of course, luck.What's more, there is still lots of time to absolutely obliterate the old record... held by Jim Stasz (I believe). I wish them all the best of luck.My 300th bird for 2009??? You may have already guessed... three COMMON EIDER. These obliging winter sea-duck arrivals were observed at close range at the Ocean City Inlet.I would like to thank my wife, for her patience with me this year, and all of the years that we've known each other. My passions tend to occupy a large chunk of time, so for all of the occasions that they have swept me away from her (birding, music, painting, gardening, eating chocolate, etc), I can not thank her enough. I love you Emery.Good Birding,

Dan

Meet Our Local Peregrine

2009-10-20T21:05:00.026-05:00

She enjoys Grackles, Robins and the occasional Blue Jay. She loves to soar, thinks perching in the afternoon sun while sailboats glide past is just splendid and believes there is nothing more exhilarating than going from a lazy soar into a vertical stoop. She is none other than our very own local Peregrine Falcon.Born in 2006, she hails from Virginia. To be more specific, she fledged from the Norris Bridge, just South of White Stone. It's really not far at all from Annapolis.One could get there in a matter of hours by car. On the wing, there is much less traffic. But she's not just from the tidewater area of Virginia. No, there is more to the story. Lets just say that she only 'hatched' in VA. Like my dog Oiseau, she spent those formative first few weeks in West Virginia.Here is a map of where she hatched:How do I know this, you ask? Well, she was banded as a young falcon back in the spring of 2006 by Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William & Mary.

(photo courtesy of Magic Dragon 55.)

On May 24th, 2006 our very own local Peregrine was banded on a bridge over the Rappahannock River.

And here is a map of where she fledged:Soon after, she was then relocated for hacking to the New River Gorge in West Virginia. You see, whenever some nest sites have a poor history of fledging (high mortality), young birds are now moved to sites where the success rates are much higher. Issues like traffic, inexperienced birds flying into the water, a vehicle, buildings, as well as things like nest predation from likes of Great Horned Owls, all contribute to young Peregrines not surviving those first few weeks.I don't believe she has a name, but I'll have to check into that with the folks from William & Mary. If I find anything out, I'll let you know.
As for our local tiercel (the male), he has no leg bands, so his geographic origins remain a mystery.Now... if only we could get her to use the nest box that USFWS built for her, we could tell stories in future blogs about her chicks whereabouts. In the meantime, I'll keep a watchful eye towards the skies for local 1807-02723. That is her band number. She looks good in green and black.If you have a moment, I urge you to visit the Center's website.

For more on the New River Gorge Peregrine Program, please click HERE. If you'd like to read her 'yearbook', a little PDF document with details from 2006, when she and 14 other Peregrine chicks fledged, click HERE.

The story goes that, "On the morning of June 15, over one dozen feeder quail were dispersed on the ground outside of the hack box and the door was engineered to open from a concealed location over 100ft from the site. West Virginia DNR personnel, staff from Three Rivers Avian Center, and National Park Service biologists were on site during the release. At 1041hrs the box door was opened and within 15 minutes one bird (L green; R black 07/green W) had taken flight. At 1125hrs the last eyas (R purple; L black 17/green V) emerged from the box."Yes, she was the last one to leave the box that day. And it would appear that she spent around 28 to 29 days hanging around the hack box at the New River Gorge, before eventually relocating to Annapolis. Now I'm quite sure that she sowed her wild oats and traveled a bit before settling down to start a family, but it's just the points where we 'know' she has been.Here is our girl all grown up, wearing proudly her "L black 17 / green V" band.

Best,

Dan

Tree Swallow Migrational Mayhem

2009-10-19T21:29:00.004-05:00

Tree Swallows. Enjoy the migrational collection while it's still slightly warm outside.The entire flock of them would fly in relatively tight formations and then all dive deep into this bush. I suppose they were feeding on it's berries. But, literally, the entire flock would vanish into the bush and then in a few seconds come bursting out and flood the skies. It was absolutely astounding to watch.Lastly, here is one of only 27 Cattle Egret that I saw while driving North on Rt 3 in Gambrills, MD this afternoon. I was on my way to visit a school and was surprised to find them hanging out on the side of the road in a vernal pool. Not a cow in sight. That said, there is a farm just over the tree line.Have a great week,

Dan

Haas Means "Rabbit" in Dutch

2009-10-14T22:14:00.003-05:00

Or maybe it's German. Either way, on the way home from a meeting in Kent County today, I noticed this Red-tailed Hawk feasting away on a rabbit in Queen Annes County. It was late in the afternoon and the rains were about to fall. I was cruising down 213 towards Centerville when I noticed this (small for a Red-tail) hawk feasting away. From what I understand, rabbit is very lean and good for you. Judging by the size of this raptor, he could use the meal. I just hope he keeps the rabbit's foot for good luck.

In other news, here are some photos of the recently-returned Sparrows (White-Crowned and Lincoln's), a Yellow Palm Warbler to Anne Arundel County, along with a soon-to-be departing Blue-Headed Vireo. Enjoy.Soon I'd like to show you a photo of a Connecticut Warbler, but for the moment, this bird remains elusive!

-Dan

Hans finds Haas a Life Bird

2009-10-12T22:34:00.007-05:00

Thank you Hans Holbrook for finding this very rare White-faced Ibis this past Sunday. Sometime during the late morning hours of the Big Sit (known on the island as the 'Sit on our Assateaguers' group), Hans decided to venture out of the circle and see what we birds might be hiding out around the corner.The White-faced Ibis has a glowing pink eye, which on this particular bird really stood out in the marsh. Not so much in these photos that I took, but you'll have to just trust me on that identifying field mark. It was feeding next to a Glossy Ibis, the more common variety of Ibis in Maryland.Thank you Hans. Even more rare knowing now how unlikely it is to find a White-faced Ibis in the fall.It was a great discovery, and it was only one of many great birds he has located recently for me.

In other news, if you MUST watch the tele, might I suggest this program? Nature. The episode airing lately is called "Raptor Force." Very enjoyable.

I will leave you with a Peregrine Falcon, of the Tundra variety, the came tearing in off the ocean on Sunday. Declan did all of the background artwork.-Dan

Big Sit?

2009-10-06T18:59:00.006-05:00

So you have to ask yourself... are you in? Or are you out? This Sunday, folks all across the country will be participating in the "Big Sit." The "Big Sit!" is an annual, international, noncompetitive birding event hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest and was founded by the New Haven, Connecticut Bird Club.So this Sunday, October 11th to be precise, the Anne Arundel County Bird Club and other bird enthusiasts will descend upon Fort Smallwood Park before the sun arrives to count birds. This nationwide event has one basic rule... each local bird club must set up a 17-foot circle some place and try to see how many species they can identify in a 24-hour period.Simple, right?The Anne Arundel Bird Club will start at 6:30AM with hopes of counting any owls that are feeling vocal.Depending on the weather and the birds, the count could last well into the afternoon.In previous years, Anne Arundel had their BIG SIT at Kinder Farm Park. where the record day was 50 species.No experience necessary, one just should plan on having fun and maybe seeing a great bird or two.Some good advice: Bring a lawn chair, some liquid refreshment and something to eat if you plan to stay a while.For more information on the BIG SIT, visit the web page.And if you are wondering, the top site in the country for the highest count last year was Cape May Point, New Jersey where "Team Peregrine Fondue," tallied 113 species!The top site in Maryland, coming in at number 9 in the US... Elk Neck State Park, Maryland, where "The Turkey Pointers" counted 82 species.So, where what circle will you enter this Sunday? Assateague? Turkey Point? Fort Smallwood? The choices are all fantastic!Me I haven't decided what circle I'm going to step into on Sunday, but I am looking forward to the count all the same!Good Birding,

Dan

Operation Rare Hummingbird

2009-09-29T18:46:00.007-05:00

This mission of mine has been two years in the making. I have decided to slowly change over the garden plots that the previous owner of our home created in order to lure fantastically rare hummingbirds in the fall.As our local breeding species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds head South, there is an ever-so-small chance that a vagrant species from the Western portion of the continent will fly their way EAST instead of SOUTH.When any vagrant bird arrives in our neck of the woods, they usually pause for a moment at the Bay, and then again at the Atlantic Ocean. Since Annapolis sits on the Chesapeake Bay, I figured that at the very least, I've got a shot.It's a long shot, but anything is possible! So I planted. I planted anything I could get my hands on, that was known to attract hummers.I took over sections of my yard that aren't really mine.BG&E might get upset that I planted a vine to climb the telephone poll... but in exchange, I've let them put a regulator on my air conditioner.I figure that it evens out in the end. I've fed the RUBY-THROATS well over the past few months. Yesterday, my wife saw one visit about 2PM and before that, Saturday was out last visit by a RUBY-THROAT. They are getting few and far between now, which means one thing: I must begin to keep a vigilant watch on my constantly-maintained hummingbird feeders. I'll be putting up more fake flowers on the roof to lure them in (by sight) if they should be commuting overhead. I even planted a rare plant from South America... or somewhere not local. I know, I know... terrible not to be native.But this is serious stuff here and I am hopeful that my horticultural grand experiment pays off. If not this year, than sometime soon. Really, the worst side effect of this madness of mine: a yard filled with late blooming red flowers. How awful, right? For the record, Jim Stasz, Maryland's preeminent birder, recommends Pineapple Sage, also known as Salvia elegans. I have several of these in the backyard ready to attract any nectar-loving Hummingbirds from any of the following Genus: Heliomaster, Colibri, Calothorax, Cynanthus, Hylocharis, Lampornis, Eugenes, Amazilia, Calypte and even Archilochus, Stellula. But more than likely, my best (and only) bet would be a Genus Selaphorous.Wish me luck! I'll keep you all posted on any surprise guests to the feeders.I will keep at least six feeders up and running until the new year. After that, I'll start my preparations for next year.

Don't even get me started on the seeds. I'll have thistle sock feeders hanging from the Maple. Six bags hung vertically proved successful at attracting Pine Siskins. I spread seed on the ground which brought in two White-crowned Sparrows and even a Grasshopper Sparrow to the back yard. I didn't plant them, but the pines and hemlocks across the street were successful at bringing in the White-winged Crossbills last winter as well. Lastly, there are forecasts that predict that this winter could be the coldest in over a decade. Hmm... cold, but at least it might bring in some rare birds. Always look on the bright side...

-Dan

Fall Migration.

2009-09-28T22:30:00.018-05:00

So here are a few birds recently observed. Thank you Matt Hafner for helping me with my identification skills.

Next three photos: VEERY.Next three photos: Acadian Flycatcher. Note the larger bill, primary projection, whitish throat and overall greenish hue.Next two photos: Chris Murray thought Gray-cheeked Thrush. I suspected Swainson's Thrush (wrong), but Chris pointed out that there is no pale spot in the lores. He is correct. Gray-cheeked Thrush. I found this blog this morning that has some nice side-by-side comparisons that make identifying thrushes much easier. It can be found HERE.The purpose of this blogging exercise is to become a better birder. One hopefully learns about particular identification point to key in on with certain species in the field. With experience and knowledge, these thrushes and flycatchers will become less-tricky to identify. The camera is a fantastic tool for honing one's skills. I'm enjoying the wisdom provided by careful examination of each photo.

As for the rest of these photos, let's start with a dragonfly that I photographed a short while ago at Piney Orchard Nature Preserve in Anne Arundel County. I know the bird isn't 'really' hamming it up for my camera, but from the looks of it's facial expression, I wonder. Note, I've not even begun to tackle bug ID's yet. With my son's fascination with things that crawl, fly, hop and flit... this 'learning about bugs' thing might come sooner than I think.The following three photos are of a COMMON NIGHTHAWK found by Mikey Lutmerding roosting in a tree at Prince George's County's migrant hotspot, Governor Bridge Road Natural Area.Here is the YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHTHERON that has been hanging around in the North Beach Marsh, just inside Calvert County. Oh so close to Anne Arundel!I'm going to miss all of the fly-catching birds, but not necessarily the flies and mosquitos!That's all I have for you at the moment.

Isla, Declan and Emery are all doing fantastic. Declan is really becoming quite the entertainer. Isla is beginning to smile and has (just today in fact) starting to really look at her Mom and Dad. Such wonderfulness.

We hope you are all well!

-Dan

Old News

2009-09-17T21:22:00.002-05:00

I saw this bird, a SWAINSON'S WARBLER, at the GREEN SWAMP in Southeastern North Carolina this summer. Proof that pishing works!Best,

Dan

Piney Orchard Nature Preserve

2009-09-08T20:56:00.007-05:00

This past Labor Day Monday, I spent the afternoon hiking through Western Anne Arundel's Piney Orchard Nature Preserve. There have been reports of a RING-NECKED PHEASANT roaming around the place. That bird and I didn't cross paths, but I did see loads of Eastern Wood Pewees, Chickadees and the other expected avian transients and residents. A Barred Owl couple even hooted back for me briefly.

Here are some highlights:

A juvenile WHITE-EYED VIREO.An adult of the same species, with the stunning white eyes.A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.Same bird, new look!An Ovenbird.

In addition to these beauties, the highlight was a SUMMER TANAGER that perched for one brief moment on the very same snag that the Grosbeak was on in the above photos. It was pouring rain and I had my camera under my shirt to keep it somewhat dry, therefore... no pretty pictures to show for it.

Hope you are well.

Dan

Two Scissors in One Year?

2009-08-29T20:28:00.006-05:00

First the great news: Isla Abigail is home!Now the bad news: No, Declan, you can't have this pig!It was offered to me today at the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher spot in Queen Anne's County. The homeowner told me that it was housebroken. I'm not sure my wife would find that to be reason enough for the new family member. Sorry Declan... maybe for Christmas.

Lastly, some good news: for the second time this year, I've enjoyed observing a SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER in Maryland. Rare once, spectacular twice. Here's the bird now... enjoy.And now, it's time for me to do more of this... unless Mom already took care of it! Best to all,

Dan

Do you smell that? Migration Is On. Let The Staging Begin.

2009-08-20T19:38:00.009-05:00

On the way home I stopped by the local sewage treatment plant.

What? You don't?

As if. You know you visit them. You love them. If it wasn't so shameful, you'd readily admit to all your secret passion for sewage treatment plants. You finally tell all about your constant, irresistible, irrepressible urges to go visit them. Face it, you just can't get enough of those bug-laden ponds filled with... with... oh, you know what's in 'em. I don't understand why more people aren't visiting them ALL the time. ESPECIALLY on a hot August afternoon.

Oh well, the secret is out.Swallows have known about them for eons. Barn Swallows breed here. Tree Swallows, Northern Rough Wing, Bank... you name it, they've been to one (or more).

And today, PURPLE MARTINS arrived in spectacular (for this neck of the woods) numbers. I tallied over 350 in sight at one time. Others were flying overhead. A few were hunting over the impoundments filled with... with... oh you know what they're filled with. What's more, there looked to be hundreds more on nearby power lines and in a Sycamore tree too.

It was quite a spectacular stop on my afternoon commute home. Here, look...See you soon... (oh, you know where)

-Dan

What... no birds?

2009-08-17T22:19:00.018-05:00

Sure, I can write an entire blog that has nothing to do with birds. It's easy. Watch.So I got up REALLY EARLY this past Sunday to go out on a boat some 70 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. There might have been birds flying around said boat, but that's just not important right now. What is important is a whale.I mean, just look at this giant... a FIN WHALE. She is one mighty and magnificent animal.When one first observes a Fin Whale cresting the water, it takes a good long time for the actual fin to arrive to surface, providing some indication as to the size of this whale. I could show you the dozens of photos before and after this photo was taken to give you a better idea, but instead... let's talk about turtles!This is a LEATHERBACK TURTLE. I might be wrong in this description, but this (planet earth's largest known reptile, according to the experts on the boat), looked like a Volkswagon Beetle floating on the water. Incidentally, I heard that the old Volkswagons could float... but, I digress. Notice the string-like thing hanging from this turtle's mouth? It would appear that it's been feasting on one of it's favorite meals: Jellyfish. Yum. A bit stingy aftertaste if you ask me. Some like it hot, I suppose.The leaders on the boat said that they might see one of these every couple of years. We saw an unprecedented THREE Leatherbacks, in addition to a LOGGERHEAD TURTLE.What's more, we got to get up close and personal with a HAMMERHEAD SHARK. Not just any hammerhead, mind you... but a SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD SHARK!

Lastly, there were the dolphins. We had both the very familiar BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS and my personal favorite, the COMMON DOLPHIN on our trip this weekend. Wow! Can these mammals jump!Check out the striations on this dolphin's skin from a prop blade. This is one tough dolphin!See... an entire blog post with not even a mention of birds. I knew I could do it.

I disembarked from the boat, satisfied from a day of fantastic birds, but mesmerized by the ocean's many splendid creatures. We humans overfish the seas, while under-protecting the species that live in it. As a species, we tend to merely live for the moment, forsaking the future. Here's hoping that we humans do everything possible to study, protect and sustain the world's oceans, bays, rivers, streams and ponds.

Perhaps this web link is a fine place to start? OCEANA.ORG.

Doubt us humans, if you must... but have a look at our history. I borrow this snippet of information about the great BLUE WHALE from the AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY'S website:

"Because of their enormous size and speed, blue whales were safe from early whalers, who could not pursue them in open boats with hand harpoons. But in 1868 a Norwegian, Sven Foyn, revolutionized the whaling industry with the invention of the exploding harpoon gun and by using steam and diesel powered factory ships and catcher boats. He also perfected the technique of inflating dead whales with air so they wouldn't sink after being harpooned. The whaling industry began to focus on blue whales after 1900. A single 90-foot blue whale could yield up to 120 barrels of oil, and the blues were killed by the thousands. The slaughter peaked in 1931 when over 29,000 were killed in one season. After that blue whales became so scarce that the whalers turned to other species and, belatedly, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned all hunting of blue whales in 1966 and gave them worldwide protection. Recovery has been extremely slow, and only in the last few years have there been signs that their numbers may be increasing. Pre-whaling population estimates were over 350,000 blue whales, but up to 99% of blue whales were killed during whaling efforts. Presently, there are an estimated 5-10,000 blue whales in the Southern Hemisphere, and only around 3-4,000 in the Northern Hemisphere."We humans have a sad history of depleting resources as quickly as possible. Luckily, we sometimes have the wisdom to note our excesses and take corrective measures.

Best,
Dan

Time Away...

2009-08-12T23:18:00.022-05:00

Oh, how I love that little man. That right there is Declan pointing to a little discovery he made near the garden. A seed! He soon found out what it tasted like and then soon learned that he didn't like the taste.

Anyway, the point is... I don't get down to the basement much these days, unless it's for work. My Mac is down here, and therefore my ability to blog about recent goings ons is totally dependent on my ability to get subterranean free time. Life, as you all know, is busy. Not surprisingly, there is always much to blog about nearly every day. Perhaps I should make more of an effort to walk downstairs a wee bit more often?

Of note recently:
-Declan, his Mom and I went to the National Zoo.-His Mommy is about to add one more to our family. For those of you at home keeping score, she is due in the beginning of September. My guess? 9:09AM on September 9th, 2009. By the way, birding with her son and her devoted husband sure does wipe her out. Need proof?-I gave a little bird talk to the youngsters of West Annapolis this afternoon. We covered such riveting subjects as attracting hummingbirds, local nesters and what goldfinch prefer to eat.
-I observed a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE with my entire family (Declan and his hottie Mommy Emery) as well as Warren and his lover Lisa Strobel (A.K.A. the Bird Couple).-While we were there, we noticed what we believed to be a fledgling BELTED KINGFISHER doing a fine imitation of Michael Phelps. This bird's two parents were very close by, chattering it up the entire time it swam across the pond. We think it lived to fish another day.-The local watering hole at Greenbury Point has been filled with cool shorebirds like SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, GREEN HERON and GLOSSY IBIS, just to name a few.What? You don't see the heron... look closer.-A scruffy-looking COMMON LOON spent a week or so in the cove at Greenbury Point floating about the marina area. Why you ask? My guess would be that the bird was just waiting for it's flight feathers to grow back.YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS are stunning-looking birds. I've been told that one of my local favorite species, the PEREGRINE FALCON, regularly enjoys this species for lunch. It makes sense since these birds spend some time on the top of the forest canopy. By the way, the local Peregrines failed to nest yet again this year. Eggs were laid, but no chicks successfully hatched. Fingers are crossed for better luck next year.-The Swallows are starting to amass in great numbers. Here in Anne Arundel, I've found the Tree and Northern Rough-Winged variety to be scarce this summer. Barn and Bank Swallows have been present in ever-increasing numbers lately, as well as the well-known Purple Martins. But it's that CLIFF SWALLOW that has eluded me thus far here in my home county.-On Elliott Island Road, I rescued a VIRGINIA RAIL from a near-certain death. Okay, I got out and made it get back into the marsh mere moments before a truck raced by at a good speed. I did manage to take a few photos before I myself dodged the speeding Dodge. Or was it a Ford? No matter...-I enjoyed watching Barn Swallows and CHIMNEY SWIFTS catching a drink at a local pond. The Swifts were quite literally diving into the water for a moment, fluttering and then taking off. Did I get a photo of this mighty interesting scene? Of course not. But there are so very few photos of a Chimney Swift in my collection that don't involve a blue sky background... I just had to post it.Lastly, an AMERICAN KESTREL. I enjoyed this little one with five of his buddies hunting at a place in Northern Anne Arundel County. They were hovering in the winds coming off the bay over a grassy hill hunting grasshoppers. Go birding... there is always something interesting to observe.Lastly, I still think that the bird photographed below was a BROWN BOOBY. But, I haven't added it to my life list. One was photographed lounging on the beach in North Assateague just a few days ago. Oh well...

Best,
Dan

Boobies

2009-07-28T21:49:00.011-05:00

I haven't been this excited to see a BOOBY since... since... well, it's been a long time. I could look at BOOBIES all day long really. I never tire of them. Masked Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Red-footed or Brown Booby. I like BOOBIES of all shapes, colors and sizes.Why all this BOOBY talk, you ask? Well, there has been some questionable sightings of a State record bird, the BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster), off the coast of Assateague National Seashore.I was there this past Sunday morning at 6:45 AM looking for (at) this bird in question. My photos are terrible, but since when have you ever turned down the opportunity to look at blurry Booby photos? Hmmm, exactly. After I enjoyed the bird flapping around, then gliding for a bit, then a lot more flapping, I had my own quiet celebration. In my humble opinion, this bird couldn't be further from it's more-expected relative, the NORTHERN GANNETT. The bird banked ever-so-slightly, revealing a contrasting lighter belly, merely one identification marker that is indicative of a BROWN BOOBY.A minute later, my friend Stan Arnold called to tell me that the bird had been sighted. I took my scope off the ocean and looked up the beach, only to find a dune full of Maryland's finest birders. I soon joined them, as more eyes are better than my eyes alone. (I might rip into a Sheena Easton song soon... think James Bond. Nevermind.)The controversy, or the hearty discussion as it is probably best described, has been if not intense, then certainly thorough, amongst Maryland's finest birders. Some think it's an odd-looking (obviously odd-flying too, since it's so different) NORTHERN GANNETT. For comparison, we were lucky enough to have a NORTHERN GANNETT fly by on Sunday, just a short while after our 'possible' Brown Booby sighting. The two flight patterns could not have been more different. Okay, the Booby could've done loop-de-loops... but really, we're talking apples to acai fruit here.Now, I have neither the credibility, or the experience in the field to call this blurry mess a BROWN BOOBY. But either way, it made for a really fun weekend.All the best,

Dan