My morning walk around Schoolhouse Pond today (4/29) was highlighted by a
female Rose-breasted Grosbeak foraging in the scub willow oaks off the
boardwalk on the side of the pond near the townhouses. Also present were 2
Solitary Sandpipers, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 20+ Mrytle Warblers, a singing
Yellow Warbler, a singing Baltimore Oriole (the last 3 or 4 mornings). An
adult Bald Eagle flew over relatively low. I saw an adult eagle yesterday
as well, circling nearby, although I haven't seen them stop at the pond for
several weeks. Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroats, White-eyed Vireos,
Gnatcatchers, and Red Eyed Vireos are now singing daily.
Yesterday at the pond (4/28) there was a large number of swallows,
including many Barn Swallows, Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, several
Swifts, and 1 Bank Swallow foraging over the pond. An American Kestrel
came in and took a pass at the group, scattering them noisily.
Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS
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