Today Stan Arnold called me with a report of Black-necked Stilts at
Pickering Creek.  He and Elaine had found them using one of the newest of
the Pickering Creek wetland ponds.  I went over there as soon as I found the
phone message and thoroughly enjoyed the sighting of three B-N Stilts, along
with the many other shorebirds on those premises.  These were a first for
Pickering Creek - and became species #183 on the Pickering Creek species
list.
 
Later this afternoon near the Giant Food Store of Easton, I was treated to a
mini-explosion of 32 Least Terns as the left the Giant Food rooftop.  Many
of them were acting as pairs, chasing one another in the sky while fleeing
whatever it was that caused so many to fly up at once.
 
The trickle of warblers over here in Talbot County the past few mornings has
included Black-throated Blue, Black-and-white, Louisiana Waterthrush,
Ovenbird, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, Yellow-rumped,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Pine and Worm-eating.  Both Tanagers are present if
one knows where to look.  Grasshopper Sparrows are around, and close to home
I have found unusual abundance of Meadowlarks.
 
Yesterday, after a trip to the local landfill, I checked the nearby "borrow
pits" where Bank Swallows frequently nest.  Much of the bank used last year
has been removed, but at least eight Bank Swallows were hovering around some
newly exposed banks.  They will have to do new digging this year.
 
Last night after being out fairly late, I found Chuck-will's-widows calling
at several sites, all in my home atlas block.
 
In another atlas block near St Michaels there were baby Robins out and about
two days ago.  Two clutches of Bluebirds will (hopefully) fledge at
Pickering Creek within a week.  Pickering Creek Staff also reported there
being three baby Screech Owls in one of the new "Wood-Duck" boxes that they
have put up this year.
 
Les Roslund

Talbot County
Easton MD 21601