I spent part of the day in Frederick County, but before leaving
town I stopped in at Lake Artemesia, hoping to see the young
Green Herons again. (If a Green Heron can be cute, these
guys are cute.) This morning I found two more, for a total of
four juveniles. All four were in the same location where I saw
them yesterday, on the rocks on the south side of the peninsula.
In addition, an adult heron flew from this area as I approached.
I also spent several minutes watching the birds flying around
the martin house. There is no question that the birds I saw today
(and the ones I was watching yesterday) are Purple Martins
(as opposed to Tree Swallows). However, the dull-colored,
dingy-white-underneath birds may all be females, since it has
been suggested to me that it is too early for fledglings. I also
saw the lone male Ruddy Duck that has been reported before.
After that I spent a couple of hours driving the back roads of
southern Frederick County (between Routes 15 and 85),
looking for Dickcissels without success. I did see the "expected"
open country birds, and the dog and I had a pleasant little walk at
the Monocacy Battlefield, where the highlight was a low-flying
Red-tailed Hawk.
Elaine Hendricks
Greenbelt, MD (PG County)
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