Rob already mentioned the best bird of the day for me today (Sat, 7/7) in DC
- a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW at Kenilworth Park.  This was my first in
the park in four+ years.  As Rob mentioned, I missed them there during the
atlas even though there used to be several pairs breeding there in years
past.  Surely there's a conspiracy afoot.  Only other birds of note at KP
because they're local breeders in DC were BLUE GROSBEAK and YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT.  Twice I heard a bird sing that sounded like an Alder Flycatcher, but
it was too distant to be sure.
From Kenilworth Park I drove over to the National Arboretum, donned my
trekking shoes and hiked to the top of one of DC's highest peaks - Mt.
Hamilton (the snows of Mt. Hamilton melted long ago, clearly more proof of
climate change).  I was hoping to find a Veery at the higher altitudes as we
had a number of them at that spot back in May, but apparently they were all
migrants because the only thrushes present were WOOD THRUSH and ROBIN - both
in good numbers, including an adult Wood Thrush feeding a recently fledged
young.  Other breeders included BALTIMORE ORIOLE, EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE,
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, and GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER.
I think the summer sun is getting to me.

Good birding,
Paul Pisano
Arlington, VA