Hi Everyone,

While on a short walk with Dave Curson at Patterson Park this afternoon (9/18), we were quite surprised to spot an adult female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. It flew out of the garden area, and we watched in mild disbelief as it foraged in a nearby tree. The Yellow Book shows 9/4 as the early fall date and a broken line until late September. Normal migration through our area really starts in early October and peaks in mid- to late October. We certainly weren't expecting to see one today!

We also had a large female SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and a couple hen WOOD DUCKs at the pond.

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com