Led another walk in Little Bennett today - it turned out to be a somewhat better day for migrants and new arrivals. We started at the Kingsley Schoolhouse trail parking lot, then crossed the road onto Hyattstown Mill Road, took the Mound Builder trail up to the Bennett Ridge trail and walked that back down to Hyattstown Mill road on the other side of the park, then back in a big circle - it turned out to be a 4.5 mile loop, so we got our exercise.

A definite highlight was a flyover adult Red-headed Woodpecker in the meadow where the Bennett Ridge and Woodcock Hollow trails intersect. We ended up seeing/hearing fifteen warbler species, including a few migrants - Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue, and Nashville, as well as the resident species. We got great views of several Ovenbirds, including one walking around on the ground, busily picking up nesting material. New arrivals (for me) included Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested and Acadian Flycatchers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo (all heard, except for the GCFL, which gave us good looks). We heard and saw the now-resident Common Ravens several times. An interesting non-avian highlight was a beautiful little Ring-necked Snake. 

Another satisfying day in the field!

Gemma Radko
Frederick County, MD