I went kayaking on the Patuxent after work today, putting in at Jackson Landing.  The two Tri-colored Herons continue at Jug Bay at the previously reported location just south of the observation platform on the Prince George's side.  There were also numerous Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets.  I thought that I had the previously reported Snowy Egret as well, but closer inspection revealed that the bird present today was an immature Little Blue Heron.  There were also lots of Forster's Terns present, a few Greater Yellowlegs, one Purple Martin, and lots of Barn Swallows.  A Barred Owl called once from the near shore.

Also of note was a very early Merlin.  I saw the bird flying south over the river, it passed over me and than flew after a group of swallows, taking two or three passes at the closest of the swallows before continuing to the south.  July 30th is five days before the earliest date recorded in the Yellow Book (Field List of the Birds of Maryland).  Good birding,

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel