I attended the annual joint field trip of the Southern Maryland Audubon Society, Prince George's Audubon Society and Patuxent Bird Club this morning.  Attendees were few (it was just myself, and Warren and Beverly Walker) but the birds showed up in big numbers as we birded different sites along the Patuxent River in Prince George's County.  The highlight was undoubtedly 3 calling American Golden Plovers at the observation platform at Jug Bay (P.G. side).  These birds are discussed in more detail below, but the full trip summary follows:

Mount Calvert:  We started the day at Mt. Calvert.  The gate was locked when we arrived, so we had to make the short walk in to the boat ramp.  But, it was well worth it as there were birds the whole way.  Most numerous were the many, many Eastern Bluebirds in the trees and on the wires.  Also present were many Chipping Sparrows, including some streaked juvenile birds.  Other birds foraging in the trees included White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Flickers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Catbirds, Mockingbirds, Titmice, Common Yellowthroat, and Goldfinch.  When we made it down to the water, we watched small numbers of Laughing Gulls flying down the river, as well as an occasional Ring-billed Gull.  One juvenile Herring Gull flew over as well.  Other birds present along or near the river included two calling Soras, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a Red-shouldered Hawk.   Also present were several Great Blue Herons and 4 Great Egrets flew overhead.  As we walked back to the car, we got decent views of a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk as it soared lazily overhead.  

Jug Bay:  Next, we went to Jug Bay.  We parked at Jackson Landing and then walked down the trail to the observation platform.  Birds seen in route included Chickadees, a brilliant Hooded Warbler, Northern Parula, Eastern Wood Pewee, Pileated Woodpecker, Flicker, Catbird, Thrasher, Cardinal and a White-eyed Vireo.  Perhaps most unusual during our walk in was an early White-throated Sparrow calling in the undergrowth.  The observation platform was active as well.  We scanned the river and mudflat, seeing several Great Blue Herons, six or seven Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Least Sandpiper, a few Forster's Terns, and a few Caspian Terns with the more numerous Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls.  Several Double-crested Cormorants were flying over the river and at least two Soras were calling from very close by.  were calling from very close by.  

As we stood there, we heard a call that I heard a call that I didn't immediately recognize:  a somewhat high pitched, repeated, mournful "quee-deee"!  I looked up, saw a group of Wood Ducks and then spotted three American Golden Plovers flying parallel to the Woodies, but slightly higher up.  The birds called repeatedly as they flew over, heading north.  I was able to make out the all gray underwing of the birds as they passed.  They continued to fly north, calling as they went before disappearing to the north along the river.  

Merkle Wildlife Management Area:  This stop was slow.  We saw only one Lesser Yellowlegs at the pond behind the visitors center, several House Finches, and more Eastern Bluebirds.  A group of Canada Geese were standing on one side of the pond.  We also had several flyover groups during the day. 

Milltown Landing Management Area:  This was another good stop, although things were slowing down as we were getting to mid-day.  We had a flock of 20 - 25 Bobolinks in the field immediately next to the parking area.  Also present in this area were two accipiters, Catbirds, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  We saw one Ovenbird foraging on the forest floor as we walk down the hill towards the fields and river.  Along the river, we had Laughing Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and a Bald Eagle.  Also present, soaring with a group of vultures was a Red-tailed Hawk.  A Mockingbird and Pileated Woodpecker were also seen or heard nearby.  We ended the day there, but it had been a very fun and productive morning of birding.  The weather was truly spectacular and the birds were cooperative and seen in good numbers at most stops.

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, MD