Volume 13 Number 6

June 2000

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Found an injured raptor?
Contact Debbie Saylor

Phone: (410) 692-9305
Fax: (410) 692-2765
E-mail: raptors@bellatlantic.net

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CONTENTS

Summer Social at Leight Center
Harford Rare Bird Alert
The President's Perch
Calendar of Events
A Visit to Glen Meadows
Havre de Grace Decoy Festival
New Members
Electronic Birding
Galapagos - Darwin's Enchanted Isles
Lending Library
Field Trip Reports
Harford's Avian Visitors
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS June - August 2000
SUMMER SOCIAL RESERVATION FORM

The Harford Bird Club will have its fourth "Summer Social" at the Anita Leight Estuary Center on Friday, July 7 at 6:30 PM. Light fare (soft drinks, cheese, crackers, vegetables, and fruit) will be included in the registration fee of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Please return your reservation form to Carole Vangrin by Wed., June 28.

Our guest speaker will be Bill Bridgeland, Wildlife Biologist and President of BioTrek Naturalists, Inc. (www.geocities.com/aclec). One of Bill's professional specialties is Urban Wildlife. For over 15 years, Bill has been helping solve conflicts between wildlife and people, and this has involved many cases with various birds. His slide presentation "When Birds Become Problems" will be an overview of the bird species and situations that people often consider needing some type of intervention. Situations will include agricultural pests, negative ecological impacts of birds, and bird pests on man-made structures. He will introduce some of the ecological and sociological processes that underlie these avian problems, and discuss some practical solutions to common urban pests. In conclusion, Bill will explain why he believes we have brought these problems on ourselves and the repercussions of altering the landscape in favor of certain bird species.

The Leight Center is located two miles east of Edgewood just south of Route 40 on Otter Point Road. Details are available from Carole Vangrin at (410) 838-1921 or Debbie Saylor at (410) 692-9305.

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In the past, the Harford Bird Club had a phone chain to inform interested birders of rare birds found in the area. With the advent of e-mail, this phone chain has been neglected and has not been used for some time. I realize that not all Harford birders have e-mail, so I would like to see if there is any interest in re-establishing the phone chain. If you would like to see this happen, give me a call at (410) 734-6969. If there is sufficient interest, we will need someone to coordinate it and be the focal point. Ideally, this person would have e-mail so that the phone chain and my e-mail list could complement each other. If you are interested, give me a call. - Les Eastman

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Hello fellow Birders! Just want to remind everyone to please make a special effort towards our Summer Social on July 7th at the Anita Leight Estuary Center on Otter Point Road in Abingdon. Our guest speaker will be Bill Bridgeland, Wildlife Biologist and President of BioTrek Naturalists. This non-profit organization specializes in adult, environmental education, in which I am also an instructor and serve on the Board of Directors. We are in the process of planning joint workshops and seminars with BioTrek Naturalists to further educate and involve our community in environmental projects.

Our Harford Bird Club display was a success at Earth Day and Havre de Grace Decoy Festival thanks to Carol Flora and her volunteers. Over 180 people visited the display, interacted in various games designed by Debbie Stewart, and membership literature was distributed. Great Job!

I also had the pleasure of attending a field trip lead by Jean Williams who recently moved to Glen Meadows Retirement Community. Several of her neighbors joined us as we sighted our avian friends. I am sure there will be a "senior birders group" emerging from that area. A wonderful lunch followed and I would like to personally thank Jean for her hospitality, enthusiasm and encouragement.

Hope to see you at the Summer Social. - Debbie Saylor

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Ten members of our Harford Bird Club provided a happy experience for six residents of the Glen Meadows Retirement Community on May 10th - a hot, humid morning. Despite the heat and hills, 41 species of birds were seen. These included Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, and both orioles. A special treat occurred when we adjourned for lunch and a former member, Sarah Courtney, joined us. - Jean Williams

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A total of 178 people stopped by the Harford Bird Club display to ask questions about the club, to ask about a particular bird, or to relate an interesting bird story. It was exciting to see how many people enjoy watching and feeding the birds. Many enjoyed testing their skills at bird identification and were surprised at how many birds they could identify.

Thank you! Thank you! - to those club members who were able to help. Your time and talents were very much appreciated. - Public Relations Committee

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The Harford Bird Club would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members:

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As e-mail and the Internet have become more commonplace, these services have transformed the way that birders communicate with each other. "Electronic birders" no longer have to call the local telephone hotlines - they can now read the transcript on "the Net". Similarly, they do not have to settle for a once-a-week report. By subscribing to local bird discussion groups, they can read reports of rare birds as soon as they are reported -sometimes only minutes after the birds have been found.

In an effort to keep Harford birders informed of local rare bird sightings, I maintain an e-mail list of birders who would like to receive such reports. Birders who find birds they think would be of interest to the list can call me or send me an e-mail and I will forward the message to everyone on my list. If you have a bird to report or would like to be added to the e-mail list, call me at (410)734-6969 or send e-mail to les_eastman@netfox.net.

In addition to the list mentioned above, I try to keep an e-mail list of all members of the Harford Bird Club who have e-mail addresses. I use this list to send out information that is of interest to the whole membership. If you are not on my list or are not sure, send me a message at the above e-mail address and ask to be put on the list. -Les Eastman

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Members of the Harford Bird Club are cordially invited to join The Chance Group for a 10-day Galapagos Expedition Voyage. Hosts Bob and Mary Chance, longtime champions of environmental and ecological issues here in Harford County, will set sail in early September for what will be billed as a birding and herpetological adventure trip. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling are all part of the deal. The trip is in collaberation with International Expeditions, Inc. For more information and a complete itinerary, contact The Chance Group at (410) 457-4766 or e-mail at chancetreefarm@aol.com.

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A"Lending Library" is being established for members of the Harford Bird Club. David Seitz is the project coordinator and he is requesting that all members who wish to exchange literature or borrow reading material contact him at David Seitzd seitz1@home.com or (410) 838-2150. We encourage all members to share in this program.

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Several birdwatchers betted that this trip on the clear morning of April 1 was real, and not another cruel "April Fool's" joke. Although the description seemed reasonable, our club has never visited this nearby park, and thus, several were suspicious. Nevertheless, we traveled about 15 min. past the Conowingo Dam into Pennsylvania to an outcrop of the serpentine geologic formation that influences the predominant pine habitat. We heard Pine Warblers, but most remained elusive to our group. One came in to "pishing", but then left before many of us could get our binoculars on it. Towhees were heard, and Red-breasted Nuthatches were common as were Golden-crowned Kinglets. Several species of sparrow were seen, including a singing Field Sparrow. The highlight was a Pileated Woodpecker that was cooperatively foraging around the picnic area. Altogether we tallied 36 species. - Mark Johnson

This trip to Loch Raven became focused on waterfowl. Not many landbirds were found, except for a very cooperative Eastern Bluebird that would not move from a well-lit fork in a tree and for some raptors seen overhead. Pied-billed Grebes were numerous, counting more than 12 for the trip. One Horned Grebe was located. Many American Wigeons, coots, and Ring-necked Ducks were seen to name a few. The weather was clear, but cool in the shade and warm in the sun. Areas covered included the picnic area and the Northampton Furnace trail. - Mark Johnson

On May 6, at least 10 birders were up and present at the mill at Rock Run on a warm spring morning to see what the weather had brought us. We were first greeted with the call of a Common Loon coming from the river. Yellow-throated Vireos, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and Yellow-throated Warblers sang from the sycamores nearby. We spent some time watching the activity around the mill area, then went into the woods. Our first accomodating bird was an Ovenbird that sang whilst we watched, as did a Wood Thrush; the latter in particulrly poor light. We then found two species of Catharus thrushes (Veery and Swainson's) and then had to cross the stream. Due to early morning thunderstorms, the water was higher than normal and some turned back. The remainders were greeted with good looks at Black-throated Blue and Kentucky Warblers, and many American Redstarts. We then went up the hill and over the ridge trail where we saw many Cerulean Warblers and one seemingly out-of-place Red-breasted Nuthatch. We then crossed yet another stream and the remainder (down to 4 now) decided if we could see a singing Black-throated Green Warbler heard nearby. Luck was with us and treated us to a great view of a singing male. We then made it to our cars and then to the picnic area where Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers were found. All told 68 species were tallied, 15 species of warbler and only one shorebird! - Mark Johnson

On a beautiful Tuesday morning at Mariner Point Park in Joppatowne, I was joined by John and Lorna Wortman. As we walked around the park, we found 32 species of birds. Our list included Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and Least Sandpiper. We also saw Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Osprey, and Double-crested Cormorant. We were also entertained by the black squirrels. Tom Congersky

Some strong weather systems once again probably affected the arrival times and sightings of birds in the county. A nor'easter with a deluge of rain swept in on March 21. It then seemed as though it would be an early spring as warm weather set in. Two inches of snow on April 9 signaled a return to winter. For about a week around Easter, it was chilly, drizzly and overcast. Then came an onset of extremely hot weather from about May 4 until May 13 which seemed to quiet some of the singing warblers and push the thrushes farther back into the forest. Thundershowers and cooler air returned by May 15 and the last days of this period were cool and rainy.

Loons and grebes made some surprising appearances during this time period. On May 20, a Red-throated Loon in first spring plumage was sighted floating downstream on the Susquehanna River at the Lapidum boat ramp in Susquehanna State Park (DP). On April 21, migrating Common Loons were observed overhead at Anita Leight Estuary Center (MJ). On April 27, three flew over Tydings Marina (DP, MH), and on May 9 two showed up over DMW's house near Havre de Grace. A Horned Grebe in breeding plumage was discovered at Lakeside pond on April 26 (DP) and seen again on April 27 (MH, DL, DP) and April 28 (MH).

The Susquehanna River was host to more than 150 Double-crested Cormorants on April 20 (RW). Also, there were some good reports in the category of bitterns, herons, egrets, and ibises. An American Bittern was heard at the marshy pond at HCC on April 23 and seen flying in on May 22 (DP). Three American Bitterns were reported at HCC on April 28 (MH). Great Egrets made appearances at Harford Glen on April 23 (DL), at Lakeside pond on May 1 (JC), and in Webster Village on May 2 (DMW). The lone report of a Snowy Egret was from Lakeside on April 22 (DL). An adult Little Blue Heron was observed at the horse pasture in the Edgewood area of APG on April 19 (LE) and another one was at Lakeside on May 1 (MH). The only report of a Cattle Egret was from the Lakeside pond on April 12 (DL). Green Herons were sighted at Harford Glen on April 23 (DL), at both Harford Glen and Lakeside on April 26 (DP), and at Lakeside on May 3 (DL). MH got a county bird with a Glossy Ibis at Edgewood area of APG on May 1.

Two Wood Ducks were seen at the Broad Creek bridge on Heaps School Road on March 22 (LF). On April 26 there were six male Wood Ducks on the river at Gunpowder State Park in Joppatowne (PP). One Gadwall appeared at Tydings Marina on April 27 (MH, DP). Three Gadwall were seen at Tydings Marina and one Blue-winged Teal at Harford Glen by Harford's Big Day group (DL, BM, DP, PP). Between six and twelve Green-winged Teal lingered at Lake Mitten in Pylesville and were seen on March 22, April 13 and 14 (JLF). Two male and one female Lesser Scaup were seen at the same location on April 16 (JLF). A single Lesser Scaup was sighted on May 13 at the Edgewood area of APG (MJ). One male Ring-necked Duck remained at Mariner Point on April 30 (PP). A female Red-breasted Merganser was present at Lakeside pond on April 28 (MH).

On April 12, an Osprey flew over Lake Mitten in Pylesville (JLF). RW sighted nineteen or more Osprey at Conowingo Dam on April 20. One was also reported by MJ on May 5 at Anita Leight Estuary Center as well as a Bald Eagle on the same day. A Merlin did a fly over at Lakeside on May 3 (DL). A little south of Harford County was a Merlin flying over White Marsh Boulevard on May 13 (MH). From Fallston come reports of Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks on April 20 (BM). Apparently, April 22 was a good day for migrating raptors over Webster Village, as 19 Broad-winged, six Osprey, two Sharp-shinned, and one American Kestrel were seen (DMW). On April 30 a Northern Harrier was hunting mid-morning at Gunpowder State Park (PP). A Broad-winged was also sighted at Harford Glen on April 23 (DL).

Wild Turkeys were "strutting their stuff" again this spring. Sightings were at Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (MH, DP), at the intersection of Craigs Corner Road and Wilkinson Road on May 4 (LE), and in the Fallsmont development of Fallston in mid-April (a female) (BM). It seems that she was "looking for love in all the wrong places." LE's tom stopped several times to display! A Northern Bobwhite was heard calling on Sesputia Island on April 27 (MH, DP).

In the plover and rail department, a Sora was heard at the marshy pond at HCC on April 23 (DP) and was noted again on April 28 (MH). Three Killdeer were seen at Lakeside pond on May 4 (JC) and reported from Mariner Point on April 23 (PP). A Virginia Rail was spotted at Harford Glen on April 16 (RC, DL). Semipalmated Plovers were present at Gunpowder on April 30, at Mariner Point on May 4, and at Lakeside on May 6 (DL).

Shorebird reports were numerous. An Upland Sandpiper was in the large field at Lakeside pond on April 28 (MH). Two Greater Yellowlegs were at the horse pasture pond in the Edgewood area of APG on April 19 (LE). Two Greater Yellowlegs and a Lesser Yellowlegs were at the same location on May 4 (LE). Three Greater Yellowlegs were found at Lakeside on April 11 (MH, DL). DL found six on April 16 and JC found two on May 4 at the same site. DP found four on the same day at Lakeside. The earliest report of a Lesser Yellowlegs was from Harford Glen on April 2 (MH, DL). Two Lesser Yellowlegs were observed at Lakeside on April 14 (MH, DL), and two were seen by DL on April 16 and three by JC on May 4. Two Lessers were also reported from the horse pond at Edgewood area on May 1 (MH). One Spotted Sandpiper was observed by RC and DL at Harford Glen on April 16, one by DP at Harford Glen and Lakeside on April 25, one by PP in Joppatowne on April 28, and three and four by JC and DP, respectively, at Lakeside on May 4. Solitary Sandpipers were not always solitary, as four were seen at the horse pasture pond on May 4 (LE). Seven were present at Lakeside on May 4 (DP). JC visited Lakeside later that same day and found fourteen Solitaries. Three lone sightings were at Harford Glen on April 23 (DL) and on April 26 (DP), and at Mariner Point on April 25 (PP). One Dunlin was reported from Lakeside on April 27 (MH, DP) and another from Mariner Point on May 8 (PP). On April 14, a Least Sandpiper was at Lakeside pond (MH, DL), DL found nine at Lakeside on April 16, and on April 26, DP found one at both Harford Glen and Lakeside. Nine Least Sandpipers made an appearance at the horse pasture pond on May 1 (MH) while six were present on May 4 (LE). MH and DP found eight at Lakeside on April 27, and JC found twenty-two there on May 4. Seventy-five were at Mariner Point and twenty-five were at Lakeside on May 4 (DP). A White-rumped Sandpiper showed up at Mariner Point on April 30 along with fifty to sixty Least Sandpipers (DP). Semipalmated Sandpipers appeared in the following numbers: seven at Gunpowder State Park in Joppatowne on April 26 (PP) and one at Lakeside on May 7 (DL). MH had Pectoral Sandpipers at Lakeside on April 2, and DL saw them there on April 3, 6, and 7. A Stilt Sandpiper was reported from Lakeside on April 27 (MH, DL), on April 28 at the upper pond (MH) and on May 6 (DL).

A Laughing Gull was sighted at Lakeside on May 6 (DL). RW reported at least three hundred gulls at Conowingo Dam on April 20, with most of them being Ring-billed, but at least a half-dozen Great Black-backed. Hundreds of Caspian Terns were on the Susquehanna and at Tydings Marina on April 27 (MH). Two Least Terns were present at Lakeside on May 4 (DP).

Reports of Yellow-billed Cuckoos were of four from Bosley Conservancy Area on May 4 (DP) and one near Lake Mitten on May 14 (JLF). The Harford Big Day team heard a calling Black-billed Cuckoo on May 17.

A Barred Owl called for about a half an hour around 4 AM near Ridge Road in Pylesville on May 14 (JLF).

Two Common Nighthawks flew over a house in Webster Village late in the afternoon of May 6 (DMW).

A Chimney Swift was reported from Harford Glen on April 16 (RC, DL) and the plural version was at Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (MH, DP). DMW reported a Pileated Woodpecker in their backyard on May 4. Was that a first? LE saw two male Red-bellied Woodpeckers contesting vocally and physically on May 4.

DP had a surprise when he sighted an Olive-sided Flycatcher at the end of his driveway on Falling Branch Road on May 20. It was perched on a dead snag, which is its typical behavior. Acadian Flycatchers were seen on April 30 at Rock Run (RC), on May 14 at Susquehanna State Park (SG), on May 4 at Bosley Conservancy (DP), and heard by LE at Bosley also on May 4. Eastern Wood-Pewee were at Rock Run on May 5 (RC) and at Susquehanna State Park on May 14 (SG). Eastern Phoebes started calling in earnest in Pylesville on March 24. Evidence of nest building in a shed started on April 3. As of May 23, the parents are still dutifully feeding the young (JLF). JLF also report an abundance of Great Crested Flycatchers in their wooded property this year. Three reports of Eastern Kingbirds came from Harford Glen and Lakeside on April 25 (DP), from Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (MH, DP), and from Baldwin on May 7 (MJ).

Accounts of vireos were as follows: one Blue-headed at Webster Village on April 16, one White-eyed at Harford Glen on April 16 (RC, DL), six White-eyed and two Blue-headed at Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (MH, DP), three Yellow-throated and Warbling at Rock Run on May 5 (RC), a Yellow-throated at Baldwin on May 6 (MJ), a Red-eyed, a White-eyed, and a Yellow-throated at Rock Run on May 6 (MJ).

The only Purple Martin reports came from Susquehanna SP on April 27 (MH, DP). That day also produced Tree, Barn, and N. Rough-winged Swallows at the same location (MH). DL noted fifty Barn Swallows on April 7 at Lakeside and a N. Rough-winged at Harford Glen on April 2 with MH.

Red-breasted Nuthatches seemed to linger later than usual this spring. One was seen in Webster Village on May 6 (DMW ) and one also at Rock Run in a tulip poplar behind the ranger's house on the same day (MJ). House Wrens were reported from Harford Glen on April 16 (RC) and April 23 (MJ), from Baldwin on April 25 (MJ), and from Susquehanna SP on April 27 (MH, DP). BM reported more Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers than she could count in mid-April.

A Hermit Thrush appeared at Webster Village on April 27 (DMW). MJ indicated that he heard his first Wood Thrush at the Edgewood area of APG on May 1. Four thrushes showed up at Webster Village on May 6 - Wood, Veery, Swainson's, and Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's (a silent bird) (DMW). A Gray-cheeked Thrush was also found at Rock Run on May 7 by RC and DL. A cooperative Swainson's Thrush was seen by the Harford Big Day team on May 17 in Susquehanna SP. Three singing male Brown Thrashers made an appearance on April 7 at Webster Village (DMW), one on April 26 at Gunpowder State Park (PP), and four at Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (MH, DP).

"Warblers, warblers, everywhere…" To make this part simple, the sightings are lumped together by area. MH reported eleven species April 27 at Susquehanna SP: N. Parula, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated, Prairie, Palm, Black-and-white, Prothonotary, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat. SG reported six species at Susquehanna on May 15: Prothonotary, Kentucky, Cerulean, American Redstart, Worm-eating, and Connecticut. In a Webster Village backyard the following were seen: Black-throated Green and Ovenbird on April 27, Blackburnian and Nashville on May 2, Blue-winged, Magnolia, and Nashville on May 3, and Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, N. Parula, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-and-white, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped, Blackburnian, American Redstart, and Nashville (fifth day in a row) on May 6 (DMW). The Harford Big Day team sighted sixteen warbler species on May 17: Yellow-throated, N. Parula, Yellow, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Pine, Prairie, Blackpoll, American Redstart, Prothonotary, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Two Palms and two Black-and-whites were in a Fallston backyard on April 20 (BM). Louisiana Waterthrush was present at Rock Run on April 1 and at Harford Glen on April 2 (RC). Rock Run yielded Nashville, Magnolia, Palm and Black-throated Blue on April 30 and nineteen warbler species including Canada, Kentucky, Black-throated Green, Black- throated Blue, Magnolia, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, and Yellow-breasted Chat on May 5, and Bay-breasted, Blue-winged, and Cape May on May 7 (RC). A Hooded was seen along Winter's Run on May 1, and has been heard singing since (RC). A Palm Warbler and a Louisiana Waterthrush were sighted at Harford Glen on April 2 (MH, DL). Northern Waterthrush was seen by DP and LE at Bosley Conservancy on May 4. At Anita Leight Estuary Center, there were lots of Yellow-rumps, a few Black-and-whites, and Ovenbirds on April 28; a Worm-eating was heard, seen and banded on May 5 (MJ). The first Ovenbirds were heard there on April 21 (MJ). An American Redstart visited a backyard pond in Bel Air on May 14 (JCV). Common Yellowthroats were reported from Lakeside on April 25 (DP) and May 4 (JC), and at Bosley on May 4 (LE). A Yellow Warbler was sighted at Joppatowne on April 28 (PP), and two were at Lakeside on May 4 (JC).

There were only two reports of Scarlet Tanagers, although there were obviously many more present. They were from Bel Air on May 7 and 8 (JCV) and from the Leight Center on May 5 (MJ).

Two Eastern Towhees and four Fox Sparrows visited a deck feeder in Fallston on April 20 (BM), and an Eastern Towhee visited a backyard pond in Bel Air on April 25 (JCV).

Grosbeak reports were as follows: two male Rose-breasted Grosbeak along with Indigo Buntings at a bird feeder in the Creswell area on May 4 (RC), two more Rose-breasted at Webster Village on May 2 (DMW), and one at the Leight Center on May 5 (MJ). On April 27, a female Evening Grosbeak was at a backyard pond in Bel Air (JCV), and one flew over Webster Village on April 28 (DMW). Blue Grosbeaks sightings include: a female at Edgewood area of APG on May 13 (MJ), and one male along with many Indigo Buntings at a feeder in Creswell on May 17 (RC).

Bobolinks were still at Baldwin on May 7 (MJ). Six were spotted at Gunpowder State Park in Joppatowne on May 13 (PP). An Eastern Meadowlark was present at the same place on April 30 (PP). Fifty Rusty Blackbirds were found at the horse pond at Edgewood area of APG on April 11 (LE), thirty on April 19 (LE), one on May 1 (MH), and six on May 4 (LE). A pair of Orchard Orioles was glimpsed briefly at Bosley on May 4 (LE) and many Baltimore Orioles could be found all along the Susquehanna River and at Rock Run in early May (RC).

A flock of ten to fifteen Purple Finches were present in Susquehanna State Park on April 27 (DP, MH), nine were in a backyard in Webster Village on April 16 (DMW), and two were in Fallston at a feeder on April 20 (BM). An unusual sighting for this time period was a female Common Redpoll feeding at a thistle feeder and roosting in a hemlock or oak (MW).

By the way, the Harford Big Day team tallied 105 species with an even one hundred seen by everyone!

It took ten hours to compile and type this report. My head is swimming with dates and initials. I tried very hard to be accurate and to include most of what was submitted. Any errors are unintentional. It was a large volume of material to wade through.

Observers for this report were: Jon Cupp, Sr.? (JC), Rick Cheicante (RC), Les Eastman (LE), Jean and Larry Fry (JLF), Scott Guzewich (SG), Matt Hafner (MH), Mark Johnson (MJ), Dave Larkin (DL), Barbara Meserve (BM), Dave Powell (DP), Phil Powers (PP), Joe and Carole Vangrin (JCV), Dave and Marsha Webb (DMW), Reid Williamson (RW).

The next deadline for this column will be Saturday, July 22. Submissions should include sightings from May 20 through July 20. Please include date, location, and anything unusual about the appearance, behavior, or numbers. To avoid duplication, do not include sightings from field trips or counts unless it is something really striking. Send to: Jean Fry, 1202 Ridge Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 E-mail: jlfry@netfox.net Phone: ( 410) 452-8539.

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Here are the Harford Bird Club field trips for the next few weeks. If you would like further information about a particular field trip, please contact Dave Powell.

Evening Rail Search Tour the southern parts of Harford County with hopes of encountering some of the most secretive of Harford's birds, the rails. Likely to be seen or heard include Sora, Virginia Rail, and King Rail. Leader Dave Powell can be contacted at (410) 452-5806. He plans to meet at the Edgewood Park-N-Ride MD route 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Tydings Island and Lakeside Business Park Hosts Jim and Alice Hirvonen invite you to their residence overlooking the Havre de Grace mudflats for early shorebirds, terns, and pizza dinner. This evening trip concludes with streams of southbound swallows at Van Bibber's Lakeside Business Park. Target species include hard-to-find early migrants such as Black Tern, Short-billed Dowitcher, and Cliff Swallow. Meet at 4:30 PM at Tydings Marina. Leader is Dave Webb (410) 939-3537.

Conowingo Dam Join leader Rick Cheicante and Pamela Stephen for the 2^nd Annual "Birds and Butterflies" Foray at Conowingo. Swallows, terns, and shorebirds will abound and a short meander down the Greenway Trail should produce Zebra Swallowtail, Silvery Checkerspot, Zabulon Skipper, and Wild Indigo Duskywing. Meet in the Fisherman's Park, at the base of the dam, at 7:00 a.m. for this all morning trip. Contact Rick at (410) 803-2712 or see you there.

Hummingbird Happy Hour Hosts Les & Jan Eastman invite you to their home near Susquehanna State Park for an evening of socializing and backyard bird watching, highlighted by up-close views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Participants are asked to bring a snack/appetizer to share, and their own beverages. You are also welcome to bring your swimsuit and enjoy the Eastman's pool. The party begins at 6:00 p.m. at 4034 Wilkinson Road, just west of the intersection with Craigs Corner Road. Call Les for further information at (410) 734-6969.

Pot Luck Shorebirds Join Dennis Kirkwood on an annual tour of Bombay Hook for shorebirds galore. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the MD 155 / I-95 commuter lot (Exit 89). Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and lunch for this 3/4-day journey in search of shorebirds and the hottest rarities. Contact Dennis for futher information, his number is (410) 692-5905.

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Please return to Carole Vangrin, 1100 Barkley Place, Bel Air,  MD  21014  by
Wednesday, June 28, 2000.

                __________ Number of adults ( at $5.00 each )
                __________ Number of children 12 and under ( at $3.00 each )

                Please make checks payable to Harford County MOS.

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                         Print your name(s)

Include address and phone number if you would like transportation to the meeting.
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