Volume 13 Number 9

December 2000

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Found an injured raptor?
Contact Debbie Saylor of Chesapeake Birds of Prey, Inc.

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

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CONTENTS

"The Beauty and Birds of Arizona"
The President's Perch
New Club Members
Calendar of Events
2000 - 2001 Members Special Anniversary Announcements
2001 Nest Box Sale & Workshop
*** Some Dues are Past Due ***
The 29th Annual Audubon Rock Run Christmas Bird Count
2001 Mid-Winter Bird Count
Vacation Reports
Field Trip Reports
Harford's Avian Visitors
HARFORD CHAPTER - MOS FIELD TRIPS December 2000 - March 2001
NEST BOX RESERVATION FORM

Arizona is one of the most popular birding destinations in North America and my personal favorite, by far. The many and varied species of birds - Elegant Trogon, Montezuma Quail, Lucifer Hummingbird, Zone-tailed Hawk - are just part of the reason for its popularity. The beauty of the region is an equal part: the blooming of the desert cactus, the sheer canyon walls painted every color of the rainbow, the fury of a thunderstorm rolling through the mountains, and the mini dust storm kicked up by a black-tailed jackrabbit--all of these add to the intrigue and adventure of Southeast Arizona.

The program will be presented by Bob Schutsky, owner and operator of BIRD TREKS, a birding tour company. Bob and his wife, Nancy, live on the shores of the Susquehanna River in Peach Bottom, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He has studied and photographed the birds of North and Central America for the past 28 years. Bob has three wonderful children, Lara, Kim, and David, all of whom travel and bird with him. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami (FL) in 1972. His principal interests include birding, wildlife photography, and sharing the world of birds with others. In recent years, Bob has been president of the Lancaster County Bird Club, regional coordinator of the Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas Project, and a columnist for the Lancaster Sunday News. He held the Pennsylvania Big Year record for about seven years, observing 306 species within the state in 1992.

Come join us for this wonderful experience. The program "The Beauty and Birds of Arizona" will be presented as part of our winter meeting. The night is Friday, January the 5^th, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. Remember: No reservations are needed as this is a *No Dinner* event. Hope to see you there. - Debbie Saylor

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Our annual picnic was a hugh success with great food and great people. Our hats off to Tom Congersky, Randy Robertson and their crew for a wonderful meal. We were honored to have as one of our guest, Karen Morley, President of the MOS. Karen sent a beautiful thank you card and wanted to express how much she enjoyed chatting with the members and the delicious food we had at our annual picnic.

Other news: Please save all old calendars or photos of birds and notify Carol Flora. The marketing committee needs photos for display purposes. Contact Dave Seitz if you would like to partcipate in our lending library project. We need other members to list their books or videos on the master list. With the holidays approaching, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy time with their loved ones...and please don't forget our feathered friends. They would appreicate some suet and keep the bird feeder filled on cold days. Hope everyone can take some time out from our busy schedule for winter birding. - Debbie Saylor

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

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The 2000 - 2001 membership year marks the Harford Bird Club's 51^st anniversary, as most may recall last year's gala 50th anniversary celebration. But before we completely turn the corner towards our next 50 years, we thought it appropriate to call out member's anniversaries for some noteworthy years of membership starting with our senior member, Emma Kohout.

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The Harford Bird Club will team up with the Leight Estuary Center in Edgewood to hold the seventh annual nest box workshop on Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. For a minimal cost to cover materials (wood and hardware), you can order a rough-cut, cedar nest box. On the day of the workshop, pick up your prefabricated kit at the Leight Estuary Center for immediate assembly or assemble it at home. Then mount your nest box outside and wait for your new neighbors to fly in.

Four plans are available from which to choose. They are:

Orders for boxes must be placed by Friday, January 19. To order, fill out and mail the form on page 11 or call Randy & Diane Robertson or e-mail at rrobertson@ineva.com. Included with your order, we ask that you make your check out to "Harford County MOS." After all orders and checks are in, our expert carpenters will purchase the required cedar and hardware, and cut out each box to the proper dimensions. If you plan to assemble the box at the Estuary Center, please bring your own hammer and Phillips screwdriver. - Randy Robertson

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If you have not paid your 2000-01 membership dues, the first line of your mailing label will read, "NOT RENEWED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2000". If you do not renew your membership by February 1, 2001, you will be removed from local and MOS mailing lists and this is the last newsletter that you will receive. If you have any questions about your membership, please call Joyce Gorsuch or e-mail at jegorsuch@eclipsetel.com. - HBC Executive Committee

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The Twenty-nineth Annual Audubon Rock Run Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2000. The Christmas Bird Count is an excellent opportunity to have fun while contributing to one of the largest scientific databases concerning bird populations. You need not be experienced to participate. In fact, many prominent ornithologists have gotten their start with the Christmas Bird Count. The count is simple! The count circle is 15 miles in diameter with center point at the Rock Run Mill in Susquehanna State Park. The circle is divided into sectors in which a group and its leader have 24 hours to count as many species and individuals as they can find. After the count, participants will, once again, descend on John and Lorna Wortman's house for homemade bread and stew to tally the birds and talk about the day's findings. The fee per participant is $5 which is forwarded to the National Audubon Society in order to compile and publish the results. If you are new to the count, consider this an open invitation to join us. If you're returning, begin building your strategies now. Either way, contact Russ Kovach by phone or by e-mail at Nikonf5user@aol.com.

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The 2001 Mid-Winter Bird Count will be held Saturday, January 27, 2001. The mid-winter count encompasses the entire county and all birders are invited to participate. If you don't want to count an assigned area, you may do a feeder count, or take a few hours and count in your neighborhood. Count sheets will be available at the next meeting, or you may call the coordinator, Bill Pfingsten or e-mail at pfeathers@starpower.net and request an assigned area, or ask for a count sheet to record your feeder birds.

Thanks to the hardy birders who have participated during the past 10 years. Your dedication in counting in cold, damp, foggy and icy conditions is greatly appreciated.

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Southern California is hot! Southern California is dry! Three Harford birders ventured west to ascend their life lists. Joe Chronowski, Russ Kovach, and myself spent 13 days birding from dawn to dusk. We flew into Burbank, CA, and quickly added Spotted Dove, California Gnatcatcher, Oak Titmouse, and California Thrasher. We then drove to the Salton Sea for the rare Yellow-footed Gull. We lucked out with an incredible view of LeConte's Thrasher in Kofa NWR, and a Crissal Thrasher at Lake Havasu (home to the London Bridge). Off to Monterry for a pelagic trip, where along the way we picked up Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Black-chinned Sparrow, and Red-breasted Sapsucker.

The pelagic trip was highlighted by four blue whales, and an adorable sea otter. We even found a few lifers: Pink-footed Shearwater, Cassin's Auklet, Black-footed Albatross, Long-tailed Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, and Elegant Tern. Not bad!!

Along the shore we encountered Heermann's Gull, Black Oystercatcher, Wandering Tattler, and Black Turnstone. Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Magpies, and Cassin's Vireo were all spotted. The big highlight was a California Condor (#2 blue) - observed on McPherson Peak - 50 miles from any other human being - remote - like you can't imagine.

Joe picked up 74, Russ totaled 96, and I added 28 lifers. We did have some big misses: Lawrence's Goldfinch, Tri-colored Blackbird, and Abert's Towhee (amazingly missed by Russ). Other exciting moments included: Russ stepping on cactus spikes which penetrated his sneakers; hearing coyotes about 30 feet away while owling; and Russ leaving crisp $100 bills in the owner's manual of the rental car. - Spike Updegrove

Larry and I spent three weeks from June 14 until July 6 in England, Scotland, and Wales birding and sightseeing. Our trip was timed so that we would be there when the breeding seabirds would be on the cliffs both in the Shetland Islands and along the coast of Wales. We visited the cliffs at Sumburgh Head at the southern end of the mainland of the Shetlands and at Esha Ness lighthouse area on the northwestern part of the mainland. Eurasian Oystercatcher (Shalder-the local Shetland name), Northern Lapwing (Peewit), Eurasian Curlew (Whaap), Whimbrel (Peerie whaap) and Common Redshank (Ebb-cock) were numerous on the mainland. At Sumburgh Head we saw Razorbill (Sea Craas), Fulmar (Maalies), Common Guillemot (Looms), Black Guillemot (Tystie), Northern Gannet (Solan Geese), Atlantic Puffin (Tammie Nories), Black-legged Kittiwake (Wegs), Great Cormorants (Muckle Scarf), and European Shags (Scarfs) on the cliffs. Thousands of Common Guillemots called raucously from the rocks below. A horrendous out-of-season storm with 95 mph winds two days earlier had swamped the cliffs with waves. It was estimated that from 3500 to 7000 Guillemot chicks had been washed out to sea. Fortunately, we arrived after the storm. Shetland Wrens, a subspecies of Winter Wren, hopped around the rock walls. Northern Wheatears flew from the meadow to crevices in the rocks where their nests were located. Near Esha Ness, Arctic Terns (Tirricks) nested near the road and dived toward us when we were out of the car. A Northern Lapwing with chick did a broken wing display and a Dunlin (Plover's page) hovered over three chicks so completely that it looked as though she had eight legs. A Red-throated Diver (Rain Goose) swam silently on one of many small pools. One day we journeyed to Hermaness Nature Reserve at the northern end of the island of Unst which is reached by two "ro-ro" (roll on, roll off) ferries that go from the mainland to the island of Yell and thence to the island of Unst. It was a somewhat strenuous two-hour hike through a heather and gorse-covered moor or heath or fell (whatever!) There we encountered all of the nesting seabirds that were at Sumburgh Head. In addition, dozens of Great Skua (Bonxies) were flying overhead and sitting on nests. Luckily they did not dive bomb us as we had been told that they would. Apparently their time period of territorial aggressiveness was over and they had settled on nest sites. Seeing them was one of our goals for the trip. Skylarks sang their endlessly sustained song while hovering high in the sky, sometimes only a dot, sometimes totally out of sight. The loud warbling continued seemingly without a breath! Sheep grazed to the edge of the cliffs and lambs gamboled precariously close to the edge. Fierce winds prevented the use of a scope in the direction of the gannetry, but we did get the full effect of the raw smell of guano. However, facing in another direction, we could look down on Northern Gannets in all plumages flying below. From that spot the northernmost lighthouse in the British Isles, Muckle Flugga, can be seen in the distance. The lighthouses around the Shetland Islands and northern Scotland were built by Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson. In fact, RL Stevenson lived on Unst while writing Treasure Island and used the area as inspiration for the setting of the book. While looking for European Golden Plover (Plivver) which we never did find, we spotted a pair of Arctic Skua (Skooty Allans) at a nest. Wild Shetland ponies grazed amongst the ruins of crofts, ancient cemeteries, and standing stones. Sheep were everywhere. A stop at the Keen of Hamar, a serpentine barrens with a lunar-like landscape on the island of Unst, yielded several wildflowers including Edmonston's Chickweed which grows nowhere else in the world. We had hoped to take a night boat trip to the island of Mousa to see the Storm Petrels come in from sea to their nest burrows, but rain and fog made the trip prohibitive. For the most part, the weather was beautiful with bright intense sun on two or three days. It is only semi-dark in the northern summer from about midnight until 3:30 a.m., so it was a challenge to get enough sleep.

Leaving the Shetlands we wound our way south through Scotland, stopping at Loch Leven, an RSPB reserve where we found Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Willow Warbler, and Spotted Flycatcher among others. Continuing on to the Lake District in England, on a hike in the pouring rain from Ambleside to Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's home, we spotted a Mistle Thrush, a Common Bullfinch, and a Great Tit. Bird watching is frequently fortuitous and here are two examples. At Bodnant Gardens in northwestern Wales I was standing on a bridge over a rushing stream thinking that it would be an excellent spot for a White-throated Dipper and within seconds one appeared and we watched it until it disappeared farther down the stream. While eating breakfast one morning in Betwys-y-Coed in the Snowdonia Mountains, we saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the "bird table" at the bed and breakfast next to ours just after talking about hoping to see a woodpecker. We spent the better part of one day at the South Stack Reserve on the Isle of Anglesey on the northwest coast of Wales. Here were more cliffs with the aforementioned breeding birds, but we also saw Stonechat, Common Linnet, Stock Pigeon and the comical and acrobatic Red-billed Chough, which was one of our target birds for the trip. We watched their aerial maneuvers and estimated that there was probably a total of six or eight of them.

On our way to the southern part of Wales, we happened across the Gigrin Red Kite Center south of Rhayader. A farmer there gets beef scraps from a butcher and spreads them in a field every day at 2:00 p.m. in the winter and 3:00 p.m. in the summer. There are four blinds which were all filled with people watching the various raptors soar, swoop, and feed for over an hour. A rough estimate would be twenty to thirty Red Kites, another target bird, numerous Common Ravens, Jackdaws, Common Buzzards, Carrion Crows, and Rooks. Although I have mixed feelings about raptors becoming dependent upon supplied food, it certainly has raised people's awareness of the birds and increased their desire to save them. We also saw some in the wild, so we didn't feel like we were cheating. Our last birding expedition was an evening boat ride around Skomer Island off the southwestern Pembrokeshire Coast. Once again we observed the gamut of breeding seabirds on the cliffs, but around 9:00 PM we were treated to two flocks of about two hundred each of Manx Shearwaters settling on the water before returning to their nest burrows for the night. Also learned a couple interesting facts about Great Black-backed Gulls hich breed on the island. The naturalist on the boat who has worked there for many years said that they have been known to swallow a rabbit whole and that they sometimes drown Manx Shearwaters in the streams on the island so that they are easier to swallow!

The warblers seemed very elusive. It was difficult to pish them from the thickets. We heard at least six Common Chiffchaffs and never actually saw one. Our total for the trip was eighty-six species; thirty-one were new for the British Isles, and twenty were life birds. On a guided tour we would have seen more species, but would have been denied much of the freedom to explore that we so enjoy.

When we traveled there twelve years ago, we used the Peterson, Mountfort, Hollom Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Prior to this trip I had seen the 1999 Svensson and Grant Birds of Europe reviewed, so I ordered it from Barnes and Noble. It is an excellent guide with very detailed drawings; the maps appear with the text instead of in a separate section. We have lots of brochures to share with anyone who is interested in birding in the British Isles. A special thanks to Dave Larkin, a member of our club, and his brother Paul for suggestions and guidance in planning our itinerary. - Jean Fry

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On October 1, a joint field trip with Cecil County produced a wide variety of birds. A dense fog prevented a good hawkwatching day but there were plenty of other birds to watch. Season first Winter Wren and White-throated Sparrows were spotted. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was heard. At the point, both kinglets, Caspian Tern and Common Loon were seen. Warblers seen in cluded Tennessee, Black-throated Blue and Black-and-White. Other good birds seen were Wood Thrush, pewee, and Eastern Phoebe. A good trip proving Turkey Point is one of the most exciting birding spots in our region. - Dave Powell

Two people counted nighthawks from the Bel Air parking garage on August 23. The weather was overcast and few birds were migrating. We did see several nighthawks feeding with a flock of Purple Martins, but none actually flew over the garage. We saw a total of six in about an hour and a half of watching. Other than a few robins, Rock Doves, Mourning Doves and House Finches, there was little bird activity. - Bill Pfingsten

Rick Blom and I led a field trip in Susquehanna SP this morning to look for sparrows and other migrants. The other participants were John Ball and Drew Thornblad. We started along the river trying to find a sharp-tailed sparrow. We didn't find one but we did find a very late Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a couple of Winter Wrens. Walking through the more upland regions of the park, we did end up finding 8 species of sparrow, including 2 Lincoln's Sparrows. Also interesting was the six Eastern Screech-Owls that returned Rick Blom's owl imitation. Overhead, we observed migrating Black Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks and Tree Swallows. - Les Eastman

What a beautiful October day! We even saw 36 species of birds. Ten birders met at Dublin Elementary School, then proceeded to the Broad Creek BSC. Red-breasted Nuthatches, Yellow-rumped Warblers, migrating robins, and both kinglets were common, and seen well. The bird of the day was a Swainson's Thrush seen well by all (except the leader - don't ask). We also saw the fall's first juncos, Cedar Waxwings, both vultures, an Eastern Phoebe, and a probable Blue-headed Vireo found by co-leader Russ K. - Spike Updegrove

After a hearty meal at the annual picnic at Capa Field, a dozen of us went in search of birds. The highlights included both female and male Black-throated Blue warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hairy Woodpecker and a White-crowned Sparrow. A nice walk after a super meal. - Dave Powell

On November 28^th, five people joined me in search of sparrows. We were rewarded with six different species; Song, White-crowned and White-throated, Field, Savannah and Swamp. American Pipits were heard and seen flying overhead. A check of the ponds at Perryman yielded Hooded Merganser, Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and a Pied-billed Grebe. - Dave Powell

Thirteen people attended the "owl prowl" on Nov. 4. We started at Bower's Farm where we saw two Barred Owls and heard a third one. After unsuccessfully trying to find a Great Horned Owl, which are heard in the area, we ventured down into Rocks State Park to search for more birds. We attempted to find Eastern Screech-Owl, only to lure in two more Barred Owls. We also heard two other Barred Owls. It was a successful trip having seen four Barred Owls and hearing three others. Other species did not care to participate in our fun. - Harold Boling

On Sunday, November 19, eight members journeyed to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Kent County. It was cloudy (27 -37^oF) with a light wind. Stops were made along the way to view Snow Geese, Horned Larks, and at least fifty Killdeer in the fields near Galena. Chesapeake Farms yielded White-crowned Sparrows as usual. An estimated 1,000 Tundra Swans were at the refuge, which is about one-fourth of what they expect. Although we saw Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck, noticeably absent were American Wigeon, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, and mergansers. A check at the visitor center confirmed the fact that they were just not there yet. Apparently weather to the north had been too mild to cause them to move south. Other good sightings were Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Lesser Black-backed Gull. A total of 64 species were seen during the entire trip. - Jean Fry

On Dec. 3^rd, nine birdwatchers got together on a cold December morning to walk the pines at Nottingham County Park. This park is just above the Pennsylvania border off of Route 1 and is a serpentine pine barren area. We were hoping that since it was a predominant pine habitat, that our chances were good to see some winter finches. Unfortunately, none were found. However, we did get some looks at Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and one straggling Ruby-crowned Kinglet. As suspected, White-throated and Song Sparrows were numerous. We also had some great views of as many as 12 Eastern Bluebirds jousting for landing space on a nearby snag. Cedar Waxwings were seen foraging on pokeweed near ground level and all witnessed some very accommodating Pine Warblers on the ground as well. Afterwards we briefly stopped at Conowingo Dam to view the Bald Eagles and gulls. Roughly 40 species were seen on the 1/2 day trip. - Mark Johnson

This period of time has been extremely dry; in fact, I heard a couple of times that it was the third driest October on record. A small amount of rain arrived on November 14, but the showers have been few and far between. Bright sunny days and cool crisp nights have been quite common. With very few strong weather fronts moving through, we have not seen large numbers of migrants at any one time.

Starting at the beginning of the various classes and orders, here go the sightings for the last couple of months. DL and MH found a Little Blue Heron at Lakeside on September 23. A single Pied-billed Grebe was seen for a few moments at Lake Mitten in Pylesville on October 19 before it disappeared (JLF). A couple dozen Pied-billed Grebes were observed at Havre de Grace Marina on October 21 (DP, DL, LE). By October 26 the numbers had greatly increased to at least 200 (LE).

Duck reports were as follows: four American Wigeon and five Northern Shovelers at Tydings Marina on September 29 (MH); two Ruddy Ducks on the Gunpowder River on September 30 (MH); half a dozen Shovelers at Havre de Grace Marina on October 21 (LE, DL, DP); at the same location an immature Brant on October 21 for LE, DL, and DP; a Green-winged Teal and a Ring-necked Duck on November 5 at Club House Lane pond (MH, DL); a couple thousand Canada Geese, four Ring-necked Ducks, a dozen Shovelers, and a blue phase Snow Goose on the mud flats at Havre de Grace Marina on October 26 (LE); numerous high flocks of Canada Geese over Pylesville on September 29 and October 22 (JLF); a pair of Wood Ducks on October 22 and a female Bufflehead at Lake Mitten on November 11 (JLF).

MH found ten American Coots at Tydings Marina on September 29 and a couple of hundred were seen there on October 21 (LE, DL, and DP).

In the category of raptors, six Broad-winged Hawks were seen over Lake Mitten on September 24 (JLF). September 30 was an active day for hawks as three Red-shouldered (including one immature), one Red-tailed, one Cooper's, and one Sharp-shinned were seen in the same location (JLF). On October 14 the three Red-shouldered were still soaring in that area (JLF). BM reported three resident Red-tails, an adult Cooper's, and a hunting Northern Harrier at Perryman on October 8. About a dozen Bald Eagles were present at Conowingo on October 21 (LE, DP, JLF). MH and DL found a Northern Harrier at Perryman on November 5. Lastly, DB saw a Red-tailed Hawk at Rocks at the King and Queen Seat on November 12.

There were lots of sightings of Killdeer reported: nine at Aldino on September 29 (MH); four at Lake Mitten on October 14 and two on October 22 (JLF); and two at Havre de Grace Marina on October 21 (LE, DL, DP). Also seen that day at that spot was a Greater Yellowlegs by the same trio of observers. The only other shorebird reports were a Western Sandpiper and a Sanderling at Tydings in Havre de Grace on Sept. 29 (MH).

A Bonaparte's Gull was seen by MH at Tydings on September 29. Conowingo had about forty Laughing Gulls and Tydings over three hundred on October 1 (MH and DL). They were wondering if this was a high number for that date. Several Forster's Terns and at least one Caspian were sighted by LE on October 26 at Havre de Grace Marina.

A Barred Owl called in Pylesville from approximately 3 until 4 AM on October 5 (JLF). DMW had a Great Horned in their yard on October 8 and DB had both a Barred and a Great Horned visit her property in Street on November 4. These clear autumn evenings seem like a perfect time to hear their calls.

DL and MH saw a late Common Nighthawk flying around with Chimney Swifts on October 1 at Tydings. DB had a Belted Kingfisher at her farm in Street on November 4. I don't recall her having a pond there, but I could be wrong. In the category of woodpeckers, DB reported a Pileated in Street on November 13; JF heard one on October 22 in Pylesville. Six or eight Northern Flickers were near Lake Mitten on October 25 (JLF). Good news came from LE about the Red-headed Woodpeckers on Stafford Road. He spotted one on November 12; it was in the woods to the right of the pasture. It flew to a couple of trees and then to the big dead tree which was the main hangout in the past before the tree broke apart. Many of us were wondering if any were still in that area, so it is gratifying to hear that there is at least one. Also, a late report of a hummingbird sp. from the Wortman home.

Bosley Conservancy yielded sightings of Philadelphia Vireo and Least Flycatcher on September 30 (MH and BM).

Late flocks of Tree Swallows were seen over Lake Mitten in Pylesville on October 8 (15-20), October 9 (4), and November 6 (10-12) (JLF). A Red-breasted Nuthatch was observed at Harford Glen on October 1 (MH, DL). Winter Wrens have been noticeably absent at our home in Pylesville for several years until last winter when we saw two. This year one appeared on October 17 and 22 (JLF). Have they been here when we weren't? DB also reported one at Rocks State Park on November 12. Both kinglets were observed by MH on September 30 with Golden-crowned at Bosley and Edgewood arsenal. Several Golden-crowned were heard on October 25 near Lake Mitten, and October 22 produced a flock of ten to twelve Ruby-crowned in an Autumn Olive at the same location (JLF).

Thrushes appeared as follows: a Hermit in Street on November 9 (DB); a Gray-cheeked at Edgewood Arsenal on September 30 (MH); and a flock of fifty American Robins in Pylesville on November 3 (JLF). Flocks of 25 Cedar Waxwings on November 3 and thirty on November 11 were seen in Pylesville (JLF).

There were some good warbler sightings. They are as follows: Chestnut-sided and four Black-throated Blues at Bosley Conservancy on September 30 (MH and BM); Parulas, good numbers of Black-throated Greens and Magnolias at Edgewood Arsenal on September 30 (MH); Black-throated Blues, Magnolias, and Tennessees at Harford Glen on October 1 (MH and DL); Palm at Perryman on October 1 (MH and DL) and abundant Palms at the same location on October 9 (BM); western Palms at Mullins Park on September 30 (MH), and at Perryman on October 9 (BM); Yellow-rumped at a bird bath in Street on November 12 (DB); a good find of a Connecticut at Swan Harbor near the cornfield on September 29 (MH); Pine at Aberdeen Proving Ground on November 12 (DL); and Nashvilles at Perryman and Edgewood on September 30 (MH).

The following sparrow category sightings were reported: Swamp at Mullins Park on September 30 (MH); a large flock of Savannah at Perryman on October 1 (MH and DL) and again on October 9 (BM); an alert sighting of a Lincoln near a pond on Aldino-Stepney Road (MH and DL); a pair of Fox singing their melodious song near Lake Mitten on November 7 and several singing and giving chip notes on November 11 at the same location; Fox at Rocks King and Queen Seat on November 12 (DB); lots of Song , several Field, a single Vesper, and a possible late Grasshopper at Perryman on October 9. (BM) We heard our first White-throated in Pylesville on October 9, which is really not an early date (JLF).

Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found at Harford Glen on October 1 by MH and DL. Two late ones visited the feeder at DP's home on November 5. The first report of a Dark-eyed Junco came from MH at Edgewood Arsenal on September 30. A flock didn't arrive in our lawn until October 25 which is later than usual (JLF).

Thanks to those who contibuted reports for this column: Debbie Bowers (DB) Les Eastman (LE), Jean and Larry Fry (JLF), Matt Hafner (MH), Dave Larkin (DL), Brian Monk (BM), Dave Powell (DP), and Dave and Marsha Webb (DMW).

It is important to turn in your sightings. This is sent on to Maryland Birdlife, a publication of MOS. Sharing your observations is what birding is all about and helps all of us to be more alert to and knowledgeable of the bird behavior around us.

The next deadline for the HAV column is Tuesday, January 16, 2001. This will cover reports from November 15 until January 15. Please submit to Jean Fry, 1202 Ridge Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 or e-mail at a NEW ADDRESS: ffryjl@aol.com.

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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.

Cape Henlopen Prime location at the mouth of the Delaware Bay for winter specialties such as Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting, Great Cormorant and sea ducks. This all-day trip will include an hour or two of walking on sand. Bring lunch and warm, comfortable clothing. Trip leader is Russ Kovach. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the I-95/MD 155 commuter lot (Havre de Grace exit).

Christmas Bird Count The 29th Annual Audubon Rock Run Christmas Bird Count. See article for details. Coordinator is Russ Kovach.

Conowingo Gull Watch Whether you're a serious lister or a beginner looking for pointers on gull identification, this one's for you. Led by noted gull-watcher Gene Scarpulla, this all-morning trip may turn up such winter rarities as Iceland, Lesser Black-backed, or Black-headed Gulls. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the base of the dam, at the East end of Shures Landing Road. For more information, contact trip coordinator Rick Cheicante. Mostly stationary trip with only minimal walking; heavy clothing and a warm beverage recommended.

Tenth Annual Feeder Tour The morning trip will tour two to three bird-feeder establishments in the Southeastern section of Harford County. From the meeting location, we will carpool to our first hosts home and roost in a warm spot where the feeders are visible. Roughly an hour later we will migrate to the second house. Participation is limited, please contact coordinator Randy Robertson to reserve your spot and get meeting times and location. In the case of inclement weather, the trip will be postponed to Sat., January 20th.

South Baltimore Join leader Mark Johnson for a half-day trip to a South Baltimore oasis for birds. Target species include Ring-necked Pheasant, Short-eared Owl, sparrows and waterfowl. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the I-95 / MD 152 Park and Ride lot. For further details contact Mark Johnson.

Mid-Winter Count See article for details. Coordinator is Bill Pfingsten.

Black Marsh and North Point State Park Morning trip to Baltimore County hotspots along the Chesapeake shoreline. A mixture of habitats attracts a wide variety of birds, ranging from waterfowl (Canvasback and Lesser Scaup) to Winter Wren, Northern Harrier and Fox Sparrow. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the MD 152/I-95 Park & Ride. Leaders are Larry & Jean Fry.

Bradenbaugh Flats Traditional trip to the gentle rolling fields of the Upper Deer Creek watershed. Leader Dennis Kirkwood will guide the search for Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, and Eastern Meadowlark. Other stops may turn up waterfowl and winter sparrows such as White-crown. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Jarrettsville Elementary School, located on MD 23, a half mile west of MD 165. The morning trip will consist mostly of drive-and-stop birding. Participants are invited to the Kirkwood's home afterwards for homemade soup and breads.

Nestbox Workshop See article for details. Coordinator is Randy Robertson.

Maryland and Delaware Shore Join Les Eastman for a full day of birding along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Eiders, Harlequin Duck, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Purple Sandpiper could highlight this annual favorite. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the MD 155 & I-95 commuter lot (Havre de Grace exit). Bring lunch or buy en route. Wear warm, comfortable clothing; scope helpful.

Perryman with Dave Join Dave Powell on a morning walk through the Perryman area. Target species include White-Crowned Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Short-eared Owl and migrating waterfowl. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Wal-Mart located in Aberdeen on US 40. Most of the walking will be along roads. Call Dave Powell for further details.

Woodcock Watch, Volume I Dusk outing to witness the extraordinary display flight of the American Woodcock. Meet at 5:45 p.m. at the Aberdeen Wal-Mart along US 40. Trip leader is Dave Webb.

Woodcock Watch, Volume II Another dusk outing to witness the extraordinary display flight of the American Woodcock. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Aberdeen Wal-mart along US 40. Trip leader to be announced, contact Dave Powell for further details.

Woodcock Watch, Volume III Yet another dusk outing to witness the extraordinary display flight of the American Woodcock. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Aberdeen Wal-mart along US 40. Trip leader to be announced, contact Dave Powell for further details.

Gravel Road Walk Join Debbie Bowers for a yet to be determined gravel road walk in the county. Most of the gravel roads are in undeveloped areas and can have a variety of birdlife. Target species will be early Spring migrants such as phoebe and Pine Warbler. Meeting time is 8:00 a.m. at the MD 543 park and ride located a quarter mile from MD165. Call Debbie Bowers for further details.

Edgewood Area, APG The Army installation between the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers is one of the best early spring birding areas in the county. The variety may include Horned Grebe, bay ducks, Pine Warbler, Osprey, and Rusty Blackbird. Morning trip begins at 8:00 a.m. at the post's MD 24 gate. Mostly point-to-point driving, with some easy walking. Leader is Les Eastman.

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