MAY/JUNE 2013 President’s Corner Expanding Our Activities to Make a Difference by Maureen F. Harvey MOS’ mission includes encouraging the protection and conservation of bird life and natural resources that support bird life. Each year, the Conservation Committee writes many letters of expert testimony on local and national issues that affect birds and their habitats. In addition, written and personal testimonies have been provided during hearings at the local and state levels to voice our concerns for habitat preservation (or mitigation if habitat is compromised) during planning for parkland and development. What else should MOS be doing to further our “protection and conservation” mission? The Anne Arundel Bird Club (AABC) has stepped up to answer this question. The club is partnering with MOS to engage our members in additional hands-on conservation efforts in Maryland. On April 20th, the AABC is hosting an all-day workshop at Jug Bay Natural Area (Patuxent River Park Headquarters, Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD) entitled ''How the Birding Community in Maryland Can Support the Conservation of Natural HabitatC Expert panelists from MOS and other conservation organizations in Maryland will facilitate discussions. The initial invitees within MOS included Chapter Presidents, many Committee Chairs, Chapter Conservation representatives, and other members known to be interested in conservation. Panelists will include ornithologists, field biologists, and other experts from organizations such as American Bird Conservancy, Audubon MD/ DC, Maryland DNR, and The Nature Conservancy. The concept is to identify additional likely partners and explore possibilities for working together on projects that will help meet our common goals. This will lay the groundwork for an action plan. The final outcome will be a list of partners and potential activities or projects for chapters and individual members to get involved in. If you weren’t initially invited but are interested in attending the workshop, there may be room for a few additional members. Please contact AABC President Colin Rees for more information (reescolin@hotmail.com 410-757-8570). So why should MOS move in this new direction? We must attract and keep new members, especially more young people. To do that, chapters must appeal to a more diverse population. Young people want to be connected and to engage in activities that make a difference. I see this - offering opportunities for members to '- Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society - - VOL. 33, NO. 3 help with local or regional conservation projects - as a necessary part of MOS’ future. YMOS BIRDATHON RESULTS The fifth annual YMOS Birdathon took place on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, 2013, neatly squeezed between St. Patrick’s Day and the return of the “Buzzards” to Hinckley, OH. A dozen hardworking young birders participated with at least nine of them in the field each day. Some came from as far away as Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford Counties to join locals from the upper Eastern Shore. Their ages covered elementary, middle, and high school years. It was a great Birdathon experience! A grand total of 126 species were seen over a range of locations in Worcester, Dorchester, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s Counties. This included 97 on the “Must-See” list of 100 species that the youngsters created in advance. Every missed “Must-See” species subtracts one from the grand total. These incredible young birders missed only three, giving them a net total of 123 species for fund raising purposes. Their results are exceeded only by the first YMOS Birdathon in 2009 (132 total species, 126 net) and the three “Must-See” misses is the lowest number ever. Here are some highlights. The group arrived bleary-eyed at the Truitt’s Landing coastal marsh well before dawn and was serenaded in the darkness by thousands of Snow Geese. They had expected this species already to have departed on its northern migration. As dawn brightened the fiotilla lifted into the air with a cacophony that drowned out all other sounds. It was an auspicious beginning to a day that was forecast to be wet, cold, and breezy - and in fact was none of the above. Ocean City Inlet produced not one but four unanticipated Harlequin Ducks, including a gorgeous male that posed on the South jetty rocks. Then a Great Cormorant decked out in full breeding plumage fiew right at the kids from across the Inlet. Another unexpected find! On the first day alone, the youngsters racked up 21 waterfowl species, including all three scoters and all three mergansers. They had also seen the three mimics, including a cooperative Gray Catbird mewing beside the road at Taylor’s Landing as if to stop passing cars in their tracks. It did. As Saturday began to wane, a stop at Bestpitch in the Dorchester County marshes yielded both Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitcher close enough together to continued on page 2 2 The Maryland Yellowthroat YMOS continued from page 1 allow direct comparison in the same spotting scope field. Yes, Long-billed does look like it has swallowed a softball with a tail stuck onto its nether end. By the end of the day the young birders had a net total of more than 110 species. Sunday was cooler and windier, but not rainy. The kids elected to mop up some missed “Must-See’s” while questing for local rarities. They struck out on Golden Eagle and the female Barrow’s Goldeneye known to frequent the Choptank River Fishing Pier in Talbot County. But they struck gold, literally, with the Rufous Hummingbird that has wintered locally in Queen Anne’s County (one of 50 banded in the mid- Atlantic this winter but the only one on the Eastern Shore). The Birdathon ended with great views of the Tufted Duck at Kent Narrows, shortly before it “ducked” out of sight under the marina pier, not to return that day. Thanks to the generosity of those who pledged their per-net- species support, the young birders earned $1,700 toward YMOS programs. Funds raised will underwrite up to four Youth Division teams to represent the MOS at the World Series of Birding at Cape May, NJ, in May. Funds will also be used for youth scholarships to the Birds and Bird Habitats residence camp at Washington College in June. Special thanks to the parents who drove and to those who ferried the young birders to and from rendezvous points at unholy hours of day and night. Heartfelt thanks, too, to Jackie Radclifie for allowing a plethora of kids to crash two nights at the Radcliffe home, and to a very special landowner who has nurtured the Rufous Hummingbird at his residence since October 2012. The success of the YMOS depends not only on the interest and talent of the kids, but to a whole community of caring adults. World Series of Birding, here comes the YMOS! - George Radclifie and Wayne Bell 2013 MOS Conference is fast approaching - May 24-26! It’s not too late. Don’t miss: Dave Ziolkowski, our very knowledge and exciting keynote speaker. The many wonderful Harford birding sites. There will be boat trips - Pontoon, Kayak, and Canoe. Silent Auction & Raffle has some exciting items leading off with two Whitetail Ski Resort learn to ski or snowboard packages. So don’t miss the good fellowship and birding field trips. If you’ve misplaced your registration form, you will find one at the MOS web site at www.mdbirds.org or contact Janet Shields, janetbill@prodigy.net, 410-901-1039. Birds of Note — by Les Roslvmd • Maryland birders in the first quarter of 2013 found immediate gratification because most of the irruptive species of this winter stayed around for midwinter and late winter enjoyment. There were far too many visits to describe in detail, but the numerous sightings included PINE SISKIN, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, RED CROSSBIEE, WHITE- WINGED CROSSBIEE, COMMON REDPOEE AND EVENING GROSBEAK. In addition several quite rare species were discovered in late 2012 or early 2013 and have remained in our region. Most notable of these include a female BARROW’ S GOEDENEYE first found by Jeff Culler and Joe Hanfman near the Choptank River Fishing Pier in Talbot County on Dec 1 1th, a female TUFTED DUCK first reported by Mark Schilling in Queen Anne’s County on Dec 16th in the cove beside the Grasonville Holiday Inn, and a BEACK-HEADED GUEE noticed by Jeff Shenot in Baltimore County on Jan 1, 2013 at the Hunt Valley Towne Centre where a similar bird had shown up in previous years. This has also been an exceptional year for RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS, with over 30 being reported and banded in the winter months. Many of these were still present as of late March at sites offering food and shelter. • Quite a few other delightful rarities have shown up in the winter months. On Jan 9, a BEACK-THROATED GRAY WARBEER was found by Claire Nemes of Silver Spring, Montgomery County, as the bird foraged on the ground in her back yard. Her excellent description of the plumage and activity of the bird caught the attention of other birders but none had immediate success in relocating it. On Jan 22 Claire caught another brief morning glimpse of the bird. She quickly spread the word, triggering a happy parade of attentive birders who attained great views and photos of the bird, taking full advantage of the gracious hospitality that Claire provided. On Jan 23 the bird was seen by a few more birders, but soon departed and was not relocated. • The next great January bird was a SAY’S PHOEBE found on the 19th by Bob Ringler in Keymar, Carroll County. Bob spotted the bird in fiight and watched it land on the top of the access ladder of a large silo. This bird was successfully relocated over the next two days, then disappeared until the 26th. After that, birders continued to find and photograph the bird in the same general area for three more days. Bob’s description called it a “Phoebe-sized bird, dark above, throat and breast gray, belly and undertail coverts dull cinnamon. The tail was slightly notched. The bird was very active and erratic in fiight when fiy catching”. • In early February, Talbot County was honored to have the presence of a NORTHERN EAPWING. This was a first for the county, first for the Eastern Shore counties of the state, and only the second Maryland record for this species. Ees Roslund was the lucky birder who discovered the EAPWING. Early in the afternoon of Feb 3rd it was foraging with several KIEEDEER in a small wheat field beside a country road near Cordova, Talbot County. It was so close to the road that a naked-eye view led continued on page 3 March/ April 2013 3 Birds of Note continued from page 2 to easy identification. The upright posture, plover-like feeding behavior, dark back, yellowish face, broad black breast band across white belly and mostly the unique feather tuft across the top of the head combined to make it clear that this was a special bird indeed. By the end of the day other birders converged on the site - but the bird was gone. However, within an hour it returned, and highlighted its arrival by making several large fiight circles before landing - much to the joy of the gathered birders - for this bird is spectacular in fiight. It left a little before dusk, but returned for a couple of hours the next morning to reward another set of delighted birders, again providing an awesome fiight display. At mid-morning a PEREGRINE FAECON came through the area alarming all the birds of the region. The EAPWING lifted up from the wheat field, departed in haste, and was not seen again despite persistent attempts by many area birders. Two days later a NORTHERN EAPWING was discovered at a site near Savannah, GA. • On Feb 10 a BUEEOCK’S ORIOEE turned up at the feeder of Dennis Kirkwood in Harford County at Newark Farms. Word spread rapidly the next day, leading to an instant parade of birders who came to enjoy and photograph the bird. The visit of this bird, an immature male, became the third record in Maryland for the species. The Kirkwood hospitality was greatly appreciated by the birding community and apparently also by the bird. Both bird and birders made regular visits to the feeder each day from Feb 10 to Mar 9, providing great joy for the birders. Many impressive photographs were attained along with the highly fulfilling views. • Several lucky birders at the Ocean City Jetty, Worcester County, on Feb 16 received a special treat when a PACIFIC EOON showed up. The bird was first found near noon by Mikey and Jo Eutmerding. For nearly two hours it foraged close to the north side of the south jetty. Part of its time was spent near the tip of the south jetty, and eventually the bird disappeared around the tip of the south jetty. Enough viewing time was available to give birders a full set of field marks and some excellent photos. • On Feb 24 a TOWNSEND’S SOEITAIRE was sighted on the grounds of the US Dept of Agriculture ARS West Facility, Beltsville, Prince George’s County. The report was provided by Eeigh Broadhurst, a research scientist employed by USDA ARS who has access to agency grounds that are not open to the public. Eeigh’s view of the bird was aided by the fact that the bird was feasting on the berries of a creeper and become temporarily trapped in the vines. Close-up viewing of the bird yielded a full set of field marks and when the bird eventually escaped from the tangled vines the under wing coloring was also recorded. Unfortunately, no other sightings of the bird were attained. • And finally, a EITTEE GUEE was reported from Eapidum, Cecil County, by Matt Hafner on Mar 1 8. This bird was seen again from Port Deposit on the 1 9th by Sean McCandless who described it as slightly smaller than the nearby BONAPARTE’S GUEES and very erratic in fiight. The entire underwing of the bird was black. No further sightings of the bird have been reported as of Mar 23rd. CAROLINE COUNTY Caroline County Bird Club lost another long-time member. Carol E. Scudder passed away on Friday, March 8, 2013. She was 86. Carol was an excellent birder, held many positions in the club over several decades, and was an active bird bander for many years. She also raised her son. Bill Scudder, to be a topnotch birder. The club made a donation to YMOS in her memory. Debby Bennett HARFORD COUNTY After five months of planning and anticipation, fellow Harford Bird Club members Wolney Ford, Mark Johnson, Dave Ziolkowski and I set forth for five days of February birding in frigid Duluth, Minnesota. On the drive out - yes, we drove out and back! - we stopped at the Buena Vista Grasslands in central Wisconsin, where the highlights included Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk and large fiocks each of Snow Bunting and Greater Prairie Chicken. The next day we scoured the Fake Superior shoreline northeast of Duluth, finding 3 Great Gray Owls, King Eider and Eong-tailed Duck, the latter two being of course much rarer in the Midwest than here on the Atlantic. On the final full day, we visited the famous Sax-Zim Bog where we enjoyed views of Pine Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Northern Hawk Owl, and Hoary Redpoll. But the bird we really sought was Boreal Owl. An irruption of Boreals had taken place in the area just ten days earlier. But daily reports were becoming less frequent and some birds were being found dead, presumably of starvation. Our hopes of finding a Boreal Owl were fading when two Florida birders whom we befriended earlier sent us a mid-afternoon text stating that one had just been spotted 50 miles away. Without having to say another word, the four of us scrambled back into Volney’s Honda Pilot and headed to the lakeside town of Two Harbors. Here in the front yard of a private residence slept the tiny fuzzball of a Boreal Owl, oblivious to the dozens of birders watching and photographing him - our quest for the holy grail of northern owls was a success! Although none of us picked up more than five life birds, the frivolity and friendship overflowed, and the memories will stick with us for a lifetime. Dave Webb On 23 Jan., Dennis and Jean Kirkwood led 12 HBC birders {Susan and Bob Hood, Melody and Joe Stevens, Elaine Beery, Tom Gibson, Marjie Heagy, Diane Jones, Jane Scocca, Macrina continued on page 4 4 The Maryland Yellowthroat Chatter continued from page 3 Seitz, Debbie Stewart and Bob Werrlein) on a 10 day, 1500 mile avian odyssey that netted 188 species of birds. Starting at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 40 miles east of San Diego, we began to explore an array of habitats: grassy meadows, lakes, forests, desert scrub, wetlands, mudflats, rocky shores, riparian & canyon trails, marine marshes, jetties & lagoons, and even a Donald Trump Golf Course. We found black-tailed deer, White- tailed Kite, rafters of Wild Turkeys, Tricolored Blackbirds, Acorn Woodpeckers and spectacular stashes of acorns. Then on to Anza- Borrego Desert State Park for Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Verdin, Costa’s Hummingbird, black-tailed hare & tarantula burrows among sparsely-distributed chapparal plants. In Salton Sea NWR at 227 ft below sea level we saw American White & Brown Pelicans, Greater Roadrunner, Burrowing Owl, White-faced Ibis, Eared & Western Grebes, but no Yellow-footed Gulls. Exiting through Joshua Tree National Park to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve we got Western Scrub Jay, California Towhee, Say’s Phoebe, Phainopepla, NuttalTs & Eadder-backed Woodpeckers, and a held with Ferruginous Hawks, Mountain Plovers & Mountain Bluebirds. Mt. Pinos (el. 8300 ft) in Eos Padres National Forest yielded White-headed Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, Pygmy Nuthatches, Red Crossbills, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Spotted Towhee. In Maricopa’s sagebrush we found Sage Sparrows, and in Cuyama Valley, Yellow-billed Magpies. At Camino Real Park in Ventura, thousands of monarch butterflies hung in huge colonies like dead leaves from sycamore and eucalyptus trees in a shaded barranca. Occasionally, a colony exploded to life, and filled the air with waves of orange-brown wings accented with black veins, black borders, and white spots, as they all headed to Mexico. In Soule Park, we located two Barn Owls under a leafy skirt of a palm tree’s fronds. Our pelagic boat trip to Santa Cruz Island hit rough seas with 6-12 ft swells, lots of bow spray, some sea-sickness, but everyone got life birds including Dennis (#650, a Scripps’s Murrelet). We had great views of the Island Scrub Jay, Black-vented Shearwater, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, Red-throated Eoon, and Heermann’s Gulls. Along Coastal Eos Angeles, a Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Eurasian Widgeon, Surfbirds, Surf Scoters, Mew Gulls, Reddish Egret, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, and numerous shore birds, waders and water fowl swelled our tally and memories of California to overflowing. On days 10 & 1 1 we rested with a marvelous trip to the San Diego Zoo, and a Whale watching cruise on the decks of the “Adventure Hornblower.” Bob Werrlein Harford Chapter 2012 Annual Awards Presented At the March 1 dinner meeting, the club continued the tradition of recognizing members and friends who have made a special contribution to our organization during the past year. We wish to thank Joy Aso of the Montgomery MOS chapter for her beautiful certificates that she created this year for each awardee. The first award was Birder of the Year, presented to Ees Eastman for his many contributions to our club. Ees has served as Vice- President in the past, regularly leads held trips, and hosts an annual “Hummingbird Happy Hour” in August when his 25+ feeders are humming with action. He has been the creator and manager of our website since the 1990s, and also edits and compiles our newsletter, Wrenderings. With all this activity on behalf of the club, it is only appropriate that he also gets many outstanding birds to visit his feeders. Congratulations Ees! The next award was Volunteer of the Year, presented to Eileen Nack for her many years of service organizing the dinner meetings, including preparing name tags, collecting the money, coordinating with the Women’s Society at the church, and any other duties as assigned. She is a very willing worker and an extremely pleasant lady. For all these generous gifts of time and talent, we thank you and congratulate you Eileen! Our Rookie of the Year was presented to Josh Emm of Havre de Grace. Josh got turned on to birding this past fall and has been a regular attendee on most held trips and club events. He regularly reports his findings on the Maryland and Harford Eist Serves and often accompanies the reports with beautiful photos. His excitement and enthusiasm are contagious. Best wishes Josh and congratulations! Our Local Lister of the Year was awarded to our Vice-President Matt Hafiier for seeing 229 species in Harford County during 2012, believed to be a new record. Matt is one of the state’s most active held birders, leading trips throughout the state and even on the Atlantic Ocean as a pelagic bird trip organizer and leader. We are fortunate to have him and his wife, Kim, back in Harford County and involved with the Harford Bird Club. Congratulations Matt! In addition this year. President Dennis Kirkwood was recognized for reaching 2000 World Life Birds during his summer trip to Peru. Our final award is Bird of the Year. This award is centered on a bird but also recognizes the discoverer and/or host of the species for their hospitality to bird and birders. Because 2012 was another good year for new birds to Harford (several species were added to the County all-time list), the executive board had a tough choice. Our recipient was the Rahil Family of Fallston who hosted several (we think 3) Henslow’s Sparrows in their farm held this past April and May. Kim and Matt Hafiier are neighbors of the Rahils and discovered the singing males. When approached, the Rahils gave permission for visiting birders to enter and observe the birds. This species was once more common in central Maryland but has not been present for about 50 years. We have high hopes that the birds will return and possibly establish themselves locally once again. The Rahils were unable to be at the March meeting but we hope to be able to present their award at our May gathering. Thank you for your hospitality and preservation of open space and grassland habitat. Dennis Kirkwood HOWARD COUNTY On April 13th, members of the Howard County chapter participated in Greenfest, held at Howard Community College. Part of the event’s focus was choosing native plants, so the club decided to incorporate that theme in their display. Photos of native plants that attract birds were used with information as to the needs of the various plants such as sun, shade and water. continued on page 5 March/ April 2013 5 Chatter continued from page 4 Some actual plants were incorporated in the display. Greenfest was a wonderful opportunity to promote the club, its field trips and programs. Greenfest typically attracts 2,000 to 3,000 visitors annually. Kate Tufts Richard Orr vacationed in Costa Rica from February 14 to March 2 of this year. He travelled with the Audubon Naturalist Society and Costa Rica Expeditions where they explored several locations in the northern section of the country. Richard is an entomologist, specializing in dragonfiies and damselfiies, but all insects (especially ants) get his attention. Thus his main focus was in photographing the insects he saw. He still managed to see 415 species of birds! The hardcore birders saw even more. This was his second trip to Costa Rica and he plans to return again in 2014, as well as touring Ecuador. Photos of his trips are posted on his fiickr site. The Natural History of Costa Rica set can be seen at http ://www.fiickr. com/photos/dragonfivhunter/ sets/721 57629460687675/ . You might also want to visit these sites: www.marvlandinsects.com and http://www.fiickr.com/ photos/dragonfivhunter/ . Ann Marie Raterman MONTGOMERY COUNTY Max Wilson of Kensington, reports that he and a buddy birded the Eower Rio Grande Valley in Texas for the first time over President’s Day weekend. “I spent three full days and two half days in the Valley and added 31 new life birds. Highlights included an immature Crimson-collared Grosbeak at Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary our first afternoon and a Flammulated Owl at the South Padre Island Convention Center, which had been staked out for several weeks. We dipped on the Ferruginous Pygmy- Owls at San Miguelito Ranch the following day, but we did have incredibly close and confiding views of a calling Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet at that site. At Estero Elano Grande, we had two Common Pauraques roosting on the ground, a number of Eeast Grebes, both male and female Green Kingfisher, as well as two Buff-bellied Hummingbirds. Eater that afternoon, we swung by Frontera Audubon Sanctuary to get the scope on the immature Zone-tailed Hawk they have been hosting there regularly for several weeks. We spent one day driving up to Earedo which seems to be the most reliable site for White-collared Seedeaters, and we got good looks at three individuals on the Eas Palmas Trail. We had two Audubon’s Orioles at Salineno and what could have been a Muscovy Duck, but we didn’t get good enough view to confirm the latter. We spent a fair amount of time on the observation tower at Santa Ana scanning for a Hook-billed Kite to no avail, but I did manage to turn up a Clay-colored Thrush there. It was a great trip and I’m looking forward to going back some spring to pick up some of the species we missed.” Most people go to Florida (or Texas) in February, but some perverse souls choose Minnesota. Chris RTzg/zr (your Montgomery correspondent) spent five days with a Wings tour in Duluth looking for owls and other cold- weather birds. The band of six (including MBC member Glen Richardson of Silver Spring) was led by Chris Wood, who normally is coordinating eBird at the (much warmer) Cornell Eab of Ornithology. And we did see owls. First there was a Northern Hawk-Owl on a lamp pole ten minutes after our airport arrival. On the next day we saw our only Great Gray Owl in a small park beside Take Superior, as majestic and mustachioed as expected. Then there were seven (yes, seven) Boreal owls along the roadside the next day, which made our trip an internet sensation for a day. In all we saw six owl species: the Great Gray, eight Boreal Owls, a Northern Saw-whet, three Barred, three Northern Hawk-owls, and three Snowy Owls. But it wasn’t just owls. We spent much of our time in the tip of the boreal forest that dips down there into the US Midwest, and it was fascinating to think we were on the edge of this extraordinary ocean of trees spanning the globe. On our first morning, driving slowly in the woods toward the famous Sax-Zim Bog, we came upon eight Spruce Grouse pecking gravel off the road and then nibbling buds in jack pines. Near Take Superior we spent a half hour distinguishing Hoary Redpolls from Common Redpolls as they fiitted from one roadside weed to another. In Sax-Zim we found Boreal Chickadees and Ruffed Grouse, Snow Buntings and Barred Owls. On the final day we went to McGregor Marsh, west of Duluth, where we saw Rough-legged Hawks and Sharp-tailed Grouse, along with the usual daily accompaniment of Ravens, Northern Shrikes, Gray Jays, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. A fabulous trip if you don’t mind morning temps of 27 below zero! Chris Wright SOUTHERN MARYLAND Jane Kostenko and Tyler Bell worked their 26th ABA event in Albuquerque, New Mexico in February, 2013. This marks their 20th year with ABA starting in 1994. Attendees saw lots of interesting birds including all three Rosy-Finch species at Sandia Crest. Jane and Tyler picked up a life bird. Juniper Titmouse, which had become a nemesis bird having eluded them in all four of the 4-corners states! Tyler Bell WASHINGTON COUNTY In late February 2012 , 1 “fiew the coop,” to accompany my wife as she secured a new contract job in Germany. My wife, Milissa, is a nurse in Eandstuhl Regional Medical Center, working with the wounded soldiers returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. I have been a long-term member of the MOS and must say I miss the meetings and field trips very much. Since retiring from the Maryland Park Service in February, I have been working part-time at the Ramstein Air Force Base and full-time at my European Bird Eist. In addition, I have earned the honorable title of Milissa’s “putzfrau,” or cleaning-lady. In the past 1 1 months, we have travelled through much of southern Germany. We have also made short trips to the Gargano Peninsula, Italy and Texel Island, Netherlands and Morocco, Africa. Our trips have been cut short due to Milissa’s limited vacation days with her new job. Isn’t it funny how jobs get in the way of having fun? After 40 year of birding in MD and DE, I am the finding the task of learning all new bird songs and calls quite a challenge and frustrating at times. Milissa said, “Now you know how the rest of us feel.” It is a learning process. My list so far is 209 species, with 164 being lifers. Some of the more interesting European lifers include: Great Crested Grebe, continued on page 6 6 The Maryland Yellowthroat Chatter continued from page 5 Purple Heron, White Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Red Kite (good yard bird). Short-toed Eagle, Grey Partridge, European Eagle Owl, European Bee-Eater, and White-Throated Dipper. In February I added two more lifers, Eittle Stint, and Bar-tailed Godwit, at one of my favorite places near the town of Waghaeusel. This group of small ponds in the Rhein Valley is about 11/2 hours from where we live. For the Morocco trip, the top birds include: Greater Flamingo, Barbary Falcon, Eaughing Dove, Common Bulbul and Black-crowned Tchagra. We are located about one hour southwest of Frankfurt. If you are in this area or the Frankfurt area and want to go birding, contact me at david.weesner@yahoo.com Sincerely, David and Milissa Weesner (Submitted by Linda Field) David and Milissa Weesner enjoying European living. ATLASING FOR REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IS FUN by Glenn Therres Spring is upon us and hopefully you have been out looking for those migrating warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. Perhaps while looking for your favorite spring migrants, you have come across a turtle or snake or have heard frogs calling from a wetland. Your observations of those reptiles and amphibians could help our efforts to document the distribution of all these species in Maryland as part of a statewide atlas project. The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (MARA) project is starting its fourth year of data collection and could use your observations. MARA is a five-year atlas project similar to the two breeding bird atlases conducted in Maryland. It is based on the same grid system of USGS topographic maps divided into six blocks. The goal is to document at least ten species in each block and 25 species in every quad. East year, 2012, marked the halfway point of the project which began in 2010. Of the nearly 1300 blocks, data has been collected in 1 166 and 759 have over ten species each. Of the 246 quads, data has been collected in all but three. Twenty-five or more species have been documented in 141 quads through the first three years of the project. Results of the MARA project can be found online at https:// webapps02.dnr.state.md.us/mara/ . Click on “Project Status” and pick one of the options to view database summary tables or project maps. There are two types of maps. Species count maps show the number of species counted in quads or blocks where the darker red means the minimum number of species has been achieved. The distribution maps are available at the quad and block level for each species of reptile and amphibian recorded during the MARA project. The maps and summary tables are up-to-date as of the minute you access the website. They can change every time someone enters data. To date, 86 of Maryland’s 93 species of reptiles and amphibians have been documented during the atlas project. One species of sea turtle and a few rare Garrett County specialists have not been found yet. The number one species statewide is Spring Peeper recorded in 891 blocks so far. Number two is Northern Green Frog which has been found in 819 blocks to date. Painted Turtle is the most widely distributed reptile, found in 613 blocks. The common Eastern Box Turtle has been found in nearly half of all atlas blocks (602 to date). Eastern Ratsnake (also known as the Black Rat Snake) has been recorded in 644 blocks through year three. Though these common species have been found in lots of blocks thus far, there are still many blocks where they probably occur but have not been observed yet. For uncommon species, the opportunity to add a new record for a block is even greater. Your observations can be the ones that count. You don’t need to be a hardcore herper to contribute to the MARA project. You don’t even need to know the species of reptile or amphibian to contribute. A good digital photo of the reptile or amphibian will do. We will identify the species if you are unsure of what it is. Simply email your photo and the location of your observation to me at gtherres@dnr.state.md.us or our statewide coordinator. Heather Cunningham, at atlas@ marylandnature.org and we will add it to the database. If you know the species but were unable to get a photo, email your observation anyway. We accept records of most species without photo-documentation. Of course, if you are really interested in actively atlasing for reptiles and amphibians we can use your help. Every county has a coordinator waiting for you to volunteer. We especially need help in Baltimore, Garrett, Prince George’s, Talbot, and Somerset counties. However, more data can be collected in any county. Not only will you be contributing to an important atlas effort, but you will have fun doing it at the same time. Just like birding, finding reptiles and amphibians is exciting. I hope you continued on page 7 March/ April 2013 1 Atlasing continued from page 6 will help us document Maryland’s reptiles and amphibians. Distribution map for Eastern Box Turtle. Bird Blitz summary 2011-12: The home straight for Maryland’s Important Bird Areas network? By David Curson Maryland’s network of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is looking almost complete. The total number of sites now stands at 42, with the latest additions, Maryland Blue Ridge IBA and Pleasant Valley IBA, identified in 2011, based on Bird Blitz data collected the previous year. Bird Blitz is a volunteer-based bird survey protocol designed to provide the data needed to identify Important Bird Areas, sites that are the most essential for bird conservation. Since 2006, more than 100 volunteers, many of them MOS members, have contributed data to this effort and greatly expanded our knowledge of which bird habitats in Maryland need our conservation attention the most. Thanks to generous support provided by continued funding through a State Wildlife Grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Maryland-DC Important Bird Areas Program implemented its fourth and fifth years of Bird Blitz surveys in 2011 and 2012. With the majority of sites already identified. Bird Blitz focused on two conspicuous gaps in the IBA network. Elk Neck and Savage River. Both of these sites are considered candidate IBAs due to their extensive forest habitat. Bird Blitz surveys recorded breeding season counts for at-risk bird species. These data will be used to determine if a site supports significant state-level populations of these species and thus qualifies as an IBA. The 2011-12 results from these two sites are summarized below. Count totals for some of the primary target at-risk species are included. Secondary target species belonging to assemblages dependent on a particular habitat (i.e. Forest Interior Dwelling Species or FIDS) were also counted during Bird Blitz. For more details on survey results, site-based Bird Blitz summaries are available online at: www. audubonmddc . org . Elk Neck, Cecil County # Volunteers: 6 # Bird counts: 7 In 2011, the Cecil Bird Club again sent out an able team to Elk Neck, this time focusing on Elk Neck State Park and the southern part of Elk Neck State Forest. The team recorded good totals for 2 at-risk species. Wood Thrush (44) and Worm-eating Warbler (17), and two brief nocturnal surveys did not add to the previous years’ Whip-poor-will count. Combined with the data from 2010 (previously reported in the Yellowthroat) the totals for at-risk species are 66 Wood Thrush, 23 Worm-eating Warbler and 13 Eastern Whip-poor-will, indicating that Elk Neck should qualify as an IBA. In addition, the surveys recorded 14 species of Forest Interior-Dwelling Species (FIDS). Participants in 2011: MaryAnne Dolan, Ken Drier, Parke John, Sean McCandless, David Francis and Bob Ketchum. Savage River, Garrett County # Volunteers: 11 # Bird counts: 28 Savage River State Forest is a large site and, with surrounding areas of forest land, makes up the most extensive forested area in Maryland. So it is not surprising that it took 2 years to gather enough data to evaluate this area’s potential as an IBA. In 2011 and again in 2012, a number of veteran Bird Blitzers from across Maryland ventured to Savage River for their Appalachian birding fix while collecting impressive totals for some at-risk species: 8 Eastern Whip-poor-will, 2 Willow Flycatcher, 120 Wood Thrush, 12 Blackburnian Warbler, 15 Cerulean Warbler, 32 Worm-eating Warbler, 4 Northern Waterthrush, 3 Kentucky Warbler, 68 Canada Warbler. The surveys recorded 32 species of FIDS, the most of any candidate IBA site. Participants: Gwen Brewer, Jon Corcoran, Josephine Cox, Tom Field, Glen Johnston, Rich Mason, James Moore, Fran Pope, Jeff Shenot, Eisa Strobel, Warren Strobel, and David Curson. Thanks to all the MOS members who have volunteered their time to carry out Bird Blitz surveys. We are currently compiling IBA nominations for the two sites detailed above and will report on the progress of these nominations at a later date. In 2013, Bird Blitz will focus on a single site. Cove Point in Calvert County, which is a candidate IBA for Forest Interior- Dwelling Species and at-risk species such as Wood Thrush and Worm-eating Warbler. Please consider being a part of Bird Blitz this summer by birding with a purpose. For more information contact: David Curson, Director of Bird Conservation of Audubon Maryland-DC at dcurson@audubon.org The Maryland Yellowthroat Results of the Maryland Tidal Marsh Bird Survey, 2011-12 David Curson, Director of Bird Conservation, Andnbon Maryland-DC Whitney Wiest, PhD stndent, Dept of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware A year ago, we reported results of the first year of the Maryland Tidal Marsh Bird Survey (see “Maryland’s Tidal Marsh Bird Survey: Results from the First Season” in the March/April 2012 issue of the Yellowthroat). The survey is part of a northeast regional collaboration between the Universities of Delaware, Connecticut and Maine, state wildlife agencies and the National Audubon Society, called the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program (SHARP). In 2012, Audubon Maryland-DC and the University of Delaware once again sent out a team of three ornithologists to collect bird abundance data using point counts in salt and brackish marshes across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Once again, Audubon’s former Important Bird Areas Coordinator, David Yeany II, (now a biologist with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) led the field crew, accompanied by Neil Pearson of Rhode Island (originally from Yorkshire in the UK) and Conor Higgins of New York. From seasonal accommodations kindly provided by Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge the team struck out across 4 counties to cover 223 survey points, including 14 points added in a part of Dorchester County lacking prior coverage. at night so our daytime surveys were probably not sampling them well enough to draw any conclusions from these data. But this species has been declining at an alarming rate throughout the Mid- Atlantic region over recent years and was listed as Endangered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2007. Field work in Maryland’s finest tidal coastal landscapes produced some memorable moments, including Sika Deer (an introduced species from Asia) spooked out of marsh “beds” they create from living vegetation, and close-up views of Eeast Bitterns clambering about on tall cordgrass and cat-tails. High fioodwaters of spring Point count surveys included broadcasts of calls to solicit responses by secretive marshbirds Photo: Dave Curson County # Points surveyed Black Duck Virginia Rail Clapper Rail Least Bittern Willet Marsh Wren Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Dorchester 88 0.42 0.72 0.34 0.11 0.26 2.61 0.46 3.23 0.22 Somerset 57 0.37 0.43 1.30 0.03 0.77 1.66 0.09 3.40 0.05 Wicomico 6 - 0.06 0.11 0.06 - 1.67 — - 0.17 Worcester 72 0.12 0.01 0.78 - 3.38 0.01 0.96 3.84 - Table 1. Relative abundance of (mean detections/survey point) of selected marsh bird species by county, at 223 points on Maryland’s lower eastern shore in 2012. The field crew also stayed at the MOS Irish Grove sanctuary in Somerset County and camped on Assateague Island in order to reach local survey points early in the morning. Each survey point was visited 3 times from May - early July to yield a picture of breeding season distribution and abundance of marsh birds. The 2012 results were very similar to those in 2011, with similar abundance patterns across the eastern shore. Chesapeake Bay marshes had a more diverse marsh bird community than the Coastal Bays of Worcester County, with Virginia Rail, Eeast Bittern, Marsh Wren and the Coastal Plain subspecies of Swamp Sparrow being rare or absent in Worcester County. This is because the lower salinity of Chesapeake Bay marshes allows a greater variety of marsh vegetation to grow. On the other hand, the true salt marsh specialists Seaside Sparrow and Saltmarsh Sparrow, which prefer extensive meadows of Spartina grasses, reached their highest densities in the saltier Coastal Bays. One difference between the two years of survey was that no Black Rails were detected in 2012, down from 6 in 2011. Black Rails call mostly The Willet is one of the noisiest inhabitants of salt marshes. Photo: Neil Pearson. continued on page 9 March/ April 2013 Tidal Marsh Survey continued from page 8 tides provide a reminder of the extreme environmental conditions that tidal marsh birds face. On one such tide, we found a Virginia Rail nest with 7 warm eggs floating on floodwaters yet still anchored to a clump of black needlerush - the attachment was loose enough to allow the nest to ride the tides up and down! The SHARP survey results are already helping conservation planning for salt marsh birds in Maryland. Audubon Maryland- DC, along with project partners Blackwater NWR and The Conservation Fund, is nearing completion of a set of strategies to help Dorchester County tidal marshes adapt to sea level rise (caused largely by climate change). A second Audubon project, with partners Defenders of Wildlife and the Lower Shore Land Trust, has similar goals for tidal marsh in Somerset and Wicomico Counties. The tidal marsh bird survey data are indicating the locations of best quality marshes for vulnerable salt marsh specialists like Saltmarsh Sparrow and Black Rail and demonstrating that these birds require large areas of habitat with interior marsh far from the upland forest edge. More details on these tidal marsh climate adaptation strategies will be reported in future issues of the Yellowthroat. The success of the 2011-12 tidal marsh bird survey in Maryland was made possible by an impressive array of partners who we would like to thank. Firstly, MOS provided a generous grant from both its general budget and the Conservation Committee budget. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funded the project, and also provided a held vehicle. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources administered the USFWS grant and provided a boat and trailer and boat training. Housing for the held crew was provided by Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and MOS (at Irish Grove). Staff from Assateague Island National Seashore and volunteers from the Friends of Blackwater helped transport the held crew to survey points. Additional funding was donated by Chesapeake Audubon Society, the Audubon Society of Central Maryland and donors to Audubon’s Birdathon. For more information on the tidal marsh bird survey visit the Audubon Maryland-DC website at http://mddc.audubon.org or the SHARP program website at http://www.tidalmarshbirds.org/ Photo captions: MD/DC Records Committee News by Phil Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary The 2013 Annual Meeting of the Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/DCRC) was held on 09 March 2013 at the home of the Secretary, Phil Davis, in Davidsonville, MD. A detailed annual business report and set of minutes will be published in the near future and posted on the committee’s web page at: http : //www. mdbirds . org/mddcrc/ rcindex. html Review List Changes. The committee made several changes to the review lists. White Ibis and American Avocet were removed from the District of Columbia review list. On the Maryland review list. White-faced Ibis was moved from Category 2 (reviewable anywhere, statewide) to Category 4C, making the species reviewable only if observed west of the Coastal Plain, except along the Susquehanna River. Pelagic Boundaries. The committee voted to change its definition of Maryland’s pelagic (open water) boundaries consistent with the jurisdictional principle of equidistance. See the related article in this issue. Elections. Members completing their voting terms are Stan Arnold (Anne Arundel County), Walter Ellison (Kent County), and Joe Hanfman (Howard County). The committee thanks them for all their efforts over the past years. The new members elected for three-year terms were: Jared Fisher (Montgomery County), Clive Harris (Montgomery County), and Nancy Magnusson (Howard County). Continuing members are Patty Craig (Saint Mary’s County), Matt Hafner (Harford County), John Hubbell (DC), Rob Ostrowski (Prince George’s County), Dan Small (Queen Anne’s County), and Sherman Suter (Calvert County). Bill Hubick (Anne Arundel County) was reelected as the committee Chair and Phil Davis (Anne Arundel County) was reelected as the committee Secretary. The 2012-2013 term Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee. l-r: Rob Ostrowski (Prince George’s County), Phil Davis (Secretary, Anne Arundel County), Walter Ellison (Kent County), Matt Hafner (Harford County), Joe Hanfman (Howard County), Sherman Suter (Calvert County), Bill Hubick (Chair, Anne Arundel County), and John Hubbell (DC). Not shown: Stan Arnold (Anne Arundel County), Patty Craig (Saint Mary ’s County), and Dan Small (Queen Anne ’s County). Photo by Barbara Davis. 10 The Maryland Yellowthroat Changes to the Maryland Pelagic Boundaries by Matt Hafner, Rob Ostrowski, Sherman Suter, Bill Hubick, and Phil Davis Background Historic Maryland pelagic (open water) boundaries were never formally defined, even from the early 1970s when pelagic birding became more organized and more frequent. However, from these early days, the informal definition of the Maryland pelagic boundaries evolved as “due easf ’ from the MD/DE and the MDA^A borders at the Atlantic Ocean coastline. These same boundary definitions also became the standards for DE and VA pelagic records. In 1999, the MD/DCRC formally adopted this “due east” definition into its “Goals, Policies, and Procedures” document. In recent years, as pelagic birding has become even more frequent and as the geographical precision of rarities reporting receives more attention due to the proliferation of GPS recording devices and the geocoding of photographs, the issue of precise pelagic boundaries has received more scrutiny. The advent of CornelTs Eaboratory of Ornithology eBird (http://ebird.org/ content/ebird) as an observation recording and reporting service has also put the issue of pelagic boundaries under a spot light. These factors prompted the MD/DCRC to take a critical look at its pelagic boundaries policies. Change Rationale The official Maryland state boundary extends out only three nautical miles from shore as described in the Submerged Eands Act of 1953: http://lawlibrarv.unm.edu/nri/6/2/02 comment submerged.pdf Prior to 2006, there was no official governmental guidance on defining state boundaries beyond the three nautical miles of the Submerged Eands Act and therefore, state records committees throughout North America defined their own borders. In 2006, the Federal Department of Interior Minerals Management Service (now the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)) explicitly defined state offshore administrative boundaries from 3-200 nautical miles: https://www.federalregister.gOv/articles/2006/01/03/05-24659/ federal-outer-continental-shelf-ocs-administrative-boundaries- extending-from-the-submerged-lands-act#p- 1 2 These BOEM boundaries are based on the principle of equidistance (also sometimes called “nearest point of land”). Equidistance is used internationally to define oceanic boundaries between countries. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adopted these BOEM boundaries which are shown on their Coastal Atlas map web site: http ://dnr.marvland. gov/map_template/coastalmaps/coastal_ atlas_ocean.html Some other state records committees have either already adopted equidistance or will be considering this principle at their next meetings. States that have already adopted equidistance-based boundaries are: Massachusetts, New York (just adopted last year). South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Eouisiana, and Texas. California uses equidistance for the southern boundary with Mexico (because it’s international) and for offshore county boundaries, but uses the latitude line for the northern boundary with Oregon. Adopted Changes At the 2013 MD/DCRC Annual Meeting, the committee voted 7-2 to adopt the principle of equidistance and redefine the Maryland pelagic boundaries. The MD/DCRC Goals, Policies, and Procedures Document previous and new language is shown below: Previous language: 4.2 The Committee has adopted the following as the pelagic (open waters) boundaries of Maryland: Due east of the Maryland/Delaware/Atlantic Ocean border and due east of the Maryland/Virginia/Atlantic Ocean border, each for a distance of 200 nautical miles; and the border that connects those two points. The MD/DCRC considers all sightings within this pelagic zone to be associated with Worcester County, Maryland. New language: 4.2 The Committee has adopted the following as the pelagic (open waters) boundaries of Maryland: Due east of the Maryland/Delaware/Atlantic Ocean border and due east of the Maryland/Virginia/Atlantic Ocean border, each for a distance of 3 nautical miles, and then using the principle of equidistance (aka nearest point of land) from 3 to 200 nautical miles from the Maryland coastline. These are the administrative boundaries outlined by the Department of the Interior in 2006: This map illustrates the approximate “old” and “new” pelagic zone boundaries. continued on page 11 March/ April 2013 11 Pelagic continued from page 10 https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2Q06/Ql/Q3/Q5-24659/ federal-outer-continental-shelf-ocs-administrative-boundaries- extending-from-the-submerged-lands-act#p- 1 2 The MD/DCRC considers all sightings within this pelagic zone to be associated with Worcester County, Maryland. Implementation Matt Hafner, Rob Ostrowski, and Sherman Suter were appointed to a MD/DCRC subcommittee to review previously accepted records to determine if any were from outside of these newly adopted Maryland boundaries. These records will be presented to the committee at the 2014 MD/DCRC annual meeting. Historic pelagic data will also be reviewed for records that were previously considered to be from other jurisdictions, but would now be considered Maryland records. As the subcommittee finds these records, they will be submitted to the committee for review or, if they have previously been reviewed by another state records committee, the MD/DCRC will adopt these grandfathered decisions. Precise GPS-based maps and boundary latitudes and longitudes will be determined and coordinated with adjacent records committees. Matt Hafner, Rob Ostrowski, Sherman Suter, Bill Hubick, and Phil Davis are all members of the MD/DCRC. Maryland/DC Records Committee Status Report as of March 25, 2013 by Phil Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary The Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/ DCRC) has reached the following record decisions since its last committee status report was published in The Maryland Yellowthroat. This report covers MD/DCRC review packages 147 through 148. MD/DCRC report numbers are shown in brackets. These records will be addressed in additional detail in a future issue of Maryland Birdlife. No new Maryland or DC “state” species were added with these decisions. More information on the MD/DCRC can be found on the committee’s web pages at the following URL: http : //WWW, mdbirds . org/mddcrc/ rcindex. html MD Records Accepted: Swainson’s Hawk, Buteo swainsoni [MD/2Q12-Q89] Hooper’s Island, Dorchester County 15-Sep-2Q12 Sabine’s Gull, Xema sabini [MD/2Q12-Q88] Triadelphia Reservoir, Brookeville, Howard County Q8-Sep-2Q12 through 12-Sep-2Q12 Least Tern, Sternula antillarum [MD/2Q 11-156] Violette’s Lock, Seneca, Montgomery County 18-May-2Q11 Least Tern, Sternula antillarum [MD/2Q1 1 -396] Violette’s Lock, Seneca, Montgomery County 28- Aug-2Qll Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea [MD/2Q 1 Q- 1 2 1 ] Violette’s Lock, Seneca, Montgomery County 29- Jun-2QlQ Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea [MD/2Q1Q-125] Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, Prince George’s County Q5-Jul-2Q1Q Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea [MD/2Q12-Q45] Violette’s Lock, Seneca, Montgomery County 21-May-2Q12 Royal Tern, Thalasseus maximus [MD/2Q 11-381] Violette’s Lock, Seneca, Montgomery County 28-Aug-2Qll White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatica [MD/2Q12-Q47] Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin, Worcester County 24- May-2Q12 Henslow’s Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii [MD/2Q12-Q22] Forest Hill, Harford County 19-Apr-2Q 12 through 17-May-2Q12 Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii [MD/2Q 11-411] Swan Harbor Farm Park, Havre de Grace, Harford County 25- NOV-2Q11 through 14-Dec-2Q11 Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii [MD/2Q12-Q14] Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, Baltimore County 11- Mar-2Q 12 through 18-Mar-2Q12 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2Q12-Q42] Black Hill Regional Park, Boyds, Montgomery County 12- May-2Q12 MD Records Not Accepted: Lesser White-fronted Goose, Anser erythropus [MD/2QQ6- 1 54] Wye Institute, Queenstown, Queen Anne’s County 23-Oct-1976 through 25-Oct-1976 Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis [MD/2Q 1 1 -4 1 Q] Randallstown, Baltimore County 2Q-NOV-2Q11 Barnacle Goose, Branta leucopsis [MD/2Q12-QQ6] Piney Run Park, Sykesville, Carroll County 3Q-Dec-2Q11 Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus [MD/2Q 1 1 -QQ 1 ] Sedgwick Way, Hagerstown, Washington County Q5-Jan-2Q11 through Q6-Jan-2Q11 Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus [MD/2Q 11-423] University Park, Prince George’s County Q1-NOV-2Q11 Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides [MD/2Q12-Q25] Elton Farm Road, Brookeville, Montgomery County 28-Apr-2Q12 Golden-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla [MD/2Q11- 4QQ] Cape Saint Claire, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County Q1-NOV-2Q11 continued on page 12 12 The Maryland Yellowthroat Report continued from page 11 Black-headed Grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus [MD/201 1-433] Easton, Talbot County 18-Dec- 1994 DC Records Accepted: Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea [DC/201 1-383] Hains Point 28-Aug-2011 Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor [DC/2001-048] exact DC location undetermined early 1865 Book Review By Dave Ziolkowski Bnrridge’s Mnltilingnal Dictionary of the World, Volnmes I (Latin) & II (English) Edited by John T. Burridge - Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2008 - Hardback (282 pp, ISBN: 978-1847185150 and 253 pp, ISBN: 978-1847185174, respectively). English footballing fans will likely breathe a sigh of disappointment when I clarify that the editor here is not the famous record setting goalie of indefatigable dedication, great longevity, and similar name. But as bird work goes, you’d have to share that same character in order to achieve the degree of scholarship and comprehensiveness represented in this collected work. Through a series of volumes the editor, a technical writer and translator by trade, has set out to create an easy reference to the vernacular names of all of the world’s nearly 10,000 bird species, in almost 50 languages. Each language is represented in a separate book with volume I, scientific names, serving as the essential linchpin connecting all of the others. Volume I comprises a brief introduction followed by a 280 pp. list of scientific names in plain text, each name with a unique corresponding identification number. This exact format is repeated in the subsequent language volumes, only instead of the scientific names appearing next to the numbers, there are up to three vernacular names from that respective language. English names were taken directly from the 3rd edition of the Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World (Dickinson 2003) with up to 2 more included from other prominent international checklists where they differed. On the whole. North American birders will find the additional vernacular names relevant (e.g., Baldpate for American Wigeon, Marsh hawk for Northern Harrier, etc.), but others might leave you feeling a twinge of sympathy for foreign visitors who might try to use them locally only to be greeted by a blank stare (e.g., how often would asking about “Big- headed snipe” or “Mud snipe” lead a visiting birder to their life American Woodcock?). But this is the kind of usage the editor has envisioned for the work - not a scientific treatise, but a collection of bird names in local languages to supplement field guides and allow birders to better communicate with local people. From the above description it should be clear to readers otherwise seeking a reference to the meanings of world bird names that the Burridge’s Dictionary isn’t that kind of dictionary - it’s a translational dictionary. The dictionary’s contents and order adhere to the Howard and Moore checklist (up to and including corrigenda 7) with the exception that species within genera are ordered alphabetically based on specific epithet (so, for instance, readers will find American Wigeon 24 species above Eurasian Wigeon instead of right next to it). Because the Howard and Moore Checklist was developed in good concordance with most continent- wide committees on avian classification, folks already familiar with the AOU’s checklist will be pleased to see very few taxonomic surprises in this dictionary. On the fiip side, the Howard and Moore checklist is expensive and not freely available online so, for the numbers of birders who don’t own it and who are acclimated to the ordering in alternative world checklists (e.g., the online IOC World Bird List), working within Burridge’s Dictionary could be challenging. What’s more, by now I’m sure that many computer savvy readers here have recognized that the kind of relationship linking the volumes of the Burridge’s Dictionary is exactly the sort of thing that digital spreadsheet and database technologies were developed to manage. Publishing such an endeavor in paper form these days creates an instant Achilles’ heel because our taxonomic checklists change (sometimes rapidly) as our understanding of evolutionary relationships improves. So for example, if you were a Canadian francophone visiting Oregon in search of your life “Troglodyte de Baird”, the Burridge’s dictionary won’t provide you an English translation. . . Pacific Wren wasn’t added to the Howard and Moore checklist until after this dictionary had already been published. You can expect a similar experience working retrospectively too, especially if you’re birding in one of the many parts of the world where there are few local field guide options and these haven’t been updated recently (e.g., eastern Africa). This reduction in utility is offset by the dictionary’s scholarship and sheer impressiveness of scope; nearly 40 language volumes will be completed within the coming years. The full set would be a welcome addition to any academic library but considering the cost of roughly $60 a volume, the caveats mentioned above, and the fact that you’d need to acquire a minimum of three volumes to make a translation (your native language, the “Eatin” index volume, and the destination language), this inspiring work isn’t likely to make it onto the shelves of many birders. Those who elect to holdout in hopes that maybe an online version will eventually appear will likely continue to use the freely available Avibase (http://avibase.bsc-eoc.or) for translations in the meantime - or they’ll just continue the age-old yet effective birding strategy of simply walking up to foreign language speakers in distant lands and pointing at the picture in the book. March/ April 2013 13 A Visit to Suriname By Colin Rees Like its neighbor Guyana, Suriname boasts exceptional avifauna, a wealth evident in and around its capital, Paramaribo, with its open spaces, gardens and water bodies, including the mighty Suriname River. The ubiquitous Great Kiskadee greets the visitor at almost every step. Pied Water Tyrants, humming birds and birds of prey - Yellow-headed Caracaras, Laughing Falcons and Long-winged Harriers - fill the landscape now terrorizing journeying migrants. It’s a particular pleasure to see and hear Chimney Swifts poised for passage to North America. Nearby coastal, swampy forests hide toucans. Scarlet Ibis and Yellow-rumped Caciques and rice fields do not disappoint with their many herons and Green Kingfishers. Large-billed Terns, Black Skimmers and Ringed Kingfishers fiy up and down and across swift flowing rivers. It’s all quite magical. Suriname claims a special place in the coastal areas of South America. Nowhere is the coastal habitat more intact. Surveys of the entire South American coastline concluded that more than half of the shorebirds counted during the migration period were found along the Suriname coast. Shorebirds proved the most numerous with two million individuals. Herons, ibises and storks numbered a few hundred thousand, ducks about 100 thousand and gulls, terns and skimmers slightly less. But more detail: 75 % of the two species of yellowlegs pass through Suriname’s coastline, 60% of Semi-palmated Sandpipers, about 40% of dowitchers, and 30% of Willet, Whimbrel and Grey Plover; and it’s only 1.5 % of the total length of the South American coastline! While much remains pristine, hunting and pollution (mercury from inland mining and pesticides from agriculture) are pressuring wildlife and there is an urgent need to adopt protective measures. Suriname’s interior forests are remote and protected by some 13 nature reserves. King Vultures, Harpy Eagles and many smaller birds of prey are plentiful along with the unique Royal Flycatcher with its colorful crest and the eerie ‘song’ of the Capuchinbird which some have compared to the distant sound of a chainsaw or a mooing cow. The noisy cries of several species of macaw do not detract from their brilliant colors and engaging behavior. New discoveries have shown that 3 species of birds (thought to be rare), are common in the rare dwarf-forest-on-white sand habitat: Bronzy Jacamar, Saffron-crested Tyrant-manakin and Black Manakin. Alas, forestry is also coming under pressure. Suriname is fortunate to have no population pressures, vast natural resources, and a great variety of sustainable economic alternatives. Will it choose to sell itself short, like so many other tropical countries, or instead become a model for a new kind of sustainable development? With over 720 bird species much is at stake. Is MOS Ready for E-commerce? Many MOS members are very familiar with purchasing items via the web (“e-commerce”) and using a credit card or PayPal as a means of paying for them. MOS would like to explore whether our organization should make use of this technology for conducting many of our transactions, particularly paying membership dues and conference registrations. We’re looking for volunteers to serve on an ad hoc committee to research the technology and make a recommendation to the MOS Board whether to adopt it. Here are some of the questions we need to answer: • What are the costs and benefits? • What services should be available via e-commerce? • What “shopping cart” software should be used and what features do we need? • How will we manage the e-commerce site? • How will we proceed to implement and test our e-commerce site? • Will the site be secure? • What effect will e-commerce have on our current methods of collecting dues and membership information, and paying conference registrations? If you have interest or experience in ecommerce, please consider serving on the committee and contact Tom Strikwerda at vicepres@mdbirds.org. Duck Workshop Wrapup The February 8-9 Duck Seminar held in Ocean City was a rousing success. Despite a rainy Friday, 33 birders packed the meeting room at the Holiday Inn Ocean City to hear Derek Stoner, Conservation Project Coordinator for the Delaware Nature Society, lecture on identifying ducks in the mid- Atlantic area. The following morning we divided into two teams: Derek and his crew headed north into Delaware. They located 14 species of waterfowl, the highlights being close up views of Razorbills, Black Scoter, and Long tailed ducks at Indian River Inlet. Dave Webb, Harford County member and MOS Treasurer, pitched in to co-lead and kept his group in Maryland. Not surprisingly, the Maryland group got the dabblers for a total of 16 species. The weather cooperated with everyone getting killer views of just about everything. The final consensus: We all had a great time. Next up: A warbler workshop at the MOS Conference - to be conducted by Mark Johnson, Harford County member and former MOS president. Maryanne Dolan State Education Chair 14 The Maryland Yellowthroat Wednesday, May 1 MEETING. Carroll. “Birding Quiz” by Mark Hoffman. 7:30 PM at South Carroll Senior Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Rd, Eldersburg. Contact Dave Harvey, 410-795-3117 for more info. A Baltimore. Eirst Wednesdays at Eort McHenry. A continuing series of monthly morning surveys of bird activity at the Eort and wetland. Scope can be useful. Cancelled in inclement weather. Meet 8 AM in the park, outside the Visitor Center, header: Mary Chetelat, 410- 665-0769. of Eemon Bridge Rd off MD 197, just north of Bowie State U. and the MARC line. No reservations required. If you have questions, contact trip leader Bill Sefton at kiwisuits@msn.com. Saturday, May 4 A Allegany/Garrett. Green Ridge SE. Meet 7 AM at P&R off Ali Ghan and Christie Rds. Contact Mary Huebner, marybrd22@gmail.com or 301-777-0545 for more info. A Anne Arundel. Roosevelt Island, DC. Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre island and a national memorial located in the Potomac River in Washington, DC. This trip is in conjunction with the 5/3 presentation by Dr. Chris Haney at our A ABC meeting. We will be leaving Parole P&R at 6: 15 AM. Deader: Dr Chris Haney Eor addT info contact Barbara Johnson at 410-703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@gmail.com. Thursday, May 2 MEETING. Frederick. Gary Van Velsir on “Travel and Birding in China.” 7 PM at Homewood at Crumland Earms (7407 Willow Rd) in Erederick. Eor info contact Bob Schaefer, 301-831-5660 or Pres@ErederickBirdClub.org. A Patuxent. Eake Artemesia (Euther Goldman Birding Trail). Joint trip with EGAS. Meet 6 PM at the parking lot at Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Call David Mozurkewich, 301-459- 3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net for more info. Friday, May 3 MEETING. Anne Arundel. 7:30 pm at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian handing Rd, Millersville, MD. The subject is “Seabirds, Pelagic Sargassum, and Marine Biodiversity in the Western Atlantic Ocean,” by Dr J. Christopher Haney, Chief Scientist, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, DC. Eor addT info contact Barbara Johnson at 410-703-4664 or barbarajohnson222@gmail.com. A Frederick. First Friday trip, header and destination TBA. Meet at Culler Eake in Baker Park at 8 AM. For info contact Bob Schaefer, 301-831-5660 or Pres@ FrederickBirdClub.org. MEETING. Harford. Program: “Winter Birding in Northern Minnesota” presented by Volney Ford and friends. 6:30 PM at Harford Glen Environmental Center. Info: Dennis Kirkwood, newarkfarms@gmail.com. A Patuxent. Fran Uhler NA. Meet 7:30 AM at the end A Baltimore. Rock Run Area, Susquehanna SR Meet at Cromwell Bridge Rd P&R. Trip to Harford Co for resident Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers and a collection of spring migrants. Possibly one of the best spring warbler watching sites in MD; expect 18 to 24 warbler species in a single day. Bring a picnic lunch for the wrap-up of what could be an excellent morning of birding. Meet 7 AM. Contact leader: Pete Webb, 443-904-6314 (m) or pete_webb@juno.com for meet location. A Baltimore. Youth Birding at Oregon Ridge Park. Ages 8-15 with parent. On the best warbler birding day of the year learn about how to bird with other birders ages 8 to 15. Eeam how to use field guides and iPod apps to locate birds. Meet time is 8:30 AM. Please contact leader, Marty Brazeau, 410-583-0275 or tropicbirder@verizon.net to register and get meet location. A Frederick. C&O Canal Walk. Half day. We will go from Point of Rocks (with its newly spacious parking lot) to Eander for migrating warblers. Be sure to do your neck exercises beforehand. Contact leader: Pat Caro, 301-845- 6246, for meet time and place. A Harford. Fifth Annual Epic Birding Contest. The first four of these contests have each been a real hoot (although we haven’t had an owl, yet)! Don’t miss out on this fun time at Susquehanna SR Birders at all skill levels welcome. Meet at the Rock Run Mill at 6:30 AM for team selections and rules review. Counting will begin at 6:45 AM and end at 11:30 AM. Rally celebration will occur at continued on page 15 March/ April 2013 15 Calendar continued from page 14 approximately 12 noon at the Tidewater Grille in Havre de Grace. Family members and others are welcome to join the contestants for the celebration. Coordinators are Tom Gibson (410-734-4135; gibsonlld@aol.com ) and Sue Procell (410-676-6602; suzanne.procell@us.army.mil). A Howard. Pigtail at Triadelphia Reservoir. 2-3 hour trip. Joint trip in conjunction with WSSC. Meet 8 AM at the Green Bridge Rd parking lot off Triadelphia Mill Rd (note this is the Howard side Green Bridge Rd). The cove is bordered on three sides by deciduous and coniferous woods. Extensive mudflats may exist with the possibility of shorebirds. For more info contact leader, Dennis Coskren, coskren@verizon.net or 410-381-7344. Facilities available (rustic). A Kent. Beginner’s Bird Walk at Andelot Farm. By special arrangement with the owner, we’ll take a leisurely walk among wood margins, fields, and small ponds looking for spring migrants: swallows, warblers, vireos, and sparrows. Half day, bring snacks. Meet 8 AM at Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown. Leaders: Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or rossgull@ baybroadband.net. MAY COUNT. Dorchester. 91st May Count. 1st of two Dorchester May counts. Compiler: Harry Armistead, harryarmistead@hotmail.com. Sunday, May 5 A Anne Arundel. Bird Banding at Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory. We will spend time at the banding station and then walk the grasslands for birds. Leader: Dan Small. Meet Bay 50 shopping center parking lot (located off Rte 50 on Whitehall Rd) at 7 AM. Kevin Smith, 410- 917-3004 or ravens3077@yahoo.com will coordinate at Bay 50. A Carroll. Jug Bay Wetland Center. Meet Jerry and Laura Tarbell, 410-857-1109 at Jug Bay visitor center at 8 AM. Let them know you’ll be there so they’ll know to look for you. A Baltimore. North Point SP. Meet in the parking lot just after the toll booth. There is a fee of $3 per car to enter the park. We will walk down the path to Black Marsh Wildlands, a great spot for various wetland birds, raptors, warblers, and flycatchers. The woods around the Black Marsh area host many woodpeckers and vireos, and we can head down to the beach to check for terns. Scopes very useful. Path tends to be very muddy, and don’t forget your bug spray. Meet 8 AM. Contact leader. Rose Anderson, 443-802-8012 for info. A Baltimore. Cylbum Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 AM at the Vollmer Center parking lot (4915 Greenspring Ave) for easy birding in Cylbum’s gardens and urban forest. Beginning birders welcome. No designated leader. Coordinator: Joe Lewandowski, 410-358-7834 or ilenel@ juno.com. FRED ARCHIBALD MAY COUNT. Frederick. Meet at the Sanctuary at 6 AM. Coordinator: Bob Schaefer, 301- 831-5660 or Pres@FrederickBirdClub.org. A Montgomery. Little Bennett RP. Half day. Near peak migration for warblers and vireos, including those breeding in this varied habitat. Contact the leader for time and directions. Reservations required. Leader: Gemma Radko, 301-514-2894. A Talbot. Pocomoke Swamp. We will bird the edge of the Nassawango Creek Preserve along Johnson Rd in search of migrant and resident songbirds with a focus on warblers. Leader: Steve Ford, 443-786-7814. Depart Easton Acme Parking Lot at 6:30 AM. Bring lunch, drinks, and snacks. Full day trip. A Patuxent. Governor Bridge NA. Joint trip with PGAS. Meet 7:30 AM at the parking lot for Governor Bridge Park. No reservations required. Park is located on Governor Bridge Rd, approximately 1 mile east of MD 301. If you have questions, contact trip leader Bill Sefton at kiwisuits@msn.com. Tuesday, May 7 A Baltimore. Robert E. Lee Park (Lake Roland). A series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Spring migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams, and marsh. Beginning birders welcome. Meet time 8 AM, contact leader for location. Leader: Paul Noell, 410-243- 2652 or myconut@verizon.net. MEETING. Baltimore. Tuesday Evening Lecture at Cylbum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. Speaker and topic TBD. Doors open at 7 PM for socializing and snacks, show starts about 7:15 PM. Info: Pete Webb, 443-904-6314 or petewebb @j uno . com . A Montgomery. Rock Creek Park, DC. Early migrant continued on page 16 16 The Maryland Yellowthroat Calendar continued from page 15 warblers, vireos, etc. Meet 7 AM at Picnic Area #18, one- half mile below the Nature Center on Ridge Rd. Call the leader for more info and for specific directions. Limit: 8. Reservations required. Leader: Wallace Komack, 202- 338-7859. Wednesday, May 8 A Montgomery. Washington County: Seeking Breeders and Migrants. Explore some of Washington Co’s under- birded treasures. Expect some birding from the road mixed in with some moderate hikes (nothing overly strenuous). Bring snacks, drinks, lunch, insect repellent, etc. Reservations required. Eimit: 10. Carpooling suggested. Eor reservations, directions, and meet time, contact Jim Green at 301-742-0036 (m) or jkgbirdman53@gmail. com. Wednesday to Sunday, May 8 to May 12 •^MOS. World Series of Birding, Cape May, NJ. Eor YMOS WSB team members only. Trip departs at 5 AM Wed morning for 3 days of scouting. We’ll participate in the Big Day on Sat, trying to find as many species as we can in 1 day. We’ll return Sun around 4 PM after the Awards Brunch. The Birdathon fundraising will hopefully pay for the motel, the Awards Brunch, a T-Shirt, and most of the food costs. Eor more info, go to http://www.ymos. org/ or contact George Radcliffe at radclifg@gmail.com. Friday, May 10 A Montgomery. Birding by Ear along the C&O. The emphasis is on listening so tune up your ears for this half- day canal walk. Migrant and nesting landbirds. Meet 7 AM at the end of Pennyfield Eock Rd. Reservations required. Eor more info and reservations call the leaders, headers: Cyndie Eoeper, 301-530-8226 or Ann Eucy, 301-229-8810. Saturday, May 11 MAY COUNT. Allegany. To participate, contact J.B. Churchill, jchurchi@atlanticbb.net, 301-689-8344 or 301-697-1223 (m) to be assigned an area to count. MAY COUNT. Anne Arundel. Contact Dotty Mumford, 410-849-8336 or dottymum@comcast.net to let her know where you will be counting. MAY COUNT. Baltimore. All-day count of birds in Baltimore City and Co. Eor area assignments call compiler Joel Martin, 410-744-9211 orjcdlmartin@aol.com. MAY COUNT. Calvert. Compiler: Sue Hamilton, 410- 586-1494 or seall0n2002@yahoo.com. MAY COUNT. Caroline. Compiler, Debby Bennett. Contact her at dabennettl996@gmail.com for more info. MAY COUNT. Carroll. Individual parties of counters will set their own schedules in their pre-arranged areas. Parties will count resident and spring migrant bird species throughout Carroll Co. Contact Don Jewell to verify your bird counting area atjewelldg@gmail.com or 410-259- 4716. The Tally Rally will be hosted by Susan Bollinger at her home. RSVP to Susan at 410-848-2050 if you will be attending Tally. Please bring a cash donation ($5) or a food item. MAY COUNT. Cecil. No count in 2013. MAY COUNT. Charles. Compiler: George Jett, 301- 843-3524 or gmjett@comcast.net. MAY COUNT. Dorchester. 92nd May Count. 2nd of two annual Dorchester May counts. Compiler: Harry Armistead, harryarmistead@hotmail.com. MAY COUNT. Frederick. 49th Annual! It’s peak migration so this is the most fun you can have working on a census. Eots of eyes and ears are needed! Compiler: Mike Welch, 301-685-3561 or manddwelch@comcast. net. MAY COUNT. Garrett. To participate contact Fran Pope, fpope@gcnetmail.net or 301-334-4908. MAY COUNT. Harford. Help Harford contribute to this important data collection day and monitor migration throughout our locale. Contact the coordinator, Rick Cheicante, rickcheicante@cs.com or 410-803-2712, for assignment. MAY COUNT. Howard. Compiler: Kevin Heffeman, 410-418-8731 (h) or KJHeff@aol.com. MAY COUNT. Kent. An all-day effort to census as much of Kent Co as possible. Join a field party or count in your neighborhood. Contact one of the leaders for details. Eeaders: Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or rossgull@baybroadband.net. MAY COUNT. Montgomery. Compiler: Diane Ford, continued on page 1 7 March/ April 2013 17 Calendar continued from page 16 dmford45 5 @y ahoo . com . MAY COUNT. Prince George’s. Compiler: Fred Fallon, 410-286-8152 or fwfallon@ymail.eom. MAY COUNT. Queen Anne’s. Compiler: Glenn Therres, therres@atlantiebb.net. Unable to eonfirm ‘13 eount status with 2012 eompiler as of 4/1/13. MAY COUNT. St. Mary’s. Compiler: Patty Craig, 301- 872-5670 or eyrie@hughes.net. MAY COUNT. Somerset. Compiler: Paul G. Bystrak, shrike@eomeast.net. MAY COUNT. Talbot. To partieipate eall eoordinator/ eompiler Les Coble at 410-820-6165. MAY COUNT. Washington. Contaet County Coordinator Mark Abdy, 301-432-7696, to participate. MAY COUNT. Wicomico. Compiler: Ellen Lawler, EMLAWLER@salisbury.edu or 410-546-9056. MAY COUNT. Worcester. Compiler, Mark Hoffman, webirding@eomeast.net. It Montgomery. Izaak Walton League Property, B-CC Chapter. Half Day. The Club’s 2nd ofiheial trip to this large private property south of Poolesville. Woods, hedgerows, streams, fields, and ponds provide a wide range of bird habitats, and migration should be on its way by this date. Trip will start at 7 AM at the League’s ehapterhouse. Reservations required. For reservations and direetions, eontaet Mike Bowen, 301-530-5764 or dhmbowen@ yahoo. eom. B-CC Chapter Treasurer and MBC member Jim Tate will eo-lead. WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING. New Jersey Audubon will proudly host the 30th annual World Series of Birding. This event has ehanged the birding landseape and raised over $8,000,000 for bird eonservation. More info: http:// www.njaudubon.org/SeetionWorldSeriesofBirding/ WorldSeriesofBirding.aspx. Sunday, May 12 AUDREY CARROLL MAY COUNT. Frederick. Meet at the Sanetuary at 6 AM. Coordinator: David Smith 410- 549-7082. It Talbot. Bombay Hook NWR and DE Bay Shore. This trip is at the height of spring migration for wading birds, shorebirds, and passerines. Eeader: Charles Hopkins, 410-763-8742. Depart Easton Aeme Parking Eot at 6:30 AM. Bring luneh, drinks, and snaeks to share. Eull day trip. A Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Half-day trip for migrant and resident passerines. Meet 8:30 AM. Half mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, scopes useful, headers: Brent and Mary Byers, 410-626-7294 or baypufihn@hotmail.eom and Bob Rineer, 410-252-6408 or brineer@verizon.net. Tuesday, May 14 A Baltimore. Robert E. Eee Park (Eake Roland). A series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Spring migration. Habitats inelude woods, lake, streams, and marsh. Beginning birders weleome. Meet time 8 AM. Eeader: Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769. MEETING. Kent. Speaker: Norm and Linda Dulak. Program: “Voyage to the Peruvian Amazon.” 7:30 PM at Wesley Hall, Heron Point, E Campus Ave, Chestertown. Eor info eontaet Naney Martin, 410-778-9568. MEETING. Patuxent. Horeshoe Crab Biology and Tagging by Sheila Eyler. 7:30 PM at the College Park Airport Annex, College Park, MD. Eor add’l info eall David Mozurkewieh at 301-459-3375 or go to http:// www.pgaudubon.org/programs.html. Wednesday, May 15 A Howard. Henryton Road, Patapseo Vally SP. Plan for moderate walking and possible muddy trails areas. This area of Patapseo Valley SP is nesting area for Yellow- throated, Worm-eating, and Cerulean warblers. Meet 8 AM at bottom of Henryton Rd at the dead end. Eeader Joe Byrnes, 410-730-5329 or EBRoller@verizon.net. MEETING. Montgomery. Speaker: David Cur son. Topie: “Maryland’s Salt Marshes and Birds.” David will provide an overview of MD’s salt marshes and the birds that live there. 7:30 PM at Potomae Presbyterian Chureh, 10301 River Rd, Potomae. Eor more info eontaet Anna Ureiolo at ureioloa@sidwell.edu. Thursday, May 16 MEETING. Caroline. Program TBA. 7:30 PM, Caroline Co Publie Eibrary, 100 Market St, Denton. Eor more info continued on page 18 18 The Maryland Yellowthroat Calendar continued from page 1 7 contact Debby Bennett at dabennettl996@gmail.com. n Patuxent. Lake Artemesia (Luther Goldman Birding Trail). Joint trip with PGAS. Meet 6 PM at the parking lot at Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Call David Mozurkewich, 301-459- 3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net for more info. Friday to Sunday, May 17 to 19 A Baltimore. Youth Birding Weekend at Carey Run Sanctuary, Frostburg. Leader: Marty Brazeau. Join us for the weekend in the mountains of Western Maryland. We will stay in an old farmhouse at a 162-acre bird sanctuary. We will visit local state parks to bird for mountain nesting warblers. This trip is limited to 10. For details, contact leader Marty Brazeau, 410-583-0275 or tropicbirder@ verizon.net. Saturday, May 18 A Allegany/Garrett. New Germany SP. Meet 7 AM at parking lot near lake. Contact Barb and George Gaffney, gaff4109@hughes.net for more info. A Anne Arundel. Family Bird Walk, Glen Artney Area. This trip is designed for beginners and families to discover the joy of bird watching. Experienced leaders will facilitate these walks through various habitats and introduce you to the basics of spotting and identifying birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not required. We will be using our ears as much as our eyes! WeTl meet in the parking area in front of Lost Lake at 9 AM. This park has paved, level trails. Leader: Stacy Epperson, 410-987-7533 ortryswim@comcast.net. A Anne Arundel. Swan Creek. The Swan Creek wetlands are adjacent to the Port of Baltimore’s dredged material placement site at Cox Creek, near the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Swan Creek is a very limited access area that has quickly developed into a magnet for all types of birds. We’ll meet up on site at 7 AM and please be prompt as we only have a limited period of time on the property. The trails are generally flat and covered with gravel. Scopes are recommended for the large ponds. Leader: Stan Arnold, thrushhost@gmail.com. A Baltimore. Milford Mill Park. One-mile level walk on paved path for migrant warblers, thrushes, tanagers, grosbeaks, and other songbirds. Meet 7:30 AM, contact leader for directions. Leader: Pete Webb, 443-904-6314 or pete_webb@juno.com. A Baltimore. Saturday Monitoring Walks at Fort McHenry. Continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort and wetland. Cancelled in inclement weather. Meet 8 AM in the park, outside the Visitor Center. Leader: Jim Peters, 410-429-0966. A Cecil. Elk Neck SF. Traverse the quiet wooded lanes of one of Cecil’s prime birding gems. At this time of year, the forest is starting to ring with the songs of newly arrived summer residents: Veery, Wood Thrush, Hooded Warbler, Worm-Eating and Black-and- White Warblers, Great Crested Flycatcher, and other goodies. Meet 7 AM at the State Forest office parking lot off Irishtown Rd. Wear sturdy footwear for walking trails that may be muddy. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Leader: Parke John, parkejohnll@gmail.com. A Harford. Anita Leight Estuary Center. Spend a leisurely morning observing the spring migration from the grounds of the center. You may remain in one spot for the duration of this event, wander in the vicinity of the building, or stroll the nearby trail. The facility will provide chairs. You my want to bring some food and a drink. Meet leader Phil Powers, 410-679-4116 or birdsinmd@verizon.net at the Estuary Center at 7:30 AM. BIG DAY. Howard. All day listing extravaganza! Limit 12. Email or call the leader to sign up. Plan to spend the day hiking around the county in search of as many species as possible. All types of footwear needed. Bring food and drinks. Facilities in some spots. Leader: Bonnie Ott, bonnieott@verizon.net or 443-285-3302. LITTLE BIG DAY. Howard. This trip is designed for beginner and intermediate birders and will not be as intense as the Big Day trip. Some of the same locations as the Big Day trip may be visited. Email or call the leader for reservations and details. Facilities in some spots. Leaders: Karen Darcy and Kevin Heffeman, 410-418- 8731 or KJHeff@aol.com. A Patuxent. Governor Bridge NA. Joint trip with PGAS. Meet 7:30 AM at the parking lot for Governor Bridge Park. No reservations required. Park is located on Governor Bridge Rd, approximately 1 mile east of MD 301. If you have questions, contact trip leader Bill Sefton at kiwisuits@msn.com. A Washington. Visit Catoctin Creek Nature Center and continued on page 19 March/ April 2013 19 Calendar continued from page 18 surrounding grounds near Frederick. Trip leaves from the Rte 66 P&R. Call Shirley Ford, 301-241-3020, for a departure time. Sunday, May 19 A Anne Arundel. DE Bay. Gerald Winegrad will once again lead this fabulous trip to points on the Delaware Bay to see Horseshoe Crabs spawning and the multitudes of shorebirds that depend on the eggs for fuel on their migration. Meet Bay 50 shopping center parking lot (located off Rte 50 on Whitehall Rd) at 7:30 AM. Leader: Gerald Winegrad, 410-280-8956 or gwwabc@comcast. net. A Baltimore. Glen Artney and Avalon areas, Patapsco River Valley SP. This park has a variety of habitats including Lost Lake, stream-side woods and open fields. Possibilities include spring migrants such as warblers, vireos, and orioles as well as resident birds. Level walking on paved and gravel roads. This is a fee area of $2 or $3 dollars per car. Car pooling is recommended. Meet 8 AM, contact leader for location. Leader: Mary Anne Fluke, 443-690-4319 or mfluke62@gmail.com. A Baltimore. Quarry Lake. A new walk we started in the fall introducing what has proven to be a very “birdy” area. The walk around the lake is about 2 miles on level, often paved, pathways with excellent views down (not up!) into the treetops surrounding Quarry Lake. Meet 8 AM at the benches where the 3 flags are flying on Quarry Lake Dr. Contact leader for driving directions. Leaders: Joany Heilman, 410-486-2719 orjehellman@comcast.net. A Kent. DE Bay Shorebirds and Horseshoe Crabs. The annual May gathering of northbound shorebirds including large numbers of Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstones in bright breeding dress feeding on Horseshoe Crab eggs along the shores of DE Bay is a migration spectacle. We will visit the DE Bay shore from Prime Hook north to Mispillion Light; an area also good for coastal marsh birds, gulls and terns. Full day, bring lunch. Meet 8 AM at Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown. Leaders: Walter Ellison and Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568 or rossgull@ baybroadband.net. A Montgomery. Rock Creek Park, DC. One third day. Migrant warblers, vireos, etc. Meet 7 AM at Picnic Area #18, one-half mile below the Nature Center on Ridge Rd. Limit: 6. Reservations required. Call the leader for more info or specific directions. Leader: Wallace Komack, 202- 338-7859. A Talbot. North Tara Rd, Chesapeake Forest/Brookview, Dorchester Co. Previous trips have produced 70+ species, including 10 or more warblers. Cliff and Bank Swallows are likely. Leaders: Vince DeSanctis, 410-886-2009 and Chuck Mock, 410-943-4690. Depart Easton Acme parking lot at 6:30 AM. Return around noon. Bring drinks and snacks. A Tri-County. Worcester County. Inland bays for shorebirds, marsh birds, and other migrants. Meet 7:30 AM in Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art parking lot on S Schumaker Dr at Beaglin Park Dr in Salisbury. Leader: Sam Dyke, 410-742-8920. Monday, May 20 MEETING. Tri-County. Program: TBA. 7 PM at Asbury Methodist Church, Fox Rm, south entrance, Camden Ave, Salisbury. For more info contact Betty Pitney at 410-543- 1853. Tuesday, May 21 A Baltimore. Robert E. Lee Park (Lake Roland). A series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Spring migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams, and marsh. Beginning birders welcome. Meet time 8 AM. Leader: TBD. Friday to Sunday, May 24 to 26 MOS ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Ramada Conference Center, Edgewood, Harford County, MD. Join your fellow birders from across the State of Maryland for the MOS Annual Conference, featuring held trips, workshops, social events, business meeting, and special guest speaker for the gala banquet. Volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of the Conference, including registration, leading held trips and helping with the silent auction. Registration forms will be mailed to MOS members early in 2013. Watch the Maryland Yellowthroat or MOS Website for more details or contact Janet Shields at Secretary@mdbirds.org. Saturday, May 25 A Anne Arundel/Cecil. Fairhill Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA). Fair Hill is a 5,656 acre NRMA, where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland’s natural resources. Come to an area rich in bird diversity, led by Sean McCandless. Sean is an expert in continued on page 20 20 The Maryland Yellowthroat Calendar continued from page 19 bird identification and Fairhill is his favorite haunt this time of year. We’ll meet at Parole P&R at 6:30 AM. Info: Stacy Epperson, 410-987-7533 ortryswim@comcast.net. A Baltimore. Patterson Park. Look for late spring migrants and resident Wood Ducks, American Kestrel, and surprises in this urban oasis. Meet at fountain in park near intersection of Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue. Meet 8 AM. For questions or to borrow binoculars for the walk, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center at 410-558-2473 or ppaudubon@gmail.com. A Baltimore. Bombay Hook. Full-day trip for a wide variety of migrating shorebirds. Be prepared for heat and biting insects. Minimal walking involved. Scopes very useful. Bring a lunch. Meet 7 AM at Nursery Rd P&R, 1-695, Exit 8. Alternatively, meet 9:15 AM at the Bombay Hook Visitor Center lot. Leader: Pete Webb, 410-486- 1217, 443-904-6314 (m), or pete_webb@juno.com. A Howard. Patapsco Scrubland. Meet 7:30 AM at 735 River Rd (up long drive take right-hand split and park by house). Starting in the scrubland, we’ll look for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other edge species. Depending on conditions, we may continue into the woods. Moderate to possibly difficult walking: steep trails with several stream crossings, so wear appropriate footwear. Facilities available. Leader: Felicia Lovelett, 410-489-7169 or c5nest@gmail.com. Sunday, May 26 A Patuxent. Bombay Hook. All day trip. Meet 7 AM at the Bowie P&R. Call David Mozurkewich, 301-459-3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net for more info. A Talbot. Millington WMA, Kent Co on Rte 330. New location. Expect nesters and migrants Prothonotary, Kentucky, and numerous other warblers, vireos, and fiy catchers. We will cover Black Bottom and Big Stone Rds. as well as wet forest, bottomlands, and fields. Leader: Vince DeSanctis, 410-886-2009. Depart Easton Acme parking lot 6:30 A.M. Return around noon. Bring drinks and snacks. Monday, May 27 A Harford. Upper Deer Creek Valley. Explore the streams and ponds of NW Harford Co and visit the World Famous Bradenbaugh Flats. Expect to see warblers. Homed Lark, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Willow Flycatcher. Meet at the northern end of Madonna Rd where it crosses Deer Crk at Hidden Valley at 7 AM. Leader is Dennis Kirkwood, 410- 692-5905 or newarkfarms@gmail.com. Tuesday, May 28 A Baltimore. Robert E. Lee Park (Lake Roland). A series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Spring migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams, and marsh. Beginning birders welcome. Meet time 8 AM. Leader: TBD. MEETING. Washington. Members Night. Bring short presentations, photos, stories, or anything of interest to share with your birding friends. 7 PM at the Mt. Aetna Nature Center. Call 301-797-8454 for more info. Friday to Sunday, May 31 to June 2 A Talbot. Garrett County and Western MD. All weekend trip in search of Western MD specialties. As of this writing, we are still trying to secure a local guide(s) to take group to the birding hot spots. More info to follow via our listserv. Coordinator for this trip is Charles Hopkins, 410-763-8742. Saturday, June 1 A Anne Arundel. Patterson Park. Located very near the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, Patterson Park is one of the city’s oldest parks and a popular birding destination. We’ll meet at Parole P&R at time to still be determined. Contact: Kevin Smith at 410-917-3004 or ravens3077@yahoo.com for more info. Trip leader: Pete Webb. A Cecil. Courthouse Point Rd. Courthouse Point MHA is one of the most productive birding sites in Cecil, boasting a long list of regular and accidental species from both dry and wet habitats. Meet 7 AM near Dunkin’ Donuts in Big Elk Mall, intersection of Rtes 40 and 213. Easy walking on mostly level ground. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Leader: Maryanne Dolan, maryanne. dolan@gmail.com. A Harford. June Challenge Kickoff. Start off Harford Co’s June Challenge with a day trip to find Harford’s rare and local breeding species, late migrants, and hopefully, a surprise or two! The June Challenge will compile all the bird species seen in Harford Co in the month of June. Anyone can participate and contribute data. We will meet at 5 AM at the Beards Hill Plaza by the Home Depot in Aberdeen. The leader is Matt Hafner, 410-971-3203 or hafner.matt@gmail.com. continued on page 21 March/ April 2013 21 Calendar continued from page 20 MOS. BOARD MEETING. 10 AM. Marshy Point Nature Center. Contaet Janet Shields, MOS Seeretary at janetbill@prodigy.net or 410-901-1039 for addT info. A Patuxent. Eran Uhler NA. Meet 7:30 AM at the end of Eemon Bridge Rd off MD 197, just north of Bowie State U. and the MARC line. No reservations required. If you have questions, eontaet trip leader Bill Sefton at kiwisuits@msn.eom. Wednesday, June 5 A Baltimore. Eirst Wednesdays at Eort MeHenry. A eontinuing series of monthly morning surveys of bird aetivity at the Eort and wetland. Seope ean be useful. Caneelled in inelement weather. Meet 8 AM in the park, outside the Visitor Center. Eeader: Mary Chetelat, 410- 665-0769. Thursday, June 6 ANNUAE PICNIC. Frederick. Our favorite spot for this event is Pine Cliff Park, where there is a lovely pavilion in the (ahem!) unlikely ehanee of rain. Bring binoeulars, a dish to share, plate, utensils, and drink. WeTl meet at 6 PM for birding and eats. Eor info eontaet Bob Sehaefer, 301-831-5660 or Pres@ErederiekBirdClub.org. A Patuxent. Eake Artemesia (Euther Goldman Birding Trail). Joint trip with EGAS. Meet 6 PM at the parking lot at Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Call David Mozurkewieh, 301-459- 3375 or mozurk@bellatlantie.net for more info. Saturday, June 8 A Baltimore. Northern Baltimore County. New trip for summer breeders ineluding warblers, vireos, swamp birds, field birds, ineluding Homed Eark, meadowlark. Willow Elyeateher, Blue-winged, Hooded and Kentueky Warblers. Meet 7:30 AM at Timonium P&R. Eeaders: Pete Webb, 443-904-6314 or pete_webb@juno.eom, and Kevin Graff, keyweststyle2001@gmail.eom. A Harford. Havre de Graee, Kayaking for Birds. Ply the waters in the River City using these popular watereraft to maneuver for better views of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds. Meet leaders Sue Proeell and Colleen Webster 8 AM. Contaet Colleen, CWebster@harford. edu or 410-459-4577 for more details and reservations, ineluding direetions to meeting plaee. Birders wishing to rent a kayak should eontaet Old Town Parasail (410-688- 2397) in advanee of the trip to make arrangements. Sunday, June 9 A Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Half-day trip in seareh for waterfowl, raptors, and passerines. Half- mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, seopes useful. Meet 8:30 AM, eontaet leaders for direetions. Eeaders: Brent and Mary Byers, 410-626- 7294 or baypufihn@hotmail.eom and Bob Rineer, 410- 252-6408 or brineer@verizon.net. A F rederick. Western Maryland. Full day. This always- popular trip will take us to Allegany and Garrett Cos. in seareh of Henslow’s Sparrow, Golden-winged Warbler, Eeast and Alder Flyeatehers, and mueh more. Eeader: Kathy Calvert, 301-810-5677. ANNUAE CEUB PICNIC. Kent. 4:30 PM. Annual potluek at the Eodge at Eastern Neek NWR. Contaet Walter Ellison and Naney Martin, 410-778-9568 or rossgull@baybroadband.net for more info. Tuesday, June 11 PEANNING MEETING. Allegany/Garrett. 6:30 PM. Frostburg Publie Eibrary, Frostburg. Contaet Mary Huebner, marybrd22@gmail.eom or 301-777-0545 for more info. MEETING. Patuxent. Member’s Night. Bring digital photos or slides to share with the group from your birding adventures of the past year. Eimit of 20 slides per member so all who want to show slides have to time. Contaet Dave Mozurkewieh at 301-459-3375 for details about logisties to ensure that slides are in a format eompatible to the available equipment. Thursday, June 13 CHAPTER PEANNING MEETING. Frederick. Everyone please eome to our 2013-2014 planning meeting and volunteer to give a program or lead a field trip. We need new ideas and suggestions. Contaet Bob Sehaefer, 301-831-5660 or Pres@FrederiekBirdClub.org. for info, time, and plaee. COVERED DISH DINNER AND PEANNING MEETING. Talbot. Help plan fall 2013 sehedule. Hosts: Bill and Karen Harris, 410-770-8303, 9069 May Apple En, High Banks. Harris’s will provide hamburgers and hot dogs. 6 PM. continued on page 22 22 The Maryland Yellowthroat Calendar continued from page 21 Saturday, June 15 n Baltimore. Carroll County Field Birds. Bird the fields of Carroll and/or Frederick Counties looking for Vesper, Grasshopper, Field, and Savannah Sparrows, Homed Lark, Meadowlark, Willow Flycatcher, Red- headed Woodpecker, possible Dickcissel and Bobolink. Bring lunch. Meet 7:30 AM, contact leader for directions. Leader: Pete Webb, 443-904-6314 or pete_webb@juno. com. Rain date 6/22. A Frederick. Patuxent River SP. We will choose between two sites, one a hot spot for Prairie Warblers and the other good for breeding Kentucky Warblers. Leader: Bob Schaefer, contact Bob Schaefer, 301-831-5660 or Pres@ FrederickBirdClub.org. A Patuxent. Governor Bridge NA. Joint trip with PGAS. Meet 7:30 AM at the parking lot for Governor Bridge Park. No reservations required. Park is located on Governor Bridge Rd, approximately 1 mile east of MD 301. If you have questions, contact trip leader Bill Sefton at kiwisuits@msn.com. Tuesday, June 18 A Harford. Jerusalem Mill. Take a mid-week break and wander along the lush Little Gunpowder Valley. Meet at the Mill on Jerusalem Rd at 7:30 AM. The leader is Phil Powers, 410-679-4116 or birdsinmd@verizon.net. Thursday, June 20 A Patuxent. Lake Artemesia (Luther Goldman Birding Trail). Joint trip with PGAS. Meet 6 PM at the parking lot at Berwyn Rd and Ballew Ave in Berwyn Heights. No reservations needed. Call David Mozurkewich, 301-459- 3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net for more info. Saturday, June 22 A Baltimore. Patterson Park. Look for resident Wood Ducks, American Kestrel, and surprises in this urban oasis. Meet at fountain in park near intersection of Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue. Meet 8 AM. For questions or to borrow binoculars for the walk, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center at 410-558-2473 or ppaudubon@gmail.com. A Harford. Anita Leight Estuary Center. Enjoy a pontoon boat cruise on the waters adjoining the Anita Leight Estuary Center on the Bush River seeking the abundant birdlife and other wildlife of the area. Meet the leader Phil Powers at the Center at 7:45 AM. The cmise will start at 8 AM and end at approximately 10:30 AM. The cost is $6 per person with a trip limit of 15. Advance reservations required. Contact Phil powers directly at 410-679-4116 or birdsinmd@verison.net. Please do not call the Anita Leight Estuary Center. Sunday, June 23 PICNIC. Washington. 4 PM at Washington Monument SP. Bring a place setting, drink, and a dish to share. Call 301-797-8454 for info. Saturday, June 29 SUMMER PICNIC PLANNING MEETING. Carroll. 1 PM at Amy Hoffman’s. Another chance to talk birds, eat, drink, and have fun with fellow birders. RSVP to Amy Hoffman, 410-549-3598 if you plan to attend. A Harford. Birding After Dark. Explore the lives of nocturnal birds, rails, bitterns, and owls from several hot spots in eastern Harford Co. Meet at Swan Harbor Farm at 8:30 PM. Trip will end by midnight. Flashlights optional. Contact Dave Webb, 410-939-3537 or porzana@comcast. net for further info. Sunday, July 14 A Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Half-day trip in search for raptors and passerines. Half-mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, scopes useful. Meet 8:30 AM, contact leaders for directions. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, 410-626- 7294 or baypufihn@hotmail.com and Bob Rineer, 410- 252-6408 or brineer@verizon.net. Saturday, July 20 A Harford. Hummingbird Banding. See our smallest birds up close as host Les Eastman and bander Bruce Peterjohn trap and band Ruby -throated Hummingbirds. Meet at 8:30 AM at the Eastman residence. Call Les for directions, 410-734-6969 or les@birdtreks.com. Sunday, July 21 A Harford. Bombay Hook. The premier location on the East Coast for shorebird migration. Meet at 7 AM at the 155/95 P&R. Bring a picnic lunch. A comfort/fast food breakfast stop will be made before arriving at the park. The leader is Dave Larkin, 410-569-8319 or larkin3001@ comcast.net. Saturday, July 27 A Baltimore. Patterson Park. Look for resident Wood continued on page 23 March/ April 2013 23 Calendar continued from page 22 Ducks, American Kestrel, and surprises in this urban oasis. Meet at fountain in park near intersection of Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue. Meet 8 AM. For questions or to borrow binoculars for the walk, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center at 410-558-2473 or ppaudubon@gmail.eom. A Harford. Harford Shorebird Roundup. Explore several Harford County shorelines to see a variety of shorebirds. Beginners interested in learning the basics of shorebird identification as well as experieneed watchers searching for rarities will enjoy this morning trip. Meet at the parking log of Ty dings Marina (HdG City Doek) at 7 AM. Contact leader Dennis Kirkwood, 410-692-5905 or newarkfarms@gmail.eom for more info. Sunday, August 11 A Baltimore. Marshy Point Nature Center. Half-day trip in search raptors and passerines. Half-mile trail leads to point overlooking Dundee Creek. Boots advisable, scopes useful. Meet 8:30 AM, contact leaders for directions. Leaders: Brent and Mary Byers, 410-626-7294 or baypufihn@hotmail.com and Bob Rineer, 410-252-6408 or brineer@verizon.net. Saturday, August 17 A Baltimore. Bombay Hook. Full-day trip for herons, wide variety of migrating sandpipers ineluding avocets. Be prepared for heat and biting insects. Minimal walking involved. Seopes very useful. Bring a lunch. Meet 7 AM at Nursery Rd P&R, 1-695, Exit 8. Alternatively, meet 9:15 AM at the Bombay Hook Visitor Center lot. Leader: Pete Webb, 410-486-1217, 443-904-6314 (m), or pete_ webb @j uno . com . Wednesday, August 21 A Harford. Harford Glen forNighthawks. Observe these phenomenal nightjars as they perform their early evening maneuvers, feeding on fiying insects. Meet leader Dave Larkin, 410-569-8319 or larkin3001@comcast.net at 7:30 PM at the Glen (west end of Wheel Rd). Saturday, August 24 A Baltimore. Patterson Park. Early migrant swallows, fiycatchers, resident American Kestrel and Wood Dueks and more in this green oasis in the middle of Baltimore. Meet at fountain in park near interseetion of Lombard Street and Patterson Park Avenue. Meet 8 AM. For questions or to borrow binoculars for the walk, contact Patterson Park Audubon Center at 410-558-2473 or ppaudubon@gmail.com. Sunday, August 25 PICNIC. Washington. 4 PM at Camp Harding. Bring a place setting, drink, lawn chair, and a dish to share. Call 301-797-8454 for info. Tuesday, August 27 A Baltimore. Cromwell Valley Park. First in a series of weekly Tuesday morning walks to follow the progress of fall migration. This park has variety of habitats including fields, stream-side woods, and hillside forest. Expect a variety of migrant and resident birds. Beginning birders welcome. Leader: Kevin Graff, keyweststyle2001@ gmail.com. Sunday, August 31 A Cecil. Turkey Point Migrants and Hawk Watch Kickoff. Join us for the traditional kick-off to the annual Turkey Point Hawk Watch, which runs every day from Labor Day weekend through Thanksgiving. Walk through the woods and fields for migrant songbirds. The paee will be leisurely. Most of the walking is on a gravel road with good footing, but there are hilly sections. Bring drinks and/or snacks. Meet 7 AM at the Turkey Point parking lot. Leader: Sean “Bird Dog” McCandless, seanmccandless 1 @comcast.net. A Howard. Butterfiies through Binoculars. Lake Elkhom Powerline Vegetation Management Study Tract Meet 9:30 AM at Elkhom Garden Plots, Oakland Mills Rd opposite Dasher Ct. No facilities. Leader: Dick Smith, 410-997-7439 or Richard.Smith@jhuapl.edu. -V ^ 4 " ^ in Hyla crucifer (spring peeper) singing (photo: George Jett) See the article Atlasing for Reptiles Page 6 24 The Maryland Yellowthroat POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL— PLEASE EXPEDITE! MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. R O. Box 105, Monrovia, MD 21770-0105 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID at Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 1 84 The Maryland Yellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. Editor: Richard Donham r donhamS @gmail . com Designer: Eric Skrzypczak ericskrz@gmail.com Calendar Editor: Andy Martin martinap2@verizon.net 301-294-4805 Chapter Chatter: Jean Wheeler jswheeler3@verizon.net Mailing list: Helen Horrocks hlh_3 7 @yahoo .com 301-831-6315 MOS web site: http://www.mdbirds.org Webmaster: John Hays Christy SiteMa ven@mdbirds . org Anyone is welcome to contribute articles, photos, or ideas that would be of interest to other birders. Copy may be e-mailed to Richard Donham by July 25, 2013 for the Sept/Oct 2013 issue. Illustrations pp. 1,3 ©M. Suzanne Probst Barbara Davis pp. 9 George Jett pp. 23 Inside This Issue President’s Corner ...1 YMOS Birdathon Results ...1 2013 MOS Conference ,...2 Birds of Note ,...2 Chapter Chatter ...3 Atlasing for Reptiles ...6 Bird Blitz Summary ,...7 Maryland Tidal Marsh Survey ,...8 MD/DC Records Comittee News . ...9 Maryland Pelagic Boundaries ,.10 Records Comittee .11 Book Review .12 A Visit to Suriname .13 Is MOS Ready for E-commerce .... .13 Duk Wrapup Workshop .13 MOS Calendar ,.14 ANNOUNCEMENT MOS President Maureen Harvey wishes to announce a change in one of our two representatives to the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Conservation Alliance. Dave Ziolkowski is stepping aside to al- low a past president of the Howard Bird Club, Kevin Heflfernan, to step forward in his place. Kevin volun- teered for this position, stating that he would like to get more involved in on-the-ground bird conservation efforts. Dave isn’t disappearing from the Alliance; he is often asked to represent his employer, USGS, and it was difficult at times for him to also represent MOS. Paul Zucker will continue to serve as MOS’ experienced BCA representative.