Date: 6/12/26 6:15 pm From: Jack Saba <jlsaba001...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Bluebird and Red-bellies
Sorry for the confusion. Those are species BOTW says are preyed on by RB
Woodpeckers.
On 6/12/26 18:29, Steve Long wrote:
>
> I doubt that House Wrens prey on Bluebird eggs or nestlings. They will
> kill Bluebird nestlings (and even adults that won't leave their nest)
> by piling stick on top of the nest, nestlings and even adult
> Bluebirds. I have found dead Bluebirds, including adults, under
> barriers of sticks in my Bluebird houses. The House Wrens try to
> monopolize cavity nests in their "territory". It is a real job trying
> to keep their sticks out of mt Bluebird nest boxes.
>
> I also have one that nests in the outside part of my "split unit" heat
> pump. It has twice removed the chicken wire barrier I put in the hole
> that one of the cooling pipes enters. How it does that I don't
> understand, but it must be extremely persistent to bend the wire
> enough to do that. One did die by getting into the fan enclosure and
> getting pinned against the inside of the fan screen, apparently for
> quite a while. So, at this point, I just let them nest there every
> year and hope it is far enough from my Bluebird houses that they don't
> try to fill those, too.
>
> Steve Long
>
> On 6/12/2026 6:17 PM, Jack Saba wrote:
>> The Birds of the World article indicates they do take nestlings as
>> well as bird eggs. I would have thought cavity nesters immune, but
>> the article specifically mentions House Wren. Nuthatch, titmouse, and
>> a couple of other woodpecker species. Bluebirds are not listed but
>> it's unlikely the list is comprehensive.
>>
>> The Downy Woodpecker article does not say anything about this species
>> preying on nestlings or eggs.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 6/12/26 17:49, '<thbeal...>' via Maryland & DC Birding wrote:
>>> I have an active Bluebird nest in my yard in Glenn Dale. When a
>>> Red-bellied Woodpecker comes to a suet feeder close by, it is dive
>>> bombed by the male Bluebird. It leaves downy wp and all other birds
>>> alone. Do RBWPs predate bluebird nests?
>>>
>>> Tom Beal
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>>
>> --
>> Jack Saba
>> <jlsaba001...>
>>
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Date: 6/12/26 3:29 pm From: Steve Long <steve.long4...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Bluebird and Red-bellies
I doubt that House Wrens prey on Bluebird eggs or nestlings. They will
kill Bluebird nestlings (and even adults that won't leave their nest) by
piling stick on top of the nest, nestlings and even adult Bluebirds. I
have found dead Bluebirds, including adults, under barriers of sticks in
my Bluebird houses. The House Wrens try to monopolize cavity nests in
their "territory". It is a real job trying to keep their sticks out of
mt Bluebird nest boxes.
I also have one that nests in the outside part of my "split unit" heat
pump. It has twice removed the chicken wire barrier I put in the hole
that one of the cooling pipes enters. How it does that I don't
understand, but it must be extremely persistent to bend the wire enough
to do that. One did die by getting into the fan enclosure and getting
pinned against the inside of the fan screen, apparently for quite a
while. So, at this point, I just let them nest there every year and
hope it is far enough from my Bluebird houses that they don't try to
fill those, too.
Steve Long
On 6/12/2026 6:17 PM, Jack Saba wrote:
> The Birds of the World article indicates they do take nestlings as
> well as bird eggs. I would have thought cavity nesters immune, but the
> article specifically mentions House Wren. Nuthatch, titmouse, and a
> couple of other woodpecker species. Bluebirds are not listed but it's
> unlikely the list is comprehensive.
>
> The Downy Woodpecker article does not say anything about this species
> preying on nestlings or eggs.
>
>
>
> On 6/12/26 17:49, '<thbeal...>' via Maryland & DC Birding wrote:
>> I have an active Bluebird nest in my yard in Glenn Dale. When a
>> Red-bellied Woodpecker comes to a suet feeder close by, it is dive
>> bombed by the male Bluebird. It leaves downy wp and all other birds
>> alone. Do RBWPs predate bluebird nests?
>>
>> Tom Beal
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mdbirding/<788501976.978569.1781300981058...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mdbirding/<788501976.978569.1781300981058...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
>
> --
> Jack Saba
> <jlsaba001...>
>
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Date: 6/12/26 3:18 pm From: Jack Saba <jlsaba001...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Bluebird and Red-bellies
The Birds of the World article indicates they do take nestlings as well as bird eggs. I would have thought cavity nesters immune, but the article specifically mentions House Wren. Nuthatch, titmouse, and a couple of other woodpecker species. Bluebirds are not listed but it's unlikely the list is comprehensive.
The Downy Woodpecker article does not say anything about this species preying on nestlings or eggs.
On 6/12/26 17:49, '<thbeal...>' via Maryland & DC Birding wrote: > I have an active Bluebird nest in my yard in Glenn Dale. When a > Red-bellied Woodpecker comes to a suet feeder close by, it is dive > bombed by the male Bluebird. It leaves downy wp and all other birds > alone. Do RBWPs predate bluebird nests? > > Tom Beal > -- > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Group 'Maryland & DC Birding'. > To view group guidelines or change email preferences, visit this group > on the web at http://www.mdbirding.com > Unfamiliar with a hotspot mentioned on this list? Quickly locate it > here - http://www.mdbirding.com/hotspot.html > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups "Maryland & DC Birding" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send > an email to mdbirding+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mdbirding/<788501976.978569.1781300981058...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mdbirding/<788501976.978569.1781300981058...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
-- Jack Saba <jlsaba001...>
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Date: 6/12/26 2:50 pm From: '<thbeal...>' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Bluebird and Red-bellies
I have an active Bluebird nest in my yard in Glenn Dale. When a Red-bellied Woodpecker comes to a suet feeder close by, it is dive bombed by the male Bluebird. It leaves downy wp and all other birds alone. Do RBWPs predate bluebird nests?
Tom Beal
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Date: 6/11/26 7:53 am From: Jared Fisher <Jared.Fisher...> Subject: [MDBirding] Warning - Spam/malware message
All,
Hopefully, each of you recognized that the message delivered earlier starting 'Dear Friends & Family' is a phishing/malware attack, do not download/install anything. Normally, the spam filter catches these, but this one slipped through.
Jared
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Date: 6/10/26 9:49 am From: Harry Armistead <harryarmistead...> Subject: [MDBirding] Dorchester bird count, May 2, 2026.
118th DORCHESTER COUNTY MAY BIRD COUNT, May 2, 2026.
144 species (low).
EXPLANATION: see Canada goose: The grand total of 178 includes 6 found by the yardlisters. The total found by the 7 conventional sectors is 172 with CGs seen in 7 (of 7) sectors whose totals ranged from 14 to 33. In this manner the yardlist totals of their 37 species are indicated.
EFFORT: 3:30 A.M. - 8 P.M. hours owling 7, miles owling 31. hours by car 32, miles by car 379. hours on foot 18, miles by foot 14. 11 observers in 7 sectors plus 5 doing yardlists.
SECTORS COVERED: Neck District, George Radcliffe. North of Route 50. Ryan Belton. Bestpitch, George & Harry Armistead. greater Elliott I. Road, Suzette Stitely, Alicia & Jim Bachman. Route 336, Crocheron, extreme SW county, Peter Smithson. central Blackwater N.W.R., Terry Allen. greater Hooper’s I. area, Jeff Effinger, Elizabeth Thomas. Yardlists: Debbie Robbins, Becky & Eddie Wozny, Kevin & Sara Coulbourn.
ANALYSIS: minimal since much of the commentary regarding the May 9 count (q.v.) is also relevant for the May 2 count. However, the difference for some species from the 1st weekend count to the 2nd has been clear for many years. In general some shorebirds increase for the 2nd weekend as do some insectivores, and wintering species get scarcer the 2nd weekend. Here are the numbers for the species where there is the most noticeable difference between those 2 dates, the 1st # is for the 1st weekend:
10 SPECIES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBERS REPORTED: red-winged blackbird 1,304. European starling 833. tree swallow 491. common grackle 399. laughing gull 319. barn swallow 283. common yellowthroat 186. purple martin 162. northern cardinal 182. Canada goose 172.
SPECIES REPORTED IN 7 or 6 SECTORS, the 7th representing all the sectors active today. This gives us some idea of how widespread some birds are in this county.
Seen in all 7 sectors (34 species): Canada goose, mallard, wild turkey, mourning dove, greater yellowlegs, laughing gull, great blue heron, turkey vulture, osprey, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, great crested flycatcher, white-eyed vireo, blue jay, American crow, purple martin, tree swallow, barn swallow, Carolina chickadee, brown-headed nuthatch, eastern bluebird, American robin, brown thrasher, European starling, common yellowthroat, pine warbler, chipping sparrow, northern cardinal, blue grosbeak, red-winged blackbird, common grackle, brown-headed nuthatch, orchard oriole.
Seen in 6 sectors (15 species): wood duck, lesser yellowlegs, double-crested cormorant, bald eagle, eastern kingbird, red-eyed vireo, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, gray catbird, northern mockingbird, house sparrow, American goldfinch, ovenbird, eastern towhee, white-throated sparrow.
That = 49 species seen in 6 or 7 sectors. I think that is impressive since the sectors vary so much in so many ways.
WEATHER: 63-67 (55-60 early in the day) mostly overcast, some blue sky starting at 3:30, winds 10 - 20 S or SW. diffuse, wan sun showing through the clouds c. 10 A.M. visibility excellent.
NON-AVIAN ANIMATE TAXA (critters). eastern cottontail 5. raccoon 1. woodchuck 1. red fox 2. white-tailed deer 5, muskrat 5. gray squirrel 10. fox squirrel 2. sika deer 17. green frog 1. red-bellied slider 11. painted turtle 2.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Many thanks to the Birchmeiers letting us count birds from their marvelous dock and yard at Swan Harbor. Big thanks to Matt Whitbeck and others at Blackwater NWR for permitting access to restricted areas. Peter Smithson was very successful in rounding up the 3 yard list participants and their results. Best of all, my thanks to all the participants and the, as usual, prompt receipt of their lists that are neat and complete. Viva Dorchester!
MISTAKES. I know there must be some. Please let me know of any. Thank you.
Best wishes to all, Harry Armistead, Bellevue & Philadelphia.
6.9.26. 1,612 words.
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Date: 6/8/26 10:47 am From: Joe Hanfman <auk1844...> Subject: [MDBirding] Worcester Tern Raft
All,
The Howard County Bird Club has a boat trip from Ocean City to the nesting tern raft on Monday 6/15. There are currently 300 nests on the raft. You may have seen the raft featured on MD Public Television. The trip was originally scheduled for this week and was sold out but we had to postpone because of winds. Because of that some spots have opened up. The cost of the boat is $100 per person. We will leave from West Ocean City at 10:00 am and return about 2:00 pm. We expect to see a lot of birds on the way down. The boat is a double-decker, is stable, and has a restroom. Let me know if you want to go on this one-time opportunity.
Joe Hanfman
-- Joe Hanfman Columbia, MD
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Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 6/5/26 6:52 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (05 Jun 2026) 7 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Jun 05, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
5
151
Turkey Vulture
4
49
9180
Osprey
3
6
252
Bald Eagle
0
0
140
Northern Harrier
0
0
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
0
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
0
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
0
134
Red-tailed Hawk
0
1
96
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
0
97
Merlin
0
0
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
0
10
Unknown Buteo
0
0
10
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
0
16
Mississippi Kite
0
0
5
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
7
61
11281
Observation start time:
10:30 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
4.5 hours
Official Counter
Sue Ricciardi
Observers:
Chris Reed, Cindy Godwin
Weather: Mostly cloudy; 83-88 degrees; good visibility with some haze early; winds mostly northwesterly, 6-10 mph
Raptor Observations: Still a few migrants left. The Mississippi Kite from May 30 was determined to be a first-year sub-adult. Photos may be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S349842288
Non-raptor Observations: A pair of Eastern Bluebirds is making frequent trips to a hole in a tree branch, feeding young. We are just now hearing some peeping young.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 6/4/26 3:14 pm From: Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Phalarope question
I’m guessing you have the phalarope. I know Mikey LUTMERDING said it was
still there yesterday.
On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 6:08 PM Pat <pvaldata1...> wrote:
> The bill wasn't long enough for stilt sandpiper, and the water was so
> shallow the bird had to walk, although when it got to a slightly deeper
> spot it tried floating.
>
> I had no scope with me so could see no color except a brownish back. All I
> have in the car are ancient binoculars.
>
> Pat
>
> Pat Valdata
> Crisfield, MD
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...>
> Date: 6/4/26 6:00 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: Robert McLean <tmclean1090...>
> Cc: Pat <pvaldata1...>, Maryland DC Birding <
> <mdbirding...>
> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Phalarope question
>
> I guess I based it on swimming behavior. When I saw the phalarope was in
> shallow water and picking at surface.
>
> Ok look first at the bill. If it is about 2-3 inches long and straight and
> comes to a dull point. Look at the neck. Phalarope dark crimson/brown
> color.
>
> Bill on stilt sandpiper 4-5 inches and has a pronounced downward droop.
> Look at the underparts and stilt should have transverse barring and will
> have longer legs (and is approximate size of a lesser yellowlegs.
>
> Feeding behavior of sticks. It looks like it almost momentarily looks
> straight down before probing bill to feed.
>
> I suggest googling both birds for photos of each.
>
> On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM Robert McLean <tmclean1090...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Pat,
>>
>> Well, almost invariably phalaropes swim. Is the water deep enough for
>> swimming? Also a Red-necked Phalarope has much shorter legs than a
>> Black-necked Stilt.
>>
>> Have you ruled out Stilt Sandpiper?
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Taylor McLean
>> Baltimore, MD
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 4, 2026, at 5:33 PM, Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hi Pat. Yes that sounds like it. It is an adult female ( the females are
>> more brightly colored than the males like kingfishers.
>> Jim
>> On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pat <pvaldata1...> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm at Deal Island WMA and in the first pool on the right there's a
>>> shorebird with a very fast, nonstop feeding behavior, sweeping its bill
>>> through the water all the while. It's a little smaller than a Black-necked
>>> Stilt. Is this likely the Red- necked Phalarope?
>>>
>>> It's alone now but there was a stilt and a Glossy Ibis here a few
>>> minutes ago.
>>>
>>> Pat Valdata
>>> Crisfield, MD
>>>
>>> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>>>
>>
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The bill wasn't long enough for stilt sandpiper, and the water was so shallow the bird had to walk, although when it got to a slightly deeper spot it tried floating.I had no scope with me so could see no color except a brownish back. All I have in the car are ancient binoculars. PatPat ValdataCrisfield, MDSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> Date: 6/4/26 6:00 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Robert McLean <tmclean1090...> Cc: Pat <pvaldata1...>, Maryland DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Phalarope question I guess I based it on swimming behavior. When I saw the phalarope was in shallow water and picking at surface. Ok look first at the bill. If it is about 2-3 inches long and straight and comes to a dull point. Look at the neck. Phalarope dark crimson/brown color. Bill on stilt sandpiper 4-5 inches and has a pronounced downward droop. Look at the underparts and stilt should have transverse barring and will have longer legs (and is approximate size of a lesser yellowlegs. Feeding behavior of sticks. It looks like it almost momentarily looks straight down before probing bill to feed. I suggest googling both birds for photos of each. On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM Robert McLean <tmclean1090...> wrote:Hi Pat,Well, almost invariably phalaropes swim. Is the water deep enough for swimming? Also a Red-necked Phalarope has much shorter legs than a Black-necked Stilt.Have you ruled out Stilt Sandpiper?Regards,Taylor McLeanBaltimore, MDSent from my iPhoneOn Jun 4, 2026, at 5:33 PM, Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> wrote:Hi Pat. Yes that sounds like it. It is an adult female ( the females are more brightly colored than the males like kingfishers. JimOn Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pat <pvaldata1...> wrote:I'm at Deal Island WMA and in the first pool on the right there's a shorebird with a very fast, nonstop feeding behavior, sweeping its bill through the water all the while. It's a little smaller than a Black-necked Stilt. Is this likely the Red- necked Phalarope?It's alone now but there was a stilt and a Glossy Ibis here a few minutes ago.Pat ValdataCrisfield, MDSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Date: 6/4/26 3:01 pm From: Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Phalarope question
I guess I based it on swimming behavior. When I saw the phalarope was in
shallow water and picking at surface.
Ok look first at the bill. If it is about 2-3 inches long and straight and
comes to a dull point. Look at the neck. Phalarope dark crimson/brown
color.
Bill on stilt sandpiper 4-5 inches and has a pronounced downward droop.
Look at the underparts and stilt should have transverse barring and will
have longer legs (and is approximate size of a lesser yellowlegs.
Feeding behavior of sticks. It looks like it almost momentarily looks
straight down before probing bill to feed.
I suggest googling both birds for photos of each.
On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM Robert McLean <tmclean1090...> wrote:
> Hi Pat,
>
> Well, almost invariably phalaropes swim. Is the water deep enough for
> swimming? Also a Red-necked Phalarope has much shorter legs than a
> Black-necked Stilt.
>
> Have you ruled out Stilt Sandpiper?
>
> Regards,
>
> Taylor McLean
> Baltimore, MD
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 4, 2026, at 5:33 PM, Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Pat. Yes that sounds like it. It is an adult female ( the females are
> more brightly colored than the males like kingfishers.
> Jim
> On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pat <pvaldata1...> wrote:
>
>> I'm at Deal Island WMA and in the first pool on the right there's a
>> shorebird with a very fast, nonstop feeding behavior, sweeping its bill
>> through the water all the while. It's a little smaller than a Black-necked
>> Stilt. Is this likely the Red- necked Phalarope?
>>
>> It's alone now but there was a stilt and a Glossy Ibis here a few minutes
>> ago.
>>
>> Pat Valdata
>> Crisfield, MD
>>
>> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>>
>
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Date: 6/4/26 2:33 pm From: Jim Green <jkgbirdman53...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Phalarope question
Hi Pat. Yes that sounds like it. It is an adult female ( the females are
more brightly colored than the males like kingfishers.
Jim
On Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM Pat <pvaldata1...> wrote:
> I'm at Deal Island WMA and in the first pool on the right there's a
> shorebird with a very fast, nonstop feeding behavior, sweeping its bill
> through the water all the while. It's a little smaller than a Black-necked
> Stilt. Is this likely the Red- necked Phalarope?
>
> It's alone now but there was a stilt and a Glossy Ibis here a few minutes
> ago.
>
> Pat Valdata
> Crisfield, MD
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
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I'm at Deal Island WMA and in the first pool on the right there's a shorebird with a very fast, nonstop feeding behavior, sweeping its bill through the water all the while. It's a little smaller than a Black-necked Stilt. Is this likely the Red- necked Phalarope?It's alone now but there was a stilt and a Glossy Ibis here a few minutes ago.Pat ValdataCrisfield, MDSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 6/1/26 8:18 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fwd: [BIRDHAWK] Fort Smallwood Park (01 Jun 2026) 5 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Jun 01, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
0
146
Turkey Vulture
5
5
9136
Osprey
0
0
246
Bald Eagle
0
0
140
Northern Harrier
0
0
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
0
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
0
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
0
134
Red-tailed Hawk
0
0
95
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
0
97
Merlin
0
0
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
0
10
Unknown Buteo
0
0
10
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
0
16
Mississippi Kite
0
0
5
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
5
5
11225
Observation start time:
10:30 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
2:30 pm
Total observation time:
4 hours
Official Counter
Sue Ricciardi
Observers:
Chris Reed, Cindy Godwin
Weather: Mostly cloudy; 72-77 degrees; excellent visibility; winds easterly, with a NE component in the first three hours, 8-12 mph
Raptor Observations: Only a few Turkey Vultures today
Non-raptor Observations: Yellow breasted Chat. Three crows were hitting on an immature Bald Eagle. In turn, one of the crows was being hit upon by an Eastern Kingbird. Sometimes size is irrelevant.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 6/1/26 7:03 am From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (31 May 2026) 17 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 31, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
28
146
Turkey Vulture
14
799
9131
Osprey
0
24
246
Bald Eagle
3
51
140
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
58
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
25
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
51
134
Red-tailed Hawk
0
12
95
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
1
97
Merlin
0
2
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
1
10
Unknown Buteo
0
2
10
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
2
16
Mississippi Kite
0
5
5
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
17
1063
11220
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
6 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Cristians Rivas, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors:Mike Woronowicz, Dan Walker and June Bronfenbrenner
Weather: Sunny; 61-73 degrees; good visibility; winds light and variable, sometimes with a northerly component.
Raptor Observations: Some Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: A Chipping Sparrow has been visiting us regularly. It hops right up close and wanders under our chairs, apparently looking for food items.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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I don't know the details, but if you happen to be in WashCo this week, be aware...
Please post to the MD Birding FB side. I don't have FB access.
Jim Speicher
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Date: 5/30/26 8:11 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (30 May 2026) 31 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 30, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
3
28
146
Turkey Vulture
27
785
9117
Osprey
0
24
246
Bald Eagle
0
48
137
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
58
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
25
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
51
134
Red-tailed Hawk
0
12
95
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
1
97
Merlin
0
2
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
1
10
Unknown Buteo
0
2
10
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
2
16
Mississippi Kite
1
5
5
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
31
1046
11203
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
5:00 pm
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Cristians Rivas, Dan Walker, Hal Wierenga, Lynn Davidson, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Matthew Black
Weather: Mostly sunny; 65-69 degrees; good visibility; strong winds from the N or NNW 13-17 mph gusting to 26 mph
Raptor Observations: Almost all vultures, except for one individual: our fifth Mississippi Kite! It sauntered in from the south side of the pond and slowly made its way north, hesitated to cross the water at first, circled back and then headed out to the northwest. Pale head and banded tail. We'll look at photos tomorrow to determine its age.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 5/29/26 7:43 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (29 May 2026) 59 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 29, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
25
143
Turkey Vulture
21
758
9090
Osprey
4
24
246
Bald Eagle
15
48
137
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
58
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
25
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
16
51
134
Red-tailed Hawk
1
12
95
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
1
97
Merlin
0
2
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
1
10
Unknown Buteo
1
2
10
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
2
16
Mississippi Kite
1
4
4
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
59
1015
11172
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
4:30 pm
Total observation time:
7.5 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Hal Wierenga, Steve Steimel, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Andrew Estrin
Weather: Sunny becoming partly cloudy; 68-78 degrees; good to excellent visibility; winds light and variable at first, then westerly at 8-12 mph
Raptor Observations: Slow at first, but once some clouds came in, the count accelerated and Turkey Vultures, Broadwings and Bald Eagles became more numerous. Plus, our fourth Mississippi Kite was sighted. Unfortunately, it was high and only in view for less than a minute as it headed north with no tarrying. Unaged. Fifteen Bald Eagles were an unexpected treat. Most were very high and streaming.
Non-raptor Observations: A pair of Baltimore Orioles seemed to be investigating trees for a nest site.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 5/28/26 8:21 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (28 May 2026) 37 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 28, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
25
143
Turkey Vulture
34
737
9069
Osprey
0
20
242
Bald Eagle
1
33
122
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
1
58
649
Cooper's Hawk
0
25
194
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
35
118
Red-tailed Hawk
0
11
94
Rough-legged Hawk
0
0
0
Golden Eagle
0
0
0
American Kestrel
0
1
97
Merlin
0
2
33
Peregrine Falcon
0
0
0
Unknown Accipitrine
0
1
10
Unknown Buteo
0
1
9
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
2
16
Mississippi Kite
1
3
3
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
37
956
11113
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
5:00 pm
Total observation time:
8 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed, Hal Wierenga
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Cristians Rivas, Hal Wierenga, Ralph Geuder, Steve Steimel, Sue Ricciardi
Weather: Partly cloudy; 71-80 degrees; good visibility; winds mostly from the NNW 7-16 mph gusting to 25 mph.
Raptor Observations: After 8 straight days of rain, showers, drizzle, fog and more rain and no counts, we finally had a fair-weather day today. We were ready for migrant raptors! However, it was a slow day, that is, until 3:24 pm daylight time, when our third Mississippi Kite of the season appeared. It first showed up on the far side of the pond flying north, most of the time giving good views. It appeared to be a first-year individual.
Non-raptor Observations: An Eastern Bluebird bringing food to a hole in a tree right over our heads.
Site Description Fort Smallwood Park is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Patapsco River, 11 miles south of Baltimore, MD. Best winds are from the southwest.
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Date: 5/28/26 11:12 am From: Harry Armistead <harryarmistead...> Subject: [MDBirding] 126th Dorchester County May Bird Count, May 9, 2026.
126th DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND, MAY BIRD COUNT, MAY 9, 2026.
EXPLANATION: for Canada goose the grand total is 166 and CG was seen in all 8 sectors whose totals ranged from 4 to 36. for rock pigeon the grand total is 26, seen in 2 sectors whose totals ranged from 4 to 6 so that 16 were seen by those other than members of the 8 sectors (so in cases such as this “others” might be yard listers or individuals who happened to be present but were not part of the 8 assigned sectors).
EFFORT: 149 species (low). night hours 9. night miles 22. miles on foot 15. hours on foot 31. miles by car 331. hours by car 53. Fifteen observers in 9 sectors (consisting of 10 parties) plus 4 others working separately within established sectors, and some not technically participants, but whose findings were missed by the others.
WATERFOWL: Canada goose 166 (8, 4-36). tundra swan 2. wood duck 44 (6, 1-24). American black duck 19 (5, 1-8). mallard 63 (7, 3-18). mallard X American black duck hybrid 1. green-winged teal 2. ruddy duck 2.
PARTICIPANTS: Terry Allen, Harry & Liz Armistead, Alicia & Jim Bachman, Wayne Bell, Ryan Belton, Kevin & Sara Coulbourn (yardlists), David Fleischmann, Jim Green, Holly Keepers, Ron Ketter, Randy Kimmet, Tom Miller, Cristina Niciporciukas, Debbie Robbins (yardlists), Peter Smithson, Suzette Stitely, Donna Wadsley, Matt Whitbeck, Becky & Eddie Wozny (yardlists).
9 SECTORS W/ ASSIGNED PARTICIPANTS:
Blackwater NWR: main, central area - Terry Allen + Maple Dam Rd.
“ off limits areas - Matt Whitbeck: McGraws I., Greenbriar Swamp,
Kentuck Swamp.
“ other off limits areas - Ron Ketter: Kuehnle Tract, Harriet Tubman Rd.
Trail, Hog Range & central BNWR (in part).
greater Elliott I. Rd. sector: Suzette Stitely, Alicia & Jim Bachman.
Route 336, Crocheron - Peter Smithson.
greater Hooper’s I. area, Liner’s & Shorter’s Wharf Rds. - Liz & Harry Armistead.
county N of Route 50 - Ryan Belton.
N Tara Rd. - Cristina Niciporciukas & Donna Wadsley.
Taylor’s I. - Wayne Bell.
10 SPECIES W/ THE HIGHEST # REPORTED: dunlin 1,323. red-winged blackbird 1,243. laughing gull 1,005. least sandpiper 401. common grackle 361. purple martin 212. glossy ibis 199. common yellowthroat 192. barn swallow 188. tree swallow 177.
NO. OF SECTORS, OUT OF 9, REPORTING SELECTED SPECIES IF FOUND IN 7, 8 OR 9 SECTORS (43 species):
found in 9 sectors (9 species): turkey vulture, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, common yellowthroat, chipping sparrow, northern cardinal, brown-headed cowbird.
found in 8 sectors (19 species): Canada goose, mourning dove, laughing gull, great blue heron, bald eagle, red-bellied woodpecker, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, red-eyed vireo, blue jay, American crow, tree swallow, barn swallow, ovenbird, pine warbler, summer tanager, blue grosbeak, indigo bunting, red-winged blackbird.
found in 7 sectors (15): mallard, ruby-throated hummingbird, greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, osprey, downy woodpecker, northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, white-eyed vireo, brown-headed nuthatch, eastern bluebird, American goldfinch, saltmarsh sparrow, yellow-breasted chat, common grackle.
AMONG THE MISSING, seems like an awful lot considering how good the coverage was: a source of worry: 23+ species: brown pelican, gadwall, blue-winged teal, sora, American oystercatcher, American woodcock, Caspian tern, cattle egret, black-crowned night heron, American kestrel, common nighthawk, belted kingfisher, bank swallow, thrushes other than wood, any empids other than Acadian fly., cedar waxwing, various warblers (esp. what I call montane, north woods, or boreal warblers), rose-breasted grosbeak, white-throated sparrow. Then, in the old days, these species were a “given”: black rail, Henslow’s sparrow, sedge wren.
WEATHER: winds SW 15-20, mostly overcast but with some blue sky showing for a while from 3 P.M., temperature from c. 50-73. high tide letting out.
the GREAT DISPARITIES here are mostly due to the widely varying nature of the sectors as well as the level and intensity of coverage. One sector was covered entirely on foot. Sectors varied greatly in the extent of pine, or deciduous forest. One sector had no open or Bay water. Some were worked for only a few hours, others for 10 or more hours. Some lacked tidal marsh.
brown pelican 0. 0/36, now an at times abundant breeder on remote islands, with sometimes 100s seen at Hooper’s I., yet sometimes none.
American white pelican 0. 0/36, has become regular in fall, winter, and early spring, sometimes lingering into May.
American bittern 0. 24/36, encountered seldom any more. High of 8 May 5, 1973, unusual even for back then.
IBISES: glossy ibis 199. 25/36, w/ a high of 13 on 2 dates. Now much more frequent and abundant. white-faced ibis 1, May 9, 2026, well-seen by David Fleischmann and Donna Wadsley (3 diagnostic photos by DW), seen by others, May 6 until at least May 12. New to this count. Discovered by Holly Keepers, May 6. white ibis 2 adults, seen by Terry Allen and Tom Miller at BNWR. Perhaps should be highlighted, but I decided no based on the current burgeoning increase in the region.
black vulture 58. 24/36 with the highest then of 19 but usually only 6 or fewer. Big increase.
northern harrier 2. Seems to be decreasing as a local breeder.
American kestrel 0. 10/36. Scarce then, still scarce now.
great horned owl 1. 32/36. decreasing, perhaps a West Nile Virus victim.
red-tailed hawk 1. 36/36. same comment as for great horned owl.
red-headed woodpecker 23. 21/36. Increase lately probably due to the countless 1000s of recently dead loblolly pines (“ghost forest”) caused by sea level rise, salt water intrusion, = big increase of ideal habitat for them.
belted kingfisher 0. 20/36. Residence limited by the lack of exposed banks in tidal areas, most of which here are in the north part of the county. But lingering birds sometimes seen in the south parts. Only 3 records of > 1 bird in the 1st 36.
eastern wood-pewee 28 and Acadian flycatcher 8. Both arrive late so are sometimes missed in the 1st weekend counts.
white-breasted nuthatch 3. Rather scarce locally, probably due to the relative lack of hardwood forests.
eastern bluebird 50. 30/36. Even in the old days most counts were 1-4, but note the 6 years they were missed.
sedge wren 0. Apparently no longer a resident breeder. 23/36.
Henslow’s sparrow 0. 32/36. Now gone. Formerly an uncommon breeder. Highs were 15, 12 & 11, but mostly 2-5 or so.
thrushes other than wood, 0 in 2026. Usually none. veery 11/36. Swainson’s 19/36. gray-cheeked 11/36. hermit 0/36.
house finch 18. new kid on the block 0/36.
sharp-tailed sparrow 0. 30/36. But even back then often just 1 or 2. highs of 11, 7 & 6. Much easier to find the 2nd weekend. Somewhat cryptic. Once Alice Jones, George & I saw > 100 by dragging a big rope section.
yellow warbler 10. seems to have exhibited a real decline. 36/36 but with higher totals back then, often 15 or more.
prothonotary warbler 11. 36/36. modern nos. comparable. steady as she goes, apparently.
Kentucky warbler 1. 26/36. Higher nos. back then, WHEN and if found at all. Seems to have slipped quite a bit.
yellow-throated warbler 4. 25/36. Not as easy to find these days.
eastern meadowlark 7. 36/36. Modern nos. way down.
boat-tailed grackle 3. 36/36. Modern nos. also way down
scarlet tanager 4. 36/36. Nos. significantly lower than for summer tanager back then, and now. Lower in 33 out of 36 years.
Non-avian animate taxa, that is to say: CRITTERS, or even worse, VARMINTS. Few reported these, but there were (X = no # reported): sika deer 4, feral cat 3, snapping turtle 2, raccoon 1, box turtle 1, red fox 2, muskrat 2, red-bellied slider X, painted turtle X, bullfrog 1, gray squirrel 2, fox squirrel 1, river otter 1. Liz and I saw the otter haul out from Honga River at Fishing Creek and then go right through peoples’ yards headed to Chesapeake Bay.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Big thanks to Neil & Kate Birchmeier who continue to give us access to the terrific view from their dock at Swan Harbor. To Matt Whitbeck and others at Blackwater for giving us access to restricted areas of the refuge. To the participants who worked their areas well and, as usual, submitted prompt, neat and complete reports.
Best to all. - Harry Armistead. 5.25.26. 2,463 words.
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