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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Date: 5/24/26 10:08 am From: Barbara Hlavka <bwhlavka...> Subject: [MDBirding] Re: Possibly odd behaviour by Downy Woodpeckers
I have had downies at my finch feeder year round. Recently I've watched
what I assume is a downy parent taking suet bits to a waiting downy on the
branch above. This happens repeatedly and then suddenly the parent flies
off and the one on the branch tries the suet feeder. I am assuming this is
teaching where to find food. They are all over my backyard right now at
the finch feeder, peanut feeder and suet. Makes me so happy to see them!
Barb Hlavka
Silver Spring, MD
On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:01:21 PM UTC-4 <jonbarr......> wrote:
> A few days ago I noticed a female Downy feeding at my nyjer/sunflower chip
> feeder (a wire mesh cylinder). In the last couple of days she’s been joined
> by a male Downy. By “joined”, I don’t mean one or the other, I’ve
> frequently observed both of them there at the same time, and this evening
> they actually “scared off” a Cardinal who also wanted to feed there. I
> stopped putting out suet back in March, when things seemed to be warming
> up, and even while I had the suet out I hadn’t seen them as regularly as I
> am now.
>
> My initial thought was that some ants or other insects had gotten in
> there, but I’ve refilled the feeder and this has continued, not just as an
> occasional visit but as a fairly steady series of visits. Is this an
> anomaly, or have other people observed similar behaviour?
>
>
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Barrett
>
> <jonbarr......>
>
> Greenbelt, MD
>
>
>
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Date: 5/24/26 8:47 am From: blueheron05 <blueheron05...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Possibly odd behaviour by Downy Woodpeckers
I had a pair feeding a young one at a feeder yesterday. I assume this is a
teaching moment. They use the seed feeders (mixed finch food in one, black
oil sunflower in the other) and the suet feeders which are still up.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10:14:53 PM UTC-4 Steve Long wrote:
> I regularly have Downy Woodpeckers at my tube feeder. They seem to like
> the sunflower kernels and maybe the peanut splits. They are year-round
> feeders here. But, I don't recall ever seeing 2 on the same feeder at
> once.
>
> I also have regular Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the same feeder. They
> can't get inside the cage, but can reach far enough through to get the
> peanuts.
>
> Steve Long, Oxford
> On 5/23/2026 8:01 PM, <jonbarr......> wrote:
>
> A few days ago I noticed a female Downy feeding at my nyjer/sunflower chip
> feeder (a wire mesh cylinder). In the last couple of days she’s been joined
> by a male Downy. By “joined”, I don’t mean one or the other, I’ve
> frequently observed both of them there at the same time, and this evening
> they actually “scared off” a Cardinal who also wanted to feed there. I
> stopped putting out suet back in March, when things seemed to be warming
> up, and even while I had the suet out I hadn’t seen them as regularly as I
> am now.
>
> My initial thought was that some ants or other insects had gotten in
> there, but I’ve refilled the feeder and this has continued, not just as an
> occasional visit but as a fairly steady series of visits. Is this an
> anomaly, or have other people observed similar behaviour?
>
>
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Barrett
>
> <jonbarr......>
>
> Greenbelt, MD
>
>
>
> --
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>
>
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Date: 5/24/26 5:30 am From: Ann Coren <anncoren...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Digest for - 2 updates in 1 topic
This summer, even before we stopped putting out the suet, Downys were going
to the peanut chips in the finch feeder. Both male and female but not at
the same time. They will defend their space from each other and the finches
while they’re feeding.
Ann
In Columbia, MD
On Sun, May 24, 2026 at 6:35 AM <mdbirding...> wrote:
> <mdbirding...>
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/mdbirding/topics> [image:
> Google Groups Logo]
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> Google
> Groups
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest
> View all topics
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/mdbirding/topics> >
> - Possibly odd behaviour by Downy Woodpeckers
> <#m_-2088387306335934388_group_thread_0> - 2 Updates
>
> Possibly odd behaviour by Downy Woodpeckers
> <http://groups.google.com/group/mdbirding/t/8c06204954e36046?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > <jonbarrettphoto...>: May 23 08:01PM -0400
>
> A few days ago I noticed a female Downy feeding at my nyjer/sunflower chip
> feeder (a wire mesh cylinder). In the last couple of days she's been joined
> by a male Downy. By "joined", I don't mean one or the other, I've
> frequently
> observed both of them there at the same time, and this evening they
> actually
> "scared off" a Cardinal who also wanted to feed there. I stopped putting
> out
> suet back in March, when things seemed to be warming up, and even while I
> had the suet out I hadn't seen them as regularly as I am now.
>
> My initial thought was that some ants or other insects had gotten in there,
> but I've refilled the feeder and this has continued, not just as an
> occasional visit but as a fairly steady series of visits. Is this an
> anomaly, or have other people observed similar behaviour?
>
>
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> Jon Barrett
>
> <jonbarrettphoto...>
>
> Greenbelt, MD
> Steve Long <steve.long4...>: May 23 10:14PM -0400
>
> I regularly have Downy Woodpeckers at my tube feeder. They seem to like
> the sunflower kernels and maybe the peanut splits. They are year-round
> feeders here. But, I don't recall ever seeing 2 on the same feeder at
> once.
>
> I also have regular Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the same feeder. They
> can't get inside the cage, but can reach far enough through to get the
> peanuts.
>
> Steve Long, Oxford
>
> Back to top <#m_-2088387306335934388_digest_top>
> You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this
> group. You can change your settings on the group membership page
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an
> email to mdbirding+<unsubscribe...>
>
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Date: 5/23/26 7:14 pm From: Steve Long <steve.long4...> Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Possibly odd behaviour by Downy Woodpeckers
I regularly have Downy Woodpeckers at my tube feeder. They seem to like
the sunflower kernels and maybe the peanut splits. They are year-round
feeders here. But, I don't recall ever seeing 2 on the same feeder at
once.
I also have regular Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the same feeder. They
can't get inside the cage, but can reach far enough through to get the
peanuts.
Steve Long, Oxford
On 5/23/2026 8:01 PM, <jonbarrettphoto...> wrote:
>
> A few days ago I noticed a female Downy feeding at my nyjer/sunflower
> chip feeder (a wire mesh cylinder). In the last couple of days she’s
> been joined by a male Downy. By “joined”, I don’t mean one or the
> other, I’ve frequently observed both of them there at the same time,
> and this evening they actually “scared off” a Cardinal who also wanted
> to feed there. I stopped putting out suet back in March, when things
> seemed to be warming up, and even while I had the suet out I hadn’t
> seen them as regularly as I am now.
>
> My initial thought was that some ants or other insects had gotten in
> there, but I’ve refilled the feeder and this has continued, not just
> as an occasional visit but as a fairly steady series of visits. Is
> this an anomaly, or have other people observed similar behaviour?
>
> Jon
>
> Jon Barrett
>
> <jonbarrettphoto...>
>
> Greenbelt, MD
>
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A few days ago I noticed a female Downy feeding at my nyjer/sunflower chip feeder (a wire mesh cylinder). In the last couple of days she's been joined by a male Downy. By "joined", I don't mean one or the other, I've frequently observed both of them there at the same time, and this evening they actually "scared off" a Cardinal who also wanted to feed there. I stopped putting out suet back in March, when things seemed to be warming up, and even while I had the suet out I hadn't seen them as regularly as I am now.
My initial thought was that some ants or other insects had gotten in there, but I've refilled the feeder and this has continued, not just as an occasional visit but as a fairly steady series of visits. Is this an anomaly, or have other people observed similar behaviour?
Jon
Jon Barrett
<jonbarrettphoto...>
Greenbelt, MD
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Date: 5/20/26 7:41 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (20 May 2026) 29 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 20, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
4
25
143
Turkey Vulture
23
703
9035
Osprey
1
20
242
Bald Eagle
1
32
121
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
57
648
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
0
2
2
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
29
919
11076
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:30 pm
Total observation time:
6.5 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Cristians Rivas, Jenny Isaacs, Ralph Geuder, Steve Steimel, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Andy Geuder
Weather: Sunny becoming partly cloudy; 83-95 degrees; good visibility; winds light and variable often with a west component 6-9 mph.
Raptor Observations: Much like the past few days, hours of sunny skies making raptor detection difficult and hot temperatures, with Turkey Vultures making up most of the flight. Disappointingly low Broadwing totals this season, so far.
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: 5/20/26 9:10 am From: Gabriel Foley <gabriel.j.foley...> Subject: [MDBirding] MBCP Webinar on Recent eBird Hotspots Update
Hi folks,
Just sharing about a webinar Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership is offering <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CL5RWlJWRtC0AL1W_lY6Cw> on June 2 at 6PM on the recent update eBird has provided to hotspots. I'll be moderating a discussion with Mike Bowen, an eBird hotspot editor, Tim Carney, one of our eBird reviewers, Ken Ostermiller, who created the birdinghotspots.org website the updates are based on, and Sarah Sheckells, who will bring the perspective of someone newer to birding in Maryland.
You can RSVP at this link <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CL5RWlJWRtC0AL1W_lY6Cw>, and you'll also get a recording of the webinar if you can't make it. I think it will be a fun discussion -- I'm looking forward to chatting about how we can find birds better!
Gabriel Foley Smithsburg
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Date: 5/19/26 9:01 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fwd: [BIRDHAWK] Fort Smallwood Park (19 May 2026) 36 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 19, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
1
21
139
Turkey Vulture
32
680
9012
Osprey
2
19
241
Bald Eagle
1
31
120
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
57
648
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
0
2
2
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
36
890
11047
Observation start time:
9:00 am
Observation end time:
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
6 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Hal Wierenga, Ralph Geuder, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Andrew Estrin
Weather: Mostly sunny becoming sunny, and in the last 2 hours partly cloudy with nice puffy clouds; 79-96 degrees; good visibility with some haze; winds westerly 9-15 mph gusting to 22 mph.
Raptor Observations: Mostly Turkey Vultures. Likely missed other migrants in the clear skies as the flight picked up once the clouds rolled in.
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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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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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: 5/16/26 8:10 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (16 May 2026) 77 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 16, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
1
18
136
Turkey Vulture
58
627
8959
Osprey
0
16
238
Bald Eagle
5
29
118
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
57
648
Cooper's Hawk
1
24
193
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
8
32
115
Red-tailed Hawk
3
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
2
2
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
77
825
10982
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
4:30 pm
Total observation time:
8 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed, Lynn Davidson
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Hal Wierenga, Lynn Davidson, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Claudia Yao
Weather: Clear skies with a bit of cloudiness in the last four hours; 64-84 degrees; good visibility; winds southwesterly and light at first, becoming stronger in the afternoon 5-13 mph gusting to 22 mph
Raptor Observations: Second Mississippi Kite! This one seen briefly, unaged, and doing some wheeling around. Headed east and out of view.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Nighthawk 7, Glossy Ibis 1
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: 5/15/26 8:58 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (15 May 2026) 53 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 15, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
1
17
135
Turkey Vulture
46
569
8901
Osprey
2
16
238
Bald Eagle
3
24
113
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
1
57
648
Cooper's Hawk
0
23
192
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
24
107
Red-tailed Hawk
0
8
91
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
0
1
1
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
53
748
10905
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:30 pm
Total observation time:
6.5 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Hal Wierenga, Jenny Isaacs, Ralph Geuder, Steve Steimel, Sue Ricciardi
Weather: A few clouds at the start becoming partly cloudy with nice cumulus clouds; 58-69 degrees; good to excellent visibility; winds mostly northwesterly and on the strong side 10-15 mph gusting to 26 mph
Raptor Observations: Another slow day on good winds and sky. Pipeline must need refilling.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Gallinule! Least Bittern, hen Wood Duck with 8 chicks. Photos of the gallinule and Wood Ducks may be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S339722144
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: 5/14/26 8:08 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (14 May 2026) 26 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 14, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
16
134
Turkey Vulture
23
523
8855
Osprey
2
14
236
Bald Eagle
0
21
110
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
56
647
Cooper's Hawk
0
23
192
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
1
24
107
Red-tailed Hawk
0
8
91
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
0
1
1
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
26
695
10852
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
2:30 pm
Total observation time:
5.5 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cindy Godwin, Cristians Rivas, Fred Shaffer, Hal Wierenga, Jenny Isaacs, Ralph Geuder, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Andrew Estrin
Weather: Variable cloudiness with almost complete cloud cover in the last hour; 55-61 degrees; good visibility; winds northwesterly and on the strong side 7-16 mph gusting to 25 mph
Raptor Observations: Slow day today with some Turkey Vultures, 2 Ospreys and a Broadwing.
Non-raptor Observations: A good day for Chimney Swifts: almost 70, two Glossy Ibis
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: 5/13/26 8:24 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (13 May 2026) 84 Raptors Mississippi Kite!
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 13, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
1
16
134
Turkey Vulture
75
500
8832
Osprey
1
12
234
Bald Eagle
0
21
110
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
56
647
Cooper's Hawk
1
23
192
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
4
23
106
Red-tailed Hawk
1
8
91
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
1
1
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
84
669
10826
Observation start time:
9:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
4:00 pm
Total observation time:
7 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cristians Rivas, Fred Shaffer, Hal Wierenga, John Hoffman, Steve Steimel, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Elizabeth
Weather: Partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy as storms approached; 65-74 degrees; good visibility becoming fair in the last two hours; winds strong and southwesterly 12-18 mph gusting to 24 mph
Raptor Observations: The strong winds brought 75 Turkey Vultures, but also our first Mississippi Kite of the season! A molting first-year subadult, it first appeared high overhead with two Turkey Vultures at the north edge of the pond, but while the vultures continued north, the kite was in no rush to leave and slowly headed south. It then made a long steep stoop downward as if it had an eye on a prey item, but that wasn't evident. After stooping it continued a low slow half-circuit of the pond, then doubled back and finally left to the northwest. It was in view for 18 minutes! Two photos may be found here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S338555632
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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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.
-- -- 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/<948877795.809211.1778641302564...>
Date: 5/10/26 9:32 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (10 May 2026) 119 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 10, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
15
133
Turkey Vulture
96
410
8742
Osprey
0
11
233
Bald Eagle
1
19
108
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
1
56
647
Cooper's Hawk
3
22
191
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
14
19
102
Red-tailed Hawk
1
7
90
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
1
1
10
Unknown Buteo
1
1
9
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
1
2
16
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
119
568
10725
Observation start time:
900: am Daylight Time
Observation end time
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
6 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Cristians Rivas, Sue Ricciardi
Weather: Sunny for the first two hours, then partly cloudy; 64-80 degrees; fair to good visibility with haze and low cloud cover; winds westerly becoming stronger over the course of the day 3-13 mph gusting to 20 mph.
Raptor Observations: Immature Broadwings starting to come through.
Non-raptor Observations: Some Glossy Ibis (5) still feeding along the shoreline of the pond, Common Yellowthroat, Blackpoll Warber, Northern Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler
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: 5/8/26 6:43 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (07 May 2026) 2 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 07, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
0
14
132
Turkey Vulture
2
277
8609
Osprey
0
11
233
Bald Eagle
0
16
105
Northern Harrier
0
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
54
645
Cooper's Hawk
0
19
188
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
0
5
88
Red-tailed Hawk
0
6
89
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
0
9
Unknown Buteo
0
0
8
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
1
15
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
2
408
10565
Observation start time:
10:00 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
5 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Ralph Geuder, Sue Ricciardi
Visitors: Andy Geuder
Weather: Overcast at the start followed by a slow partial clearing with a few sprinkles; 55-60 degrees; good visibility; winds light and variable.
Raptor Observations: Although there was some clearing with nice cumulus clouds, the skies to the south were still overcast and the flight was limited to two Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: Least Sandpiper, pair of Wood Ducks
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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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.
-- -- 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/<537675339.685578.1778290740732...>
Date: 5/5/26 9:05 pm From: 'SUE RICCIARDI' via Maryland & DC Birding <mdbirding...> Subject: [MDBirding] Fort Smallwood Park (05 May 2026) 87 Raptors
Fort Smallwood Park Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: May 05, 2026
Species
Day's Count
Month Total
Season Total
Black Vulture
2
14
132
Turkey Vulture
69
275
8607
Osprey
3
11
233
Bald Eagle
6
16
105
Northern Harrier
1
2
49
Sharp-shinned Hawk
0
54
645
Cooper's Hawk
1
19
188
American Goshawk
0
0
0
Red-shouldered Hawk
0
0
256
Broad-winged Hawk
2
5
88
Red-tailed Hawk
3
6
89
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
0
9
Unknown Buteo
0
0
8
Unknown Falcon
0
0
7
Unknown Eagle
0
0
0
Unknown Raptor
0
1
15
Swallow-tailed Kite
0
0
2
Total:
87
406
10563
Observation start time:
8:45 am Daylight Time
Observation end time:
3:00 pm
Total observation time:
6.25 hours
Official Counter
Chris Reed
Observers:
Alan Young, Fred Shaffer, Jenny Isaacs, Rich Mason, Sue Ricciardi, Sue Young
Visitors: Andrew Estrin, Alan and Lock Handley
Weather: Sunny except for a few clouds in the last hour; 65-83 degrees; good visibility; winds southwesterly and increasing in strength over the course of the day, 7-17 mph gusting to 29 mph
Raptor Observations: A second day of staring into the blue skies trying to find migrants. Besides 69 Turkey Vultures, there were 7 other species in small numbers
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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