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New Additions
Late May in Maryland. Last updated: 5/23/2011.
Above and below: Documentation photos of an astounding find by Stan Arnold and Ed Carlson - a LONG-BILLED CURLEW at Swan Creek in northern Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (5/23/2011). Pending acceptance, this would be only the fifth accepted record of this species in Maryland. Congratulations, Stan and Ed! Range Map
Approaching weather...
Below: A rare Mountain Earth Snake spotted by Tom Feild in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011). Endangered species.
Below: An Olive-sided Flycatcher at Finzel Swamp in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011).
Listen for 'three-beers!' call near start and end of track. The typical first syllable is kind of swallowed. An excellent dawn chorus of migrants and breeders.
Below: Northern Mockingbird is a scarce and local species in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011), typically in the southeastern corner of the county. We were surprised to find this one in the northwestern corner. Look for what could almost be called its host plant - Multiflora rose.
Below: A Hobomok's Skipper near the Youghiogheny River, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011).
Below: Wild Geranium in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011).
Below: Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011). Host plant for Silvery Checkerspot.
Below: A male Wilson's Warbler in Garrett Co., Maryland (5/21/2011).
Below: An Eastern Milk Snake in Allegany Co., Maryland (5/21/2011). This was only my second encounter with the species.
Below: A Common Muskrat at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: A Great Egret lands among turtles at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: A Great Blue Heron chases off a Great Egret - Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: A Great Egret at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: A Great Blue Heron prepares a catfish lunch. Sue Ricciardi pointed out that it typically takes catfish to the small island before swallowing them, while other species are simply tossed back. We theorized that killing the catfish on dry land reduces the risk of harm via the catfish's sharp fins.
Below: A Great Blue Heron at Fort Smallwood Park, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: An adult Black-crowned Night-Heron at Fort Smallwood Park, Maryland (5/22/2011).
Below: An Eastern Painted Turtle at Fort Smallwood Park, Maryland (5/22/2011).
