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Early December in Maryland. Last updated: 12/3/2011.
Above and below: An Audubon's Warbler in Bayside Campground, Assateague Island, Maryland (12/3/2011). The western form of Yellow-rumped Warbler is very rare in Maryland and we only have a handful of accepted records. Dan Small and I found this bird in the island of scrubby habitat between A13 and A23.
Recording of chipping
Below: A continuing Lark Sparrow on Assateague Island, Maryland (12/3/2011). When Dan spotted it perched up, I slowly positioned myself in better morning light. The bird then surprised me by flying halfway to me, then running another five feet or so toward me. We spent 30 minutes just watching it feed about 10' away, never flushing it even when we slowly departed. Found by Rob Ostrowski. (Thanks, Rob!)
Below: One of two Orange-crowned Warblers we found on Assateague Island today (12/3/2011).
Below: An Osprey hunting over Ayres Creek, Worcester Co., Maryland (12/3/2011). Very nice December bird!
Below: Harlequin Ducks flying past the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (12/3/2011).
Below: Adult and immature Mute Swans stopping in at Fort Smallwood Park, Maryland (11/24/2011).
Below: An Eastern Bluebird at Bayside, Assateague Island (11/14/2011). Uncommon in the morning flight here.
Below: A White-lined Sphinx moth caterpillar on Assateague Island, Maryland (11/13/2011).
Below: A Common Loon in flight over Assateague Island, Maryland (12/3/2011).
Below: A free-loading Great Blue Heron at Fort Smallwood, Maryland.
This bird has learned to hang out with the fishermen and eagerly accepts handouts.
Below: Red-winged Blackbirds feeding in the Sweet Gums at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (11/24/2011).
Below: An American Bittern flushes from Swan Harbor, Harford Co., Maryland (11/26/2011).
Below: A Le Conte's Sparrow at Swan Harbor Farm Park, Harford Co., Maryland (11/26/2011). Found on 11/25 by Matt Hafner with Jim Brighton and John Hubbell. First county record. Only 19 accepted Maryland records and only five away from Worcester and St. Mary's Counties. My first in Maryland and by far my best ever looks. Thanks, guys!