Birding Howard County, Maryland
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
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Most of the following migration records are based on data from the early 1950s through the most recent complete year (last revision 2009). Time periods listed are the most likely periods for sighting a species and generally do not encompass all extreme dates unless so stated. May Count, Fall Count, and Midwinter Count are countywide and held annually. Species described are those on the Howard County Checklist. Seasons are those used in seasonal summaries by the Maryland Ornithological Society: Spring (March–May); Summer (June–July); Fall (August–November); Winter (December–February). The following abundance categories are used: Abundant, Common, Fairly Common, Uncommon, and Rare. These designations are admittedly imprecise as a species that would appear uncommon or rare to a beginning birder may actually be quite common if one knows the song and special habitat it frequents. Judgments were made with the moderately skilled birder in mind. The designation "Rare" is the one category that has been quantified. Any species for which there are fewer than 20 records in the last 50 years OR which has been seen two or fewer times in the last 10 years is designated as Rare. Abbreviations: BBA – Breeding Bird Atlas (for an explanation of this project and comparison maps, go to howardbirds.org and click on Atlas Results under Overview). Three atlases have been completed in Howard County. They are referred to as follows: 70s atlas (1973–1975), 80s atlas (1983–1987), 2000 atlas or recent atlas (2002–2006). MD/DCRC – Maryland/DC Records Committee. USNM – United States National Museum. WSSC – Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. The sequence in the following "Species Accounts" follows the phylogenetic order of the most recent Check-list of the American Ornithologists' Union, progressing from the least to the more advanced families and genera and species of birds. |
Table of Contents |
 Click icon to see a photo of the bird.  Click icon to see Breeding Bird Atlas map. |
| Greater White-fronted Goose – Turkey Vulture | ||
| Greater White-fronted Goose | |
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| Rare. Rare. Four records. November 13 to April 1. Centennial Park, Wilde Lake, Brighton Dam, and two ponds. The November 13–28, 2000 bird was accepted by the MD/DCRC as a "Western" White-fronted (pink-billed). | ||
| Snow Goose | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Late September (earliest arrival September 20) to early April. Migrating flocks are seldom detected in this county. Wintering birds usually associate with large flocks of Canada Geese. | ||
| Ross’s Goose | ||
| Rare in winter. One record. December 17 and 19, 2007. One adult in association with four Snow Geese and several hundred Canada Geese at two western Howard County locations. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Brant | |
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| Rare. Two records. October 27, 1957, (six birds), and November 8, 1959, (three birds), both from Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Cackling Goose | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Usually with large Canada Goose flocks. Most records are November through February. | ||
| Canada Goose | |
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| Common breeder; abundant migrant; abundant in winter. Early March to early April; late September and October. Often difficult to distinguish year-round residents from migrants. The most recent BBA shows breeding in all parts of the county. Midwinter Count numbers are routinely in the 7,000 to 9,000 range. They are a pest species in many locations. | |
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| Mute Swan | |
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| Currently, there are no resident, "countable," free-flying Mute Swans in the county. For years one resided at Lake Elkhorn with brief forays to other Columbia lakes. During the summer of 2007 it moved to Wilde Lake, then eventually settled at Centennial Park for several months before returning to Lake Elkhorn. It was found dead there on November 15, 2007. Mute Swans at Fulton Pond, Turf Valley Golf Course, Beaverbrook, and other sites were purchased and placed for decoration. . One appeared at the Emmaus Rd Pond where it was seen May 10, 2008. The landowner indicated it appeared, stayed a few weeks, and left. | |
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| Tundra Swan | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Late February to late March (peak usually mid-March); early October into December (peak mid to late November). Numbers and sightings vary widely from year to year. Reservoirs and large lakes; occasionally rests on small farm ponds. | ||
| Wood Duck | |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. March and early April; mid-September through October. During the breeding season present on or near secluded ponds, rivers, floodplains, and wetlands; in migration may also appear on reservoirs and large lakes. High of 74 on Triadelphia Reservoir, March 19, 1994. By mid-May, broods are seen along the Patapsco River and at the Race Road wetlands; one or more may be present at the shallow end of Centennial Lake in late July. | |
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| Gadwall | |
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| Rare breeder, uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. March and early April; October to mid-December. Appears a few times each year at one of the central county lakes, Triadelphia Reservoir, or a farm pond. In recent years, Race Road wetlands have been a consistent location. One breeding record from the early 1970s. High of 28 at Race Road wetlands, February 27, 2008. | |
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| Eurasian Wigeon | |
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| Rare. Four records: three from March 3 to April 11; one on December 21. Records from Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and western farm ponds. | ||
| American Wigeon | |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mostly March and April, occasionally into May; September to December; one summer record. Reservoirs, lakes, and farm ponds. Flocks of 25 to 70 birds are usual. High of 121 on March 18, 1982, at a pond on Union Chapel Road A pair spent the summer of 2006 at Centennial Lake. | |
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| American Black Duck | |
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| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; fairly common in winter. February to early April; October into December. One or two are frequently seen on local lakes and ponds in association with Mallards; large single-species flocks may be present on reservoirs. Highest numbers have been recorded the first half of February. High of 375 on Triadelphia Reservoir, February 1, 1992. | |
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| Mallard | |
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| Common to abundant year-round. Semi-domesticated species present on all lakes and reservoirs. As small ponds freeze, dozens to hundreds of Mallards congregate at ice holes on the larger lakes and reservoirs. Wild Mallards do pass through the county and sometimes large flocks of them are detected. These migrants are wary and take flight easily. The north end of Triadelphia Reservoir is a favorite stopping point. | |
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| Blue-winged Teal | |
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| Uncommon migrant. Mid-March into early May; mid-August to early October with a few records as late as December. Generally six or fewer reports annually. At least one record each year at Centennial Park or at one of the Columbia lakes. High of 114 on September 14, 1995, at Centennial Park. | |
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| Northern Shoveler | |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Early March to early May (peak mid-March to mid-April); late August to early October with a scattering of records into late December; a few February sightings. Records from Centennial Park, Triadelphia Reservoir's coves (such as Pigtail), farm ponds, Wilde Lake, Lake Kittamaqundi, Western Regional Park, University of Maryland Central Farm, and Forebay Pond. High of 15 on October 22–26, 2008, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Northern Pintail | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mid-February to early April (a few later records); late September through November; one summer record. Highs of 100 on March 28, 1964, on Triadelphia Reservoir and 29 on December 14, 2002, flying over Triadelphia Road. Sometimes one or two move among the Columbia lakes and Centennial Park for extended periods. | ||
| Green-winged Teal | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Early March to mid-April (stragglers into May); late August to mid-November (a few records through December); a few mid-February records; one summer record. Centennial Park, Triadelphia Reservoir, and farm ponds all have numerous records. Highs of 47 on October 27, 2007, on Triadelphia Reservoir and 35 on October 10, 1995, at a pond on Roxbury Road. | ||
| Canvasback | |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February to late March (a few into late April); mostly November into December; three summer records. Most consistent at Wilde Lake and Centennial Park. High of 100 on March 27, 1988, on a Highland lake. Normally 10 or fewer in a flock. | ||
| Redhead | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Usually six or fewer reports annually. February into mid-March; late November and December; a few January records. Farm ponds, Wilde Lake, Lake Elkhorn, and Centennial Park. Usually one or two birds; flocks of more than 20 recorded only a few times. High of 75 on March 14–21, 1964, on Triadelphia Reservoir. | |
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| Ring-necked Duck | |
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| Common migrant; uncommon but regular in winter (ice cover affects numbers and locations); rare in summer. Late February through March (peak February 26 to March 18); mid-October through mid-December; at least seven summer records. Highs of 380 on March 11, 1994, at Browns Bridge* and 365 on December 30, 2006, at Big Branch. Flocks of 50+ occur almost annually. Reservoirs, lakes, and farm ponds. | |
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| Greater Scaup | |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-March through mid-April, early November into December (fewer fall records); a few January/February records. Reported in seven of the last 10 years. Usually one or two birds. Mixed flock of 150 Lesser and Greater scaup on April 5, 1996, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Single species flock high of 12 on April 7, 1990, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs and lakes. | ||
| Lesser Scaup | |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; rare in summer. March through early April; late October through November; a few January and February records; one summer record. Usually 10 or fewer birds with a few records of 10 to 50. High was a mixed flock—see Greater Scaup; single species flock of 92 on March 22, 1989, on Triadelphia Reservoir. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. | ||
| Surf Scoter | |
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| Rare migrant. Twelve records: two in spring (March 19 and April 22); eight in fall (October 23 [two records: 1996, 2003] to November 23); two in winter (January 4 and 5). Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and Lake Elkhorn. High of 10 on October 28, 1958, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Mutiple sightings in last decade. | ||
| White-winged Scoter | |
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| Rare migrant. Twelve records: three in spring (March 31 to April 8); six in fall (August 26 to November 23 [three records: 1957, 2007, 2009]); three in winter (December 4 to January 8). One record from Centennial Park; all others Triadelphia Reservoir. Highs of five on January 8, 2004, and April 5, 1996, both at Triadelphia Reservoir.Mutiple sightings in last decade. | ||
| Black Scoter | |
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| Rare migrant. At least ten records: one in spring (April 15); at least nine in fall (October 29 [two records: 1996, 1991] to November 27). High of 30 on October 29, 1966, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, Wilde Lake, and Lake Elkhorn.. | ||
| Long-tailed Duck | |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-March to mid-April (none after April 15 except for one oiled bird); November and December (a few October records); one January 1 and one February 1 record. Mostly one to six birds. Highs: 135 on December 5, 1987, and 71 on November 15, 1992, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. Although most sightings from Triadelphia Reservoir, species occasionally appears at Centennial Park; records from Wilde Lake and Alpha Ridge Landfill. Birds mostly stay a few hours, less frequently a few days. | ||
| Bufflehead | |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February through early April (occasional stragglers into May); late October through early December (a few earlier and later); three summer records. High of 220 on November 8, 2008, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Three records of 100–200 birds, all at Triadelphia Reservoir. Flocks of up to 25 are usual. Reservoirs, lakes, and large ponds. | ||
| Common Goldeneye | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Late February through mid-March (latest record April 18); mid-November and December; scattered but consistent January and February records. One to three birds is the norm. High of 42 on December 12, 1997, on the Quarry Pond along Brighton Dam Road. Most frequent at Triadelphia Reservoir, Centennial Park, and Lake Elkhorn. | ||
| Hooded Merganser | |
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| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-February to early April (a few lingering non-breeders may stay later); late October to mid-December; a few winter records. The 2000 BBA confirmed nesting in two county locations: one in the Race Road wetlands, the other on private property in the Cattail Creek watershed. High of 90 on November 2, 1996, on a farm pond. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. | |
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| Common Merganser | |
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| Rare breeder (one record); fairly common migrant; common in winter on reservoirs; rare in summer. Mid-February through mid-March (rapidly declining numbers into May); early December (a few earlier) into mid-January; two summer records. High of 1800+ on January 5, 2008, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Peaks of more than 1,000 recorded in most winters from 2004 to the present. Much lower numbers reported from Rocky Gorge Reservoir. Occasionally a few birds stop at Centennial Park; scattered records elsewhere. | ||
| Red-breasted Merganser | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Mostly mid-March to late April (a few into May); mid-November through winter. Often a few winter with the large flock of Common Mergansers on Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs, but more likely to appear on lakes than Common Mergansers. High of 100 on March 28, 1994, at Pigtail. | ||
| Ruddy Duck | |
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| Common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Mid-March to mid-April (a few later); October through mid-December (a few August/September records); at least five June and July records. High of 400 on October 28, 1958, on Triadelphia Reservoir; next highest number was 106 which stayed at Centennial Park from October 30 to November 11, 1997, an unusually long period for such a large flock. Usually fewer than 25. Reservoirs, lakes, and large ponds. | |
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| Ring-necked Pheasant | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon year-round (declining population). Recorded in nine of last 10 years with single sightings in four of those years. Numbers have dropped dramatically in the last 20 years. Most of the recent records are west of MD 32 and north of Dayton. No confirmed nesting in most recent BBA. In 2007, and more recently, an individual released pheasants south of the Howard County Fairgrounds. | |
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| Wild Turkey | |
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| Uncommon breeder; uncommon year-round (gradually increasing numbers and range). A decade ago, almost all reports came from upper portions of the Patapsco River, Patuxent River State Park, and WSSC property at the north end of Triadelphia Reservoir. Sightings now come from almost any part of the county with the fewest in the central and southern areas. For a large bird, they are surprisingly difficult to glimpse. | |
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| Northern Bobwhite | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon year-round (declining population). Dramatic drop in numbers in last 20 years. In the 80s BBA, bobwhites were recorded in all 34 blocks and confirmed in 13. In contrast, the 2000 BBA recorded them in 12 blocks (mostly single observations) and confirmed them as nesting in just one! There is no consistent location in the county where this species can be found, although southern and western parts of the county are the most likely. In 2007, and more recently, an individual released bobwhites south of the Howard County Fairgrounds. | |
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| Red-throated Loon | |
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| Rare migrant. Eleven records. April to early May; October 20 to mid-December. Two records in last 10 years, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. High of three on October 21, 1989, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Most records are from that location. | ||
| Common Loon | |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; rare in summer. Late March to mid-May (some earlier); October (a few records earlier) to early December; occasional winter and summer records. Highs of 310+ on April 20, 2002, flying over Schooley Mill Park and 186 on April 19, 1991, flying over David Force Park. Single birds often rest on lakes and reservoirs. Most flocks are migrants seen in flight from dawn to mid-morning. | ||
| Pied-billed Grebe | |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February into May; August into December; more than a dozen summer records. High of 13 on November 11, 1991, at Centennial Park. All major lakes and reservoirs as well as farm ponds. | |
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| Horned Grebe | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Late February well into May; late September into December. High of 225 on April 5, 1996, next highest 30+ on March 27, 2001, both at Triadelphia Reservoir. Mostly reservoirs and lakes, ponds occasionally. | ||
| Red-necked Grebe | |
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| Uncommon to rare migrant. Late February through April; one fall record on October 23. Most records from reservoirs, but also recorded at Lake Elkhorn, Wilde Lake, Lake Kittamaqundi, and Stone Lake (a quarry lake in a gated community on Gorman Road). Highs of 23 on March 13, 1959, and eight on March 14–21, 1996, both Triadelphia Reservoir. Highly episodic; may be years between sightings. | ||
| Eared Grebe | |
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| Rare migrant. One record from Centennial Park, March 30 to April 4, 1994. | ||
| Western Grebe | |
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| Rare vagrant. One record from Triadelphia Reservoir, November 23, 1959, to January 1960. | ||
| Double-crested Cormorant | |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter; uncommon in summer. Mid-March to mid-May; late August to late November; an increasing number of winter records; summer records not quite annual. Reservoirs and large lakes. High of 101 on April 9, 2004, at Triadelphia Reservoir and 90 on October 20, 2002, in flight south of Ellicott City. | |
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| Anhinga | |
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| Rare vagrant. One modern record; one historical record. Five immatures or females flying over the Columbia Mall on April 22, 2006. Accepted by the MD/DCRC. Historical record. Stewart and Robbins in Birds of Maryland 1958, p. 51 states that a specimen in the old Peale collection was reported to have been shot prior to 1805 at Elkridge Landing [now Elkridge] on the Patapsco River. | ||
| American Bittern | |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Late March to mid-May; late September through early November; one mid-February and two July records. With the exception of two at the University of Maryland Central Farm April 19 2009, all records are of single birds. Multiple sightings at Meadowbrook Park and the University of Maryland Farm. | |
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| Least Bittern | |
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| Rare migrant; rare in summer. Thirteen records. Early May to mid-June (one April 7 record); three fall records September 14–24. Although breeding has not been confirmed, there have been four summer records: one breeding season sighting from 1973 in a marsh on the Patapsco River, a June 2, 1981, record at Lake Elkhorn, and two sightings the first week of June 2003 at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Associated with wetlands where there is tall, dense, emergent vegetation, especially cattails. Has been recorded at Centennial Park, Pigtail, Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area, and the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
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| Great Blue Heron | |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common much of the year; uncommon in winter. Mid-February through March; September into November. Increasing as a breeding species. Within the last 10 years, colonies were established at Lake Kittamaqundi/Vantage Point (25 active nests in 2009), adjacent to the Patuxent River north of Haviland Mill Road, and Carroll Mill Road in the Middle Patuxent River floodplain (no longer in use). This is a dramatic change from the occasional one or two nests that were the norm through the mid-1990s. Reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands. | |
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| Great Egret | |
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| Uncommon but regular wanderer. Mid-March into late November with peak in mid to late summer; late date December 27, 2003, at Lake Elkhorn. Sightings and numbers have increased in last 10 years. Highs of 18 on March 19, 1997, and 17 on July 10,1991, both at Centennial Park. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. | |
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| Snowy Egret | |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early May to mid-October (one mid-April and one mid-November report). Records in four of last 10 years with single sightings in two of those years. Highs of four on August 1, 1964, at Triadelphia Reservoir and four on May 8, 1993, at Plumtree Path. Mostly on larger lakes and reservoirs, occasionally on ponds. Lake Elkhorn has the most records in the last decade. | ||
| Little Blue Heron | |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Late March to mid-October (one mid-November record). Mostly three or fewer sighting per year. Records in eight of last 10 years, with single sightings in two. Recent records mostly from Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond, Race Road wetlands, and Meadowbrook Park. High of three at three different locations in three different years. Wetlands; all major reservoirs and lake edges; sometimes ponds and rivers. | ||
| Tricolored Heron | |
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| Rare wanderer. Three records. August 25, 1991, and late September/October 1992 at Triadelphia Reservoir; July 22, 1994, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Cattle Egret | |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early April to mid-November (one mid-March record). Seen in six of last 10 years, with single sightings in five. Highs of nine on July 29, 1982, at Triadelphia Reservoir and nine on May 7, 1986, in a pasture (which no longer exists) on Highland Road. Pastures or barnyards with cattle or other animals; shallow ponds, wetlands, and lake edges. Fulton has the most records; others at Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond, Gateway, Hanaover Road/Race Road, and the University of Maryland Central Farm. First record on May 18, 1961. | ||
| Green Heron | |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in winter. April to late October (extremes of February 25 and November 26). Widespread along all major rivers as well as lake and pond edges. | |
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| Black-crowned Night-Heron | |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Late March to late October; one December 8 record. High of six on June 15, 1981, flying over Oakland Mills. Lake Kittamaqundi, Wilde Lake, and Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond are consistent locations in late spring and summer. Shallow portions of lakes and pond edges. | |
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| Yellow-crowned Night-Heron | |
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| Uncommon wanderer. Early April to early October. Records in each of last 10 years with several records in all but one year. Lake Elkhorn/Forebay Pond in June and July has been the most consistent location. Shallow edges of lakes and reservoirs. | |
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| White Ibis | |
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| Rare vagrant. Six records. July 3, 1977, on north side of Patuxent River (now High Ridge Park); August 13, September 6 and 9, 1980, on Jackson Pond, Long Reach, Columbia; July 30, 1984, south of Middle Patuxent River near US 29 and Johns Hopkins Road; August 18– 20, 2007, along the river in the Orange Grove/Glen Artney section of Patapsco Valley State Park; July 13, 2008, at Race Road Wetlands (adult); and July 27–29, 2008, at Daniels (juvenile). | ||
| Glossy Ibis | |
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| Rare wanderer. Seventeen records. First week of April through mid-May (most in spring); four of five fall sightings August 5 to September 18; one unusually late sighting November 25. Records in five of last 10 years; three were single sightings. Wide variety of damp locations from reservoir and pond edges to shallow pools in fields. First record May 8, 1967. | |
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| Black Vulture | |
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| Fairly common year-round. Formerly mostly in western Howard County; however, 2000 BBA found probable or confirmed breeding widespread, although majority in northern and western sections. | |
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| Turkey Vulture | |
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| Common year-round countywide. Roosts of 50–100 birds often contain both species. Road-killed deer probably provide ample food for both vulture species. | |
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| Osprey – Yellow-billed Cuckoo | ||
| Osprey | |
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| Fairly common migrant; rare in winter; uncommon in summer. March into December (as early as February 25 and as late as December 25). Summer records in nine of last 10 years. No county breeding site verified, although in 1993 a pair nested on a platform (no longer present) on the Montgomery County side of Triadelphia Reservoir at Greenbridge. In 1994, one bird was seen in that location during the breeding season, but there was no evidence of nesting. High of 17 on April 16, 1999, south of Ellicott City. Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. | |
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| Mississippi Kite | |
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| Rare vagrant. Five records. April 11 to July 2. One was a perched bird, the others were flyovers. First record was May 31, 1993, most recent July 2, 2005. | ||
| Bald Eagle | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Bald Eagles have become a local success story. The Chesapeake Bay population has rebounded so dramatically that nesting pairs have moved into the county. A pair has nested at Triadelphia Reservoir since 1993 and at Duckett Reservoir since 2003. Two nests on private property in the central and western parts of the county have also been verified—one in 2006 and one in early 2007 (which was never used). There also are several established nests in adjoining counties near the eastern part of Howard County. As a result, Bald Eagle sightings are no longer rare anywhere in the county. | |
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| Northern Harrier | |
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| Uncommon migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. April to mid-May (a few in March); late August into November. Mostly reported from the western part of the county where it hunts low over fields, wet meadows, and extensive open areas; may also be seen as a high flyover during migration. | |
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| Sharp-shinned Hawk | |
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| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mostly late March into May; September into November (more common in fall). This used to be the expected migrant and wintering accipiter. Because Cooper's Hawks have increased so dramatically in the last decades, either of those accipiters can be anticipated during migration or in winter. | |
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| Cooper's Hawk | |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Early March to early May; early September into November. Dramatic increase in breeding population in last 20 years. In both the 70s and 80s atlases, the species was confirmed in one block; in the recent atlas it was confirmed in 23 of 34 blocks and was undetected in only two. | |
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| Northern Goshawk |  |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-October to late March. Reported in five of last 10 years. An immature bird wintered in the vicinity of Centennial Park from December 31, 1993, to March 31, 1994. It was seen by numerous observers and is the county's best documented record. | ||
| Red-shouldered Hawk | |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Early March through mid-April; mid-October to late November. This species continues to do well in the county. It nests in mature, mostly deciduous woods along major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Extensive floodplains and wetlands may be its preference, but nests are found regularly along small streams in residential neighborhoods and at lake edges near human habitations. | |
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| Broad-winged Hawk | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon to common migrant (on a few fall days it may be abundant). Mid-April to mid-May; early September to mid-October (more in fall). Peak numbers usually September 15–25. Although this species has never been a common or widespread breeder in the county, in the 70s BBA it was found in a total of 23 of 34 blocks and confirmed in five. The situation has changed dramatically. In the 2000 BBA, it was found in four blocks and confirmed in just one. This crash in breeding pairs is not unique to Howard County, although no cause has been determined. The highest recorded numbers in migration were on September 20, 1993, when 6,363 were counted over Burleigh Manor, 2,500 were noted a few miles south of Ellicott City, and 210 were spotted over Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. There have been three other dates on which 2,000 or more have been tallied. Spring numbers do not approach these figures with a high of 317 on April 13, 2001, south of Ellicott City. Breeds in extensive deciduous woods, recently only along northern sections of the Patapsco River. | |
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| Red-tailed Hawk | |
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| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; fairly common in winter. March into April; late October into December. Based on recent BBA results, more widespread in the county during the breeding season than 20 years ago despite declining number of farm fields for hunting. Has adapted to power line and highway rights-of-way. High of 101 over Sanner Road on November 11, 1994. Upland woods and fields; major highways. | |
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| Rough-legged Hawk | ||
| Uncommon to rare migrant; rare in winter. Mid-February through March; late October into December. Not seen every year. At one time a consistent winter resident at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Records in six of last 10 years. Two sightings during the last decade were at Brighton Dam in March. | ||
| Golden Eagle | |
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| Rare migrant. Fourteen records. Eleven have been in fall; one in winter (December 22); two in spring. Centennial Park has spring and fall records. Multiple records in last decade. | ||
| American Kestrel | |
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| Uncommon breeder; fairly common to uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to mid-April; mid-September to mid-October. This species has become increasingly more difficult to locate in the last 10 years. Midwinter Count data show that from 1986 through 1992 only one year tallied fewer than 20 birds, all other totals were 35 or more with a high of 53 in 1989. In contrast, since 2000 each year has been below 20; totals the last five years have been 10 or fewer. Frequently perches on power lines near fields. | |
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| Merlin | |
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| . Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. March into early May; late August through November. A few winter records; one summer record. Reservoirs and extensive open areas. | ||
| Peregrine Falcon | |
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| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter; rare in summer. Mostly April; late August into early November. Primarily lakes, reservoirs, and extensive open areas. | ||
| King Rail | |
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| Rare wanderer. Mid-April to mid-July; no fall records. Schooley Mill Park and Centennial Park have the most records. | |
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| Virginia Rail | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to early June (peak first half of May); September 1 to November 4 (three fall records). Four breeding records (young seen) in 1974, 1992, 2004, and 2009 with two other records possible. Undoubtedly, more common as a migrant than records indicate. Open marshy situations or shallow pond edges with dense emergent vegetation. University of Maryland Central Farm, Centennial Park, Schooley Mill Park, and Plumtree Path. | |
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| Sora | |
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| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Early April to early June; mid-August to late October. One breeding record in 1992 at a Savage pond that no longer exists. Possible breeding at University of Maryland Central Farm in 2002. Certainly more common in migration than records indicate. Lakes, ponds, and marshes with shallow muddy edges and cattails or other emergent vegetation. One bird was observed on a mudflat at Centennial Park from April 5 to May 14, 1989. Meadowbrook Park, Race Road wetlands, and University of Maryland Central Farm are prime sites. | |
|
| Common Moorhen | |
|
| Rare breeder; rare migrant. Seventeen records. Late April to early June (most in spring); three fall sightings all between September 17–22. Known to have bred in 1981, 1983, and 1992 at a Savage pond that no longer exists. Wetlands, ponds, and lakes with dense emergent vegetation, especially spatterdock or water lilies. Centennial Park, Lake Elkhorn, Warfields Pond Park, Font Hill Wetland Park, and Woodstock (Patapsco River State Park) all have records. When detected, this elusive species is often recorded for several consecutive days. First record May 1, 1972. Multiple sightings in last decade. | |
|
| American Coot | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter; rare in summer. Late February through April (a few into May); late September to mid-December; six summer records. Highs of 45 on October 23, 1949, and 41 on November 23, 1957, both at Triadelphia Reservoir, and 32 on November 11, 1995, at Centennial Park. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Numbers fluctuate widely from year to year. | |
|
| Limpkin | |
|
| Rare. One record of a bird on lawns and in a pasture on Lakeway Drive in the Benson Branch watershed May 26 to June 10, 1985. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Sandhill Crane | |
|
| Rare migrant. Six or seven records. two sightings in March; one in April; two in May; one was present in January; and there was a probable sighting in November. Fields, reservoirs, lakes, and flyovers. | ||
| Black-bellied Plover | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Twenty records. May (four records); late August through late October. Although most records are from mudflats at Triadelphia Reservoir, this species has also been found at pools on turf farms, on mud at a construction site, and along muddy pond edges at several locations. High of five on October 3, 1988, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| American Golden-Plover | |
|
| Rare migrant. Sixteen records. Late August to early October (fall records only). Mostly on extensive short grass or damp mud. High of 14 on October 1, 1989, at a turf farm on MD 32 and 11 on September 18, 1993, at a Jennings Chapel Road turf farm. Most records are from turf farms, a few from Triadelphia Reservoir and Fulton Pond, and one from Western Regional Park. This species and the Black-bellied Plover are often noted after heavy rains. Multiple sightins in last decade. | ||
| Semipalmated Plover | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. End of April through May; late July to early October. Number of sightings varies widely depending on rainfall and availability of mud. Mudflats, muddy pond and lake edges, turf farms, and shallow puddles in plowed fields. High of 15 on May 21, 2001, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Western Regional Park is a consistent location when mudflats are present. | ||
| Piping Plover | |
|
| Rare migrant. One record from Wilde Lake on April 29, 1994. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Killdeer | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant; uncommon in winter. Late February to early April; mid-July through October. Mudflats and muddy edges of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, extensive short-grass areas and plowed fields; gravel areas (especially for breeding). The two high counts of 150+ on October 18, 1997, and April 1, 1990, were at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Spring and fall sightings of 30 to 50 birds are expected. | |
|
| Black-necked Stilt | |
|
| Rare. One record. September 3, 1991, of a bird flying over a home near Wilde Lake. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| American Avocet | |
|
| Rare migrant. Five records. One March 15 record (state record early date); all others August 6 to October 7. Lake Elkhorn, Fulton Pond, Triadelphia Reservoir (two), and a MD 94 farm pond. | ||
| Spotted Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in summer; rare in winter. Mid-April to early June; mid-July through October (two November and one December 8 record); one July 1 record. First nest record on May 3, 2002, (nest with eggs) at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Reservoirs; river, pond, and lake edges. Highs of 30 on August 22, 1992, at Duckett Reservoir and 20 on May 1, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | |
|
| Solitary Sandpiper | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. Mid-April to late May; mid-July to late October. River, pond, and lake edges, reservoir mudflats, and damp grassy areas. High of 42 on April 25, 1999, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Greater Yellowlegs | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Early March to late May (one June 9 record); late July well into November. Mostly edges and shallows of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, occasionally observed in flooded fields. Highs of 31 on October 25, 2007 at Brighton Dam and 22 on September 9, 1997, at Lake Elkhorn. Pigtail and Big Branch on Triadelphia Reservoir, Browns Bridge, and Western Regional Park all have frequent records. | ||
| Lesser Yellowlegs | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. March through May; mid-July to mid-November. Mudflats and muddy edges of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Highs of 25 on August 3, 1957, at Triadelphia Reservoir and 24 on April 29, 2000, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Browns Bridge, Columbia lakes, and Western Regional Park all have numerous records. | ||
| Upland Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare migrant. Twenty records. April 10 to May 12; July 6 to September 15. Turf farms, pastures, hay and alfalfa fields. Highs of four on April 18, 1993, at the University of Maryland Central Farm and three on August 20, 1966, in a Dayton farm field. Recorded in six of the last 10 years; each was a single sighting. | |
|
| Whimbrel | |
|
| Rare migrant. One record. A flock of 70 was observed May 21, 2003, flying over the University of Maryland Central Farm during a light rain. | ||
| Ruddy Turnstone | |
|
| Rare migrant. One record. A juvenile was present September 4–5, 2001, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Red Knot | |
|
| Rare migrant. One record. A juvenile was on mudflats August 27–30, 1988, at Pigtail, Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Sanderling | |
|
| Rare migrant. Eleven records. One spring record on May 6; all others August 17 to October 20. Ten records from Triadelphia Reservoir; one at Wilde Lake (after it was drained) on September 11, 1994. | ||
| Semipalmated Sandpiper | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April to early June; mid-July to early November. Annually on reservoir mudflats, along muddy lake and pond edges, and in flooded fields. High of 80–100 on August 6, 2002, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Western Sandpiper | |
|
| . Rare migrant. Nine records. August 9 to September 18 (fall records only). All records from Browns Bridge or Triadelphia Reservoir. Mudflats. Observed in two of last 10 years. | ||
| Least Sandpiper | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. Mid-April through May; mid-July to early November. Reservoir mudflats, muddy edges of lakes and ponds, shallow wet areas in fields. Highs of 46 on May 13, 2008, at Fulton Pond, 45 on August 28, 2005, at Browns Bridge and 42 on May 22, 2001, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| White-rumped Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare migrant. At least twelve records. May 27 to June 3; August 6 to October 22 (fall records predominate). Mudflats; shallow pond edges. Triadelphia Reservoir, Browns Bridge, Western Regional Park, and Fulton Pond. Highs of four on September 8, 2005, at Western Regional Park and three on September 26, 2001, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Observed in five of last 10 years. | ||
| Baird's Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare migrant. Three records. September 12, 1982, at Triadelphia Reservoir, September 12–13, 2004, at the University of Maryland Central Farm, and August 17, 2008, at Western Regional Park. | ||
| Pectoral Sandpiper | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late March to late May (as early as March 3); mid-July through October (as late as November 8). Recorded annually on mudflats of reservoirs and lakes, at edges of shallow ponds, and in flooded fields. High of 15 on August 16, 1992, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Dunlin | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer; rare in winter. Early April to late May; early September to early November (one late December record); one highly unusual July 25 sighting at Browns Bridge. Reservoir mudflats provide most records, but several other locations have records including four ponds (each contained sizeable mudflats). High of seven on October 28, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir and May 17, 2008, at Fulton Pond. Recorded in seven of last 10 years; five of those years had multiple sightings. | ||
| Stilt Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare migrant. Six records. July 21 (one), August 31 to September 25 (five). All sightings at Browns Bridge, Triadelphia Reservoir, and Western Regional Park. High of eight on August 31, 2005, at Browns Bridge. | ||
| Buff-breasted Sandpiper | |
|
| Rare migrant. At least six records. August 31 to September 23 (fall records only). Four records at turf farms, two at Western Regional Park. Extensive short-grass locations. | ||
| Short-billed Dowitcher | |
|
| Rare migrant. Eleven records. May 11–19; July 19 to October 24. One May Count record (not included) is an undocumented report of 12 on May 3, 1975. Mudflats of reservoirs, lakes, and ponds; also temporary pools at turf farms. Only observation in last 10 years was May 11–19, 2005, at Western Regional Park. | ||
| Long-billed Dowitcher | |
|
| Rare migrant. Three records. In addition, one is published in Maryland Birdlife 60(3-4):55 as an "unidentified Dowitcher" on October 28 near Lisbon, the "best time period for a Long-bill." September 28 (University of Maryland Central Farm), October 24 (Fulton Pond), and October 28 (Triadelphia Reservoir). One record (possibly two)in the last 10 years. | ||
| Wilson's Snipe | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-February to late May; late August to mid-December. Muddy pond edges, wet swales, and wet pastures. High of 142 on March 27, 1999, at the University of Maryland Central Farm; in six other years 60–100 were at the same location during spring migration. Cryptic coloration of the birds and the vegetated muddy areas where they rest and feed enable this species to escape easy detection. | ||
| American Woodcock | |
|
| Uncommon breeder, uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mostly mid-February into April; October into December. Secluded wet woods with leaf litter; damp second-growth. Dawn and sunset courtship flights in late winter and early spring in fallow fields or open areas near rivers or streams. Breeding numbers have declined in the county in the last 30 years. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is being actively managed to bring back breeding woodcock. | |
|
| Wilson's Phalarope | ||
| Rare migrant. Four records. May 6, 1978, August 11, 1991, September 4, 1987, and September 8, 1947. Triadelphia Reservoir and a farm pond near Jennings Chapel Road. | ||
| Red Phalarope | |
|
| Rare migrant. Two records. October 1–12, 1982, and October 21, 1989. Lake Kittamaqundi and Centennial Park. | ||
| Laughing Gull | |
|
| Uncommon wanderer. Early April well into May; July to mid-December. Mostly on or over reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and landfills. The first edition of Birding Howard County, Maryland (1995) noted a dramatic and continuing increase in this species. That is no longer true. The last 10 years have seen a sustained drop in sightings and numbers. The closing of the active landfill after 1997 has been a major factor in this change. The all-time one-location high was 3,500 on September 17, 1990, at Alpha Ridge Landfill. By 2002, there were no reports anywhere in the county; in 2006, there was a single sighting of one gull. Since 2000, the maximum number reported has been one flock of 150 in 2004 and 84 in 2009. All other numbers have been 25 or fewer. Reported in nine of last 10 years; single observations in three of those years. | ||
| Bonaparte's Gull | |
|
| Uncommon migrant (briefly in spring it may be common over a few lakes or reservoirs); rare in winter. Mid-March to early May; early August to late December; a few January records. Highest numbers in spring. High of 250 on April 2, 1989, at Centennial Park. Historically, Wilde Lake has been the most consistent location for sizeable flocks. All local lakes and reservoirs have records, but numbers can fluctuate dramatically from year to year, e.g., 2006 had two sightings—each was a single bird—while 2007 had a minimum of a dozen reports in the spring season alone. These gulls rarely spend more than a few hours at any location. | ||
| Ring-billed Gull | |
|
| Common wanderer, few to absent in midsummer. Lakes, reservoirs, shopping center parking lots, fields. | ||
| Herring Gull | |
|
| Uncommon wanderer. Mostly September to May. Most frequent at reservoirs; occasionally a few appear at Centennial Park or one of the Columbia lakes. | ||
| Thayer's Gull | ||
| Rare in winter. Four records. December 20 to February 20, all at Alpha Ridge Landfill (when it was still an active landfill). First record 1982; most recent record 1997. | ||
| Iceland Gull | |
|
| Rare in winter. Eleven records. One at Triadelphia Reservoir on December 8, and one at Centennial Park on March 8; all others at Alpha Ridge Landfill December 20 to March 3. First record 1982; most recent sighting 2009. | ||
| Lesser Black-backed Gull | |
|
| Uncommon. November 12 to April 23. High of four at Alpha Ridge Landfill on December 20, 1982. Most records were between 1982 (when the species was first recorded) and 1997 (when the landfill closed). Most other records are from Triadelphia Reservoir. The four records since 1997 are all from Brighton Dam. Often in large flocks of Ring-billed Gulls and/or Herring Gulls. | ||
| Glaucous Gull | |
|
| Rare. Fourteen records. December 24 to April 1; May 15–24 (Maryland late date). The preponderance of records are from Alpha Ridge Landfill and Triadelphia Reservoir; Centennial Park and Wilde Lake each have single sightings. The latter bird stayed from May 15–24, 1997, and was seen by numerous observers. First record 1982. | ||
| Great Black-backed Gull | |
|
| Uncommon. End of September (one August 29 record) to early May. Usually at reservoirs and lakes. Used to be seen in large numbers in winter at Alpha Ridge Landfill; few since it closed. Recent Midwinter Counts recorded none. High of 400 on February 1, 1997, at the landfill. Still an occasional visitor at lakes (especially Wilde Lake) or reservoirs; seldom more than one or two birds. | ||
| Least Tern | ||
| Rare. One record. July 10, 2006, at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Pond. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Caspian Tern | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. Late March through May; early July to early October; one June 20 record. Recorded annually over lakes, reservoirs, and ponds; also on sandbars. Sometimes birds are present for several consecutive weeks, especially in late summer/fall. High of 117 on April 22, 1995, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Flocks mostly 25 or fewer. First record April 18, 1984. | ||
| Black Tern | |
|
| Rare migrant; rare in summer. Nineteen records. May 1 to May 19; August 2 to September 21; one June 22 record. Recorded in three of last 10 years. High of nine on August 2, 1986, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Records from Triadelphia Reservoir, Wilde Lake, Centennial Park, Lake Elkhorn, Fulton Pond, Rocky Gorge Dam, and Browns Bridge. Views of this species are typically brief; only occasionally will they feed in a location for several hours. | ||
| Common Tern | |
|
| Rare migrant. Seven records. Spring: April 21 and May 23; fall: August 21 and 22, September 5 and 10, and October 8. One record in last 10 years. High of nine on May 23, 1958, at Triadelphia Reservoir. Four records from Triadelphia Reservoir, one from Browns Bridge, one from Lake Elkhorn, and one a flyover south of Ellicott City.. | ||
| Forster's Tern | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. April to mid-May; late July through September (one October 30–31 record); two June records. Recorded almost annually in small numbers over reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. High of seven on September 20, 2001, at Larriland Farm (MD 94). Majority of records from Triadelphia Reservoir (where they often rest on buoy markers visible from Brighton Dam) and Centennial Park. | ||
| Rock Pigeon | |
|
| Common to abundant year-round. As farm buildings in the county have declined, this species has adapted to nesting under bridges and highway overpasses. | |
|
| Eurasian Collared Dove | ||
| Rare. One record. Mid-May through June 12, 2008, at a farm on St. Michael's Road, south of Old Annapolis Road. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Mourning Dove | |
|
| Abundant year-round. Frequents fields, wood edges, suburban areas. Highs of 1,106 on October 27, 1991, and 800+ on August 9,1995, both south of Gorman Road, west of I-95. | |
|
| Black-billed Cuckoo | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into June; August through early October. Wood edges; shrubby second-growth. Undoubtedly has nested, but no BBA confirmed breeding. Of five blocks in which they were recorded during the 2000 atlas, one had probable nesting. | |
|
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into June; August through mid-October; one November 4 record. Deciduous woods, wood edges, second-growth. | |
|
| Barn Owl – Blue-gray Gnatcatcher | ||
| Barn Owl | |
|
| Rare breeder; rare migrant. Was once an uncommon but regular nester in silos, barns, and abandoned buildings in the county. At best, owls are underrepresented in atlas surveys, but the dwindling number of farms, abandoned buildings, and damp meadows have almost eliminated breeding Barn Owls locally. In the 70s BBA, the species was confirmed as breeding in 10 blocks of the 12 in which they were found; in the 80s BBA, the confirmations had dropped to six of a dozen blocks .By the 2000 BBA, they were found nesting in just one block of the three where they were verified during the breeding season. | |
|
| Eastern Screech-Owl | |
|
| Uncommon year-round. Widespread in deciduous woodlots and suburban yards wherever there are adequate cavities and prey. Occasionally, roosts and nests in boxes designed for them. Their call does not carry far nor does it sound like what people perceive as a typical owl, so their presence is frequently overlooked. Patapsco Valley State Park (Daniels), Rockburn Branch Park, Western Regional Park, Big Branch, and the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area all have recent records. | |
|
| Great Horned Owl | |
|
| Uncommon year-round. Mature deciduous and coniferous woods. 2000 BBA found the species in 32 of 34 blocks. Uses old hawk, crow, or squirrel nests in a major crotch of a mature tree. Has nested at David Force Park, Centennial Park, Schooley Mill Park, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Wincopin Trail, and Rockburn Branch Park. Although often described as primarily an upland species, several times it has been found nesting in floodplains adjacent to county rivers. | |
|
| Snowy Owl | |
|
| Rare in winter. Two records. February or March 1947 in a garden near Reservoir Road and December 1, 1960, along Pindell School Road. | ||
| Barred Owl | |
|
| Uncommon year-round. Mature floodplain forests, stream valleys, coniferous tracts. It is a secondary cavity nester which needs a tree of substantial diameter for nesting. In the two most recent atlases, this species was found in all blocks. Because there are so many rivers within the county, Barred Owls are widespread. Of the three locally breeding owl species, this is probably the most frequently heard. | |
|
| Long-eared Owl | |
|
| Rare in winter. Twelve records. Records from mid-December through mid-April. High of four on February 24, 2002, in pine stands of Patuxent River State Park. Middle Patuxent Environmental Area and Centennial Park also have records. Multiple sightings in last decade. | ||
| Short-eared Owl | |
|
| . Rare migrant; rare in winter. Eight records. Early November to early April. Centennial Park, Alpha Ridge Landfill, and the University of Maryland Central Farm have records. Two records in the last 10 years. High of four February 7, 2009, at Alpha Ridge Landfill. | ||
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | |
|
| Uncommon to rare migrant; rare in winter except in flight years. Late October to mid-April. Recorded in six of last 10 years. Conifers and broad-leaf evergreens, viney tangles, deciduous trees with clusters of dead leaves. Normally quiet on wintering grounds so that most records are the result of searches of likely habitat. As an irruptive species with an approximately four-year cycle, its numbers vary widely from year to year. Like all owls, it is certainly more widely present than records indicate. | ||
| Common Nighthawk | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; mid-August to early October. At one time a rare breeder. (The one confirmed nesting in the 70s BBA was in a portion of a block in Prince George's County south of Howard County.) Small numbers in spring at dawn or dusk; more in late summer and early fall. Loose groups of five to 25 birds reported almost annually with 50–70 every few years. Highs of 200+ on September 8, 1993, over East Columbia, 150 on August 10, 1994, at Centennial Park, and 150 on September 1, 1986, at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. | |
|
| Chuck-will's-widow | ||
| Chuck-will's-widow. Rare late spring/summer wanderer. Seven records from 1956 to 1991 (specific dates for six of the seven). May 7 to June 17 (six in May; one in June). Six of the seven records are from the southern or eastern part of the county. | ||
| Whip-poor-will | ||
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant (a declining species in the county). April to mid-May; August through September. An occasional migrant is heard, but the few remaining breeders have became extremely difficult to locate. In the 70s BBA, the species was recorded in 17 of 34 blocks; in the 80s BBA they were located in 12 blocks, while in the most recent atlas they were found in just two blocks. Their last stronghold is Patuxent River State Park where there still may be a few nesting. Dry upland deciduous or mixed deciduous/pine woods with openings and little understory. May Counts in 1959 and 1962 tallied highs of 30 countywide. | |
|
| Chimney Swift | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant. Late April to mid-May (a few earlier); September to mid-October (only a few stragglers after the middle of the month). Flocking begins in late summer. The following highs have been recorded at roost sites: 2,128 on September 17, 1999, at US 29/US 40, 800 on August 15, 2004, at the same location, and 500+ on October 6, 2004, at Oakland Mills High School in East Columbia. During migration, several hundred have been observed on a number of occasions over local lakes. Widely distributed in the county wherever houses with uncapped chimneys provide nest sites. Although chimneys are the usual modern nest location, swifts have nested at least three times (1987, 1991, 1993) in the open (now enclosed) second story of the concession building at the south entrance of Centennial Park. | |
|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-April to mid-May; late August to early October. Latest record a hatching-year female at a feeder in River Hill, Columbia, banded November 7, 2008 (D. Holmes, B. Peterjohn); she was last seen November 8. A November 9, 2009 sighting at Timberleigh was unable to be identified as to species. Attracted to specialized feeders and flowers (well-known affinity for red/orange tubular blossoms)—the popularity of hummingbird feeders has increased the number of reports. Frequents open wooded areas not far from water as well as flower gardens. | |
|
| Rufous Humminhgbird | |
|
| Rare vagrant. One record. Mid-October to December 24, 2005, southeast of Ellicott City. Banded and identified December 3, 2005, as a hatching year female (D. Holmes, B. Peterjohn). Another sighting on November 14, 1993, in Savage could not be conclusively identified to species so it was accepted by the MD/DCRC as Selasphorus, Rufous/Allen's/Broad-tailed. | ||
| Belted Kingfisher | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; uncommon in winter. Present at lakes, reservoirs, and along rivers. During periods when ice covers most water, there is a noticeable drop in the population. | |
|
| Red-headed Woodpecker | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-April to mid-May; mid-September to mid-November. Mature oak woods with dead or partially dead trees and little understory. In migration may be found in a wide variety of deciduous woods and edge areas. In the most recent BBA, it was confirmed in the Carroll County section of a Howard County block. Western Regional Park, Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Mt. Pleasant, and Schooley Mill Park all have multiple records. | |
|
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | |
|
| Common year-round. Present in most areas of mature deciduous trees, wood edges, and suburbs. | |
|
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Late March to late May; mid-September through October. Moist deciduous woods, suburban areas, orchards. Neat parallel rows of holes on tree trunks signal the presence of this species. | ||
| Downy Woodpecker | |
|
| Common year-round. Widespread in woods, parks, and suburban yards. Regular at feeders. | |
|
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
|
| Fairly common year-round. Extensive mature deciduous woods. Infrequent at feeders. | |
|
| Northern Flicker | |
|
| Fairly common much of the year; common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March through April; mid-September to late October. Deciduous woods and wood edges, suburbs. Spends a substantial amount of time on the ground feeding on ants. | |
|
| Pileated Woodpecker | |
|
| Uncommon to fairly common year-round. Population has expanded in the last 30 years. Initially inhabited extensive floodplains, but has gradually also moved into upland deciduous woods and is occasionally seen in suburban areas. First recorded in county in 1961; first breeding record in 1969. | |
|
| Olive-sided Flycatcher | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Second week of May (a few records earlier) into June; late August well into September (late date September 23). Open deciduous woods or wood edges; usually perches high on bare branches of dead or dying mature trees not far from water. May use a favored perch or general location for hours and has been known to stay several days in an area. | ||
| Eastern Wood-Pewee | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Early to late May; mid-September to mid-October. Majority arrive after the first week of May and leave by late September. Mature deciduous woods and wood edges. Pewees sometimes can still be heard in autumn. Because their plaintive song carries well, it is easy to detect their presence during the breeding season. | |
|
| Yellow-bellied Flycatcher | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. May 9–22; August 14 to October 4 (peak late August to mid-September). Preponderance of records in fall. Recorded in nine of last 10 years. Mostly deciduous woods or wood edges, not far from water. | ||
| Acadian Flycatcher | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. May (especially after the first week); mid-August to mid-September. Floodplain deciduous woods; occasionally present on hillsides near streams. Widespread along the county's many waterways. | |
|
| Alder Flycatcher | |
|
| Rare migrant. Thirteen records. Spring records only (calling birds). Almost all records May 9 to June 7, half of records May 18–31. Schooley Mill Park has four records; reports also from Lake Elkhorn, Browns Bridge, Meadowbrook Park, and the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Reported in four of last 10 years. | |
|
| Willow Flycatcher | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Mostly mid-May into early June; mid-August into early September. In its specialized habitat of open, wet areas with scattered shrubs, this species is doing well, perhaps even better than 30 years ago. Beaver-created wetlands and wetland mitigation sites have been a plus. Meadowbrook Park usually has two or three pairs. They have also been consistent east of Lake Elkhorn under the transmission lines and on the islands at the west end of Centennial Park. | |
|
| Least Flycatcher | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. May; late August through late September. Wood edges near meadows or openings in deciduous woods. High of three on August 23, 1994, at Browns Bridge. | |
|
| Eastern Phoebe | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Mid-March to mid-April; mid-September to late October. Nests in open sheds, carports, porches, barns, and other protected sites; also under bridges. | |
|
| Great Crested Flycatcher | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. A few as early as late April, but most into mid-May; mid-August through September. Breeding birds need mature deciduous trees with cavities; a few nest records from boxes. | |
|
| Eastern Kingbird | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Late April to mid-May; mid-August to mid-September. Sycamores along streams and rivers are favorite nest sites although this species uses any tree with an open structure; occasionally nests in saplings in parking lots. Streamside nesting often associated with Warbling Vireos and Orchard Orioles. High of 33 on August 28, 1971, near Browns Bridge. | |
|
| Loggerhead Shrike | |
|
| Rare. Five records from 1970s, mostly late March to mid-April. No sightings since 1979. Half a dozen sightings 1954–1961 (September 27 to December) of a bird that returned to one location on Reservoir Road four years in succession. | ||
| Northern Shrike | |
|
| Rare. One present at Schooley Mill Park from January 5 to February 28, 1991. Accepted by the MD/DCRC. | ||
| White-eyed Vireo | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-April into May; September well into October. Moist, brushy tangles; hedgerows; wood edges. Widespread in county, but suburbs often do not have the necessary untended areas that this bird needs. The explosion of the deer population and changed farming practices have reduced undergrowth and eliminated most hedgerows, thereby removing nesting habitat. BBA field work indicates that county distribution has not changed appreciably in the last 35 years; however, numbers appear to have dropped. Birders in the most recent atlas noted difficulty in finding this vocal species. Highs of 29 on May 14, 1994, and 25 on September 17, 1994, both at Rockburn Branch Park. One extremely late report on November 15, 2009 was heard only, so it can best be considered possible. | |
|
| Yellow-throated Vireo | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to mid-May; September; late date October 11. Present in small numbers in all the major river valleys. Mature deciduous floodplain forest. High of nine May 8, 1999, at Henryton, Patapsco Valley State Park. | |
|
| Blue-headed Vireo | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. Early April to mid-May (one March 23 record); mid-September through October (a few into November); two June records. The 80s BBA recorded this species in two blocks. Mostly deciduous woods, wood edges, and second-growth. Highs of four on May 13, 2000, at Savage Park and October 4, 2009, at West Friendship Park. | |
|
| Warbling Vireo | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; late August to mid-September (a few to early October). Floodplain forest; mature deciduous trees along streams and near wetlands. Highs of six on April 27, 1996, and April 24, 2006, both at the University of Maryland Central Farm. Currently, Meadowbrook Park is the most easily accessible site in the county in which to find this species. It is also seen annually at Alpha Ridge Park, University of Maryland Central Farm, and Centennial Park. It frequently nests in sycamores and is found in association with Orchard Orioles and Eastern Kingbirds, often in narrow deciduous strips along streams. | |
|
| Philadelphia Vireo | |
|
| Uncommon fall migrant (rare in spring). Late August through early October. Bottomland deciduous woods, wood edges, second-growth; often not far from water. | ||
| Red-eyed Vireo | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; common migrant. Late April to mid-May; mid-September to mid-October. Deciduous upland and bottomland forest. Highs of 82 on May 14, 1994, and 60 on May 11, 1991, both at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Blue Jay | |
|
| Common breeder; abundant migrant; uncommon to fairly common in winter. Late April to mid-May; late September to late October are peak periods. Travels in small to sizeable flocks, often at treetop level. The number wintering varies considerably from year to year. Although omnivorous, usually they are found not far from oaks with their favored acorns. Deciduous and coniferous trees in suburban areas as well as in woods and hedgerows. | |
|
| American Crow | |
|
| Common to abundant year-round. Once confined primarily to rural areas, now present countywide. Communal roosts in winter may number in the thousands. | |
|
| Fish Crow | |
|
| Fairly common year-round. Widespread, although heard most often in the vicinity of lakes and reservoirs. Separable from American Crow by voice only. | |
|
| Common Raven | |
|
| Rare year-round wanderer, but increasing number of reports. From 1954 through early 2006 there was just one accepted record, which was December 24, 1978, at Triadelphia Reservoir. In 2006, with a nest in Frederick County and a nest attempt in Baltimore County, a few miles north of Marriottsville, documented sightings soared. At least nine sightings (several of more than one bird) were received between May 2 and November 11, 2006. Most were in the I-70/Patapsco River corridor, but one was at Centennial Park and one was over East Columbia. Nesting not far from the county line in Frederick County in 2007 led to at least eight sightings in Howard County in 2007 as far east as US 29/Broken Land Parkway. By 2009, ravens were being seen near Rocky Gorge Dam. Multiple annual sightings since 2006. | |
|
| Horned Lark | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Wintering birds present from mid-October to mid-March. Favors areas where there is exposed earth, particularly corn fields or manured fields; also extensive short-grass situations such as turf farms. Moves in flocks in fall and winter. Breeds early. Their high tinkling courtship flight can be heard from early March on. During the 70s BBA, there were records from 28 of the 34 blocks; in the most recent atlas, the species was found in just 13 blocks. Changes in habitat and increasing urbanization now restrict the species mostly to western Howard County. Western Regional Park and vicinity is a reliable location for them much of the year. A high of 350 on February 5, 1994, along Underwood Road near Old Frederick Road. | |
|
| Purple Martin | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-March to early May; mid-August through late September (late date October 13). Uses communal nest boxes or groups of gourds in suburban and rural locations. In migration, seen mostly over water in mixed swallow flocks. Establishes large late summer roosts prior to migration—125 seen on August 17, 1985, perched on ballfield light fixtures at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Tree Swallow | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; common migrant; rare in winter. An increasing species. Early March to early May; midsummer to a peak during October, then dropping dramatically by the first week of November. A new late departure date of November 23 was established in 2006 at Triadelphia Reservoir. A bird observed on February 3, 2007, south of Gorman Road in southern Howard County is the sole winter date. This sighting followed an unusually mild early winter. By mid-January, winter had returned so the February date is particularly strange, but it was not the only regional winter report. The first county nest was observed in 1977. In the 70s BBA, possible nesting was recorded in three of 34 blocks. During the 80s BBA, nesting was confirmed in one block and was possible in five others. In the most recent atlas, nesting was confirmed in 31 blocks! Tree Swallows have benefited from the highly successful nest box programs of the Howard County Bird Club and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, as well as the proliferation of sediment control ponds required in new developments. During migration, dozens to hundreds of Tree Swallows can be expected over any of the local lakes and reservoirs. High of 200 on April 4, 1990, at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Northern Rough-winged Swallow | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-March well into May; midsummer through mid-September, occasional stragglers into early October. During spring migration, they are easily observed over local lakes and reservoirs, as well as along rivers. Traditionally, the species nests (mostly in single pairs) along the banks of major county river systems. There is evidence, however, that the species is adapting to man-made sites. Several times during the 1990s birds were observed carrying nesting material into drains of the Centennial Lane bridge adjacent to the west end of Centennial Park. During the 2000 BBA, similar activity was observed at other highway sites; in 2005, there were reports that the species made use of openings in abandoned semitrailers; and in 2006, they attempted to nest in a drain above a door frame in the unfinished Glenwood Community Center. High of 40 on April 23, 2000, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
|
| Bank Swallow | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. A few in late April but mostly May, especially mid-month; mid-July through August with sightings dropping after early September. In migration, frequently seen in large flocks of swallows over lakes and reservoirs, usually fewer than 10 birds. Bank Swallows are colonial nesters requiring easily excavated sediments that do not erode quickly. The only nesting record in the last decade was in the steep banks of an abandoned, highly eroded industrial site in the Coastal Plain. Highs of 50 on August 6, 1989, at Triadelphia Reservoir and 50 on May 22, 1990, at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Cliff Swallow | |
|
| Uncommon breeder (can be locally common in vicinity of nesting colonies); uncommon migrant. Mid-April (sometimes as early as the first week) to mid-May; mid-August to mid-September (late date September 30). Some nesting colonies have been present for many years such as those at Rocky Gorge Dam, Brighton Dam, US 29 bridge across Rocky Gorge Reservoir, and MD 32 bridge over the Patapsco River; others have been of more limited duration. The most recent non-bridge/highway location was a report in 2006 of five/six nests inside an open shed-like structure at a Triadelphia Mill Road farm, not far from Big Branch. | |
|
| Barn Swallow | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant. Late March through April; August well into October (late date October 25). Usually seen in flight over pastures, lakes, ponds, and grassy expanses. They frequently perch on utility lines near barns, sheds, carports, porches, and bridges near nest sites. High of 240 on April 23, 2000, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
|
| Carolina Chickadee | |
|
| Common year-round. Deciduous and mixed woods, wood edges, parks, and yards. Frequents feeders; occasionally uses nest boxes. Note that this is the regularly seen chickadee in this county. Black-capped Chickadees, resident in western Maryland, invade the Piedmont in winter only on rare occasions. | |
|
| Black-capped Chickadee | |
|
| Rare in winter. Mostly November to late March. One record in last 10 years. Majority of sightings are at feeders during invasion years. Easily confused with resident Carolina Chickadees; hybrids also exist. | ||
| Tufted Titmouse | |
|
| Common year-round. Deciduous and mixed woods, wood edges, parks, suburbs. Frequents feeders. In winter, routinely flocks with Carolina Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches. Although a cavity nester, it seldom uses nest boxes. | |
|
| Red-breasted Nuthatch | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; erratic in winter (almost absent some winters); rare in summer (three July records, two with photos). Early September to early May. Pine or mixed pine/deciduous woods. Visits feeders occasionally, especially those near mature conifers. High of 16 on December 28, 1997, at Patuxent River State Park.. | |
|
| White-breasted Nuthatch | |
|
| Fairly common year-round. This species has shown a decided increase in the last 30 years. It is found countywide and is a regular visitor at feeders. At one time it may have preferred floodplain forests and swamps, but now it may be found in most mature deciduous woods. It is a cavity nester that seldom uses nest boxes. | |
|
| Brown Creeper | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter (easily overlooked); rare in summer. April and early May; early September through October. Breeding has not been confirmed in this county despite searches during three atlases. The most recent atlas did produce a confirmation in an Anne Arundel portion of a Howard County block in the Patapsco River Valley. A probable nesting was reported adjacent to Triadelphia Reservoir. Mature deciduous woods. In winter often found in association with chickadees, titmice, and kinglets. | |
|
| Carolina Wren | |
|
| Common year-round. The population drops dramatically after severe winters. Woods and edges with dense undergrowth; parks, and suburban yards with log or brush piles. Seldom uses nest boxes, but frequently constructs nests in protected areas around houses and outbuildings. | |
|
| House Wren | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant; rare in winter. Mid-April well into May; September to mid-October (with dwindling numbers into November); seven winter records. Frequents yards and gardens near houses; also wooded areas and low, dense tangles near streams. Frequently uses nest boxes. | |
|
| Winter Wren | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. April; a few records the latter half of September, but most are in October. Floodplain and hillside deciduous woods; along streams and rivers where individuals investigate tangles, roots, and crevices; also found in boggy woodland areas and in vegetated pond edges. It is easily overlooked with its mouse-like coloration and actions. A tiny bird with a beautiful song, which is sometimes heard in early spring. | ||
| Sedge Wren | |
|
| Rare migrant. Eleven records. Late April to June; September through October. Records in five of last 10 years. Records from Rockburn Branch Park, University of Maryland Central Farm, Savage, Patuxent Branch Trail, and Western Regional Park. | ||
| Marsh Wren | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Late April to late May; mid- September through October. Two winter records: January 11, 1994 at Plumtree Path and January 5, 2008 at Font Hill Wetland Park. An extremely early spring record on March 25, 2007, at Font Hill may have been a wintering bird. Most often found in cattail or tall-grass marshes (which need not be extensive). University of Maryland Central Farm, Meadowbrook Park, Browns Bridge, Mt. Pleasant, Font Hill Wetland Park, Warfields Pond Park, and Patuxent Branch Trail all have records. First reported in 1973. | ||
| Golden-crowned Kinglet | |
|
| Common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to early May; mid-September to mid-November. Coniferous, deciduous, or mixed woods, both floodplain and upland. A high of 50 in 1988 (no date) was reported from Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Late March into May; September (four late-August records) to late November. Deciduous or coniferous woods, wood edges, and shrubby meadows. Highs of 100 on October 21, 1997, at Centennial Park and 65 on October 17, 1990, at Schooley Mill Park. | ||
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; common migrant. April into early May; mid-August to early October (one November 16 record). Floodplains and uplands; open deciduous woods and wood edges. Arrives before trees have leafed out and begins nest building immediately. Pairs are so vocal and active that nests are not difficult to locate. Highs of 22 on April 27, 1991, at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area and 20 on April 17, 1999, at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Eastern Bluebird – Scarlet Tanager | ||
| Eastern Bluebird | |
|
| Fairly common spring through fall; uncommon in winter. Open suburban areas, pastures, short-grass fields, and wood edges. More in central and western parts of the county. In winter, found in protected locations with berry-bearing vines and shrubs near water. Quarter-century-old nest box program has had positive impact; minimum of 1,500 fledge annually. | |
|
| Veery | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into late May; September into October. Moist, mature deciduous woods with dense shrub layer, often near water. Nests at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area and scattered locations in Patuxent River State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April into late May; September into October. Moist, mature deciduous woods with dense shrub layer, often near water. Nests at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area and scattered locations in Patuxent River State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park. High of 20 on May 24, 2008, at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. | |
|
| Gray-cheeked Thrush | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Mostly end of first week of May through end of month; early September to late October. Mature deciduous or mixed woods, floodplain or upland with little understory. Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Rockburn Branch Park, Henryton, and Pigtail are all good locations. Difficult to detect and to separate from Bicknell's Thrush except by song. | ||
| Bicknell's Thrush | |
|
| Rare migrant. Three records. May 13, 2000, May 9, 2003, and May 25, 2005, all at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. This species certainly occurs regularly in small numbers. Because it cannot be separated from the Gray-cheeked Thrush on the basis of plumage except under ideal conditions by experienced observers, records will continue to require a written description and audio confirmation by those familiar with the songs of both species. | ||
| Swainson's Thrush | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. Late April to early June; September to late October. Widespread during migration in moist woods but, like most migrant thrushes, not easily seen. Much more common than sight reports indicate. High of 32 on May 12, 2007, east of Kindler Road along the Middle Patuxent River. | ||
| Hermit Thrush | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-April to mid-May; late September through November. Deciduous and coniferous woods, both upland and floodplain. High of 20+ on April 28, 2007, east of Kindler Road along the Middle Patuxent River. | ||
| Wood Thrush | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Late April to mid-May; mid-September to mid-October. Widespread in extensive damp deciduous woods with understory; may also be present and attempt nesting in small suburban woodlots. Highs of 49 on May 11, 1991, and 48 on May 14, 1994, both at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| American Robin | |
|
| Abundant much of the year; uncommon in winter. Suburbs, parks, gardens, wood edges. Flocks of hundreds gather in late summer and fall; again in late winter. High of ~1,000 on October 25, 2004, at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Varied Thrush | |
|
| Rare. One record. A bird at a feeder in Savage, December 11–15, 1977. Accepted by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Gray Catbird | |
|
| Common breeder; common to abundant migrant; rare in winter. Late April to mid-May; mid-September to mid-November; more than a dozen records from mid-November through March. Has wintered at Centennial Park and Schooley Mill Park. Present in parks, hedgerows, woodland thickets, and wood edges. Highs of 104 on September 15, 2001, in southeastern Howard County and 54 on August 28, 2009, in the River Road shrublands of Patapsco Valley State Park. | |
|
| Northern Mockingbird | |
|
| Common year-round. Loud, exuberant singer; aggressive in protecting fruit and berry supplies. This species can be found in gardens, parks, yards, hedgerows or wherever there is food. High of 49 on May 2, 1959, in southern Howard County. | |
|
| Brown Thrasher | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Late March through April; mid-September well into November; more than 20 winter records. Thickets, hedgerows, scrubby wood edges. High of 16 on September 15, 2002 at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| European Starling | |
|
| Abundant year-round. Easily seen in all parts of county, often in large flocks. Starlings are an introduced cavity nester that utilizes boxes with large entrances, usurps woodpecker cavities, and uses openings in man-made structures. It is not a protected species. | |
|
| American Pipit | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to mid-May; mid-September through mid-December. Manured, plowed, and fallow fields (especially corn); sometimes on mudflats or along muddy lake/pond edges. Mostly in sizeable flocks on open ground; occasionally one or two are heard as flyovers in unexpected locations. Highs of 294 on March 25, 2005, at the University of Maryland Central Farm and 200 on December 15, 1995, in fields along Underwood Road. | ||
| Cedar Waxwing | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-April into June; October through December. Widespread in upland and bottomland deciduous woods, but distribution is spotty depending on available fruit. Travels in flocks much of the year and can often be found near shallow water. Six records of flocks of 200 or more; flocks of 50 to 100 are not uncommon. This species has shown a marked increase in breeding numbers during the last 30 years as verified by all three BBA projects. | |
|
| Blue-winged Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to mid-May; August to late September. Brushy meadows; scrubby wood edges; hedgerows. Only a few still breed in the central and eastern parts of the county except in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area—and this population appears precarious. Still present in some areas of the Patapsco and Patuxent River valleys. Highs of six on May 4, 1991, at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area and six on May 8, 1999, at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Golden-winged Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon (increasingly rare) migrant. Late April to mid-May; mid-August to mid-September. Reported in six of last 10 years; single records in three of those years. Open second-growth; wood edges with dense understory; brushy floodplain situations. | ||
| Tennessee Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April through May (one June record); mid-August to late October (more fall records). Both upland and bottomland deciduous and mixed woods; wood edges, and scrub. High of 18 on September 17, 1988, at Big Branch, Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Orange-crowned Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant (elusive but regular). Mid-April to mid-May; last 10 days of September to late November (vast majority are fall records). Brushy wood edges, dense undergrowth, extensive weedy patches (especially near water). Mostly at eye level or below. At least one record in each of the last 10 years. Numerous sites including David Force Park, Western Regional Park, Elkhorn Garden Plots, Rockburn Branch Park, Meadowbrook Park, Schooley Mill Park, and Mt. Pleasant. | ||
| Nashville Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April through May (one June 5 record); late August through late October (four November records). Bottomland; deciduous wood edges; open scrubby second-growth; weedy fields. | ||
| Northern Parula | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-April to mid-May; September to mid-October. Floodplain and upland deciduous woods; wood edges. High of 21 on May 1, 2007, in the Sykesville section of Patapsco Valley State Park. | |
|
| Yellow Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Late April to late May; late July to mid-September (a few later records). Willows; open, damp, brushy areas; hedgerows; mostly near water. High of 20+ on May 3, 1990, at Centennial Park. | |
|
| Chesnut-sided Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April through May; mid-August into October (more records in fall). Upland and floodplain deciduous woods and edges; second-growth. High of 12 on September 6, 1993, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
|
| Magnolia Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; rare in winter. Late April through May (three early June records); mid-August through October (one early November record); one December/January feeder record. Wide variety of habitats including upland and floodplain, mature and second-growth, deciduous and coniferous. One of the few warbler species for which there still are annual counts of 10 or more by a single observer. High of 60+ on September 13, 1998, at Rockburn Branch Park. | ||
| Cape May Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; late August to late October (more records in fall). Mature coniferous and deciduous woods and edges. High of eight on May 8, 1991, at Belmont. | ||
| Black-throated Blue Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. Late April through May (one early April and one early June record); mid-August to late October. Upland and floodplain deciduous or mixed woods with understory; brushy wood edges. Often at eye level. High of 51 on May 8, 1999, at Rockburn Branch Park. | ||
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | |
|
| Common to abundant migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-April to mid-May; mid-September into November. Deciduous woods and wood edges; especially abundant near water. Centennial Park and Lake Elkhorn routinely have three-figure spring counts. Highs of 200+ on October 18, 1997, at the University of Maryland Central Farm and 200+ on April 17, 2001, at Lake Elkhorn. | ||
| Black-throated Green Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. Late April through May (two early June records); mid-August to late October (three November records). Mature coniferous and deciduous woods and wood edges. High of 29 on September 20, 1993, south of Ellicott City. | ||
| Blackburnian Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April through May (one early June record); mid-August through early October (three late October records). Mature coniferous and deciduous woods and edges. High of 14 on September 20, 1993, south of Ellicott City. | ||
| Yellow-throated Warbler | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late March through April; early August to late September. Mature floodplain forest where this species is partial to sycamores for nesting. Stronghold is the Patapsco River Valley where a few nest. Marriottsville, Woodstock, and Henryton have been the most consistent locations during the last 10 years. | |
|
| Pine Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in winter. Early March to late April; mid-September to mid-October (one late November record); fewer than a dozen winter records with at least one in each winter month. Extensive mature pine woods; also mixed pine/deciduous woods in migration. As pine plantations adjacent to reservoirs have matured, the number of breeding Pine Warblers has risen. This was reflected in results between the 70s BBA and the 2000 BBA. Big Branch, Patuxent River State Park, and Rockburn Branch Park all have nesting populations. | |
|
| Prairie Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to mid-May; late July into early October. Dry scrub with scattered young pines and deciduous saplings. During the last 30 years, nesting Prairie Warblers have almost disappeared from the central and southern parts of the county. Maturing pine stands and housing developments have eliminated a substantial amount of nesting habitat. High of 30+ on April 29, 2007, at Schooley Mill Park. | |
|
| Palm Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; rare in winter. April (three March records) to mid-May; September into November; feeder records in December and February. Both eastern and western subspecies are regular with eastern (yellow) predominant. Low trees or scrub near water, wood edges, weedy fields. Usually at or below eye level. Highs of 70 on October 12, 1998, and 60 on October 10, 2000, both at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Bay-breasted Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Early to late May (a few earlier records); late August to mid-October. Mature deciduous and pine woods; wood edges. High of 30 on May 21, l984, at Highland (birds were feeding on a hatch of winged ants). | ||
| Blackpoll Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. May to early June; late August to late October. Widespread in deciduous and coniferous woods; wood edges. More often heard than seen. High of about 60 on May 21, 2005, at Alpha Ridge Landfill. | ||
| Cerulean Warbler | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to mid-May; late July through August (four September records). Frequents canopies of mature floodplain and upland deciduous woods. Still nests in small numbers in Patapsco Valley State Park and Patuxent River State Park. No breeding records from the Middle Patuxent River Valley for more than a decade. High of 10 on May 10, 1997, at Henryton. | |
|
| Black-and-white Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common migrant. Early April to mid-May; mid-August to late October (one November record). Breeds in extensive deciduous or mixed forests, floodplain or upland. The most recent atlas confirmed breeding in more Patuxent River Valley blocks than in Patapsco Valley State Park, which had been a major traditional nesting stronghold. It is possible that more widespread and consistent deer hunting in Patuxent River State Park prevented the complete destruction of the shrub layer, thus providing protection for this ground-nesting species. High of 21 on May 9, 2003, at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, and 17 on May 5, 2008, at Daniels Patapsco Valley State Park. | |
|
| American Redstart | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; fairly common to common migrant. Late April to early June; August to mid-October. Floodplain and upland woods; wood edges, scrub. High of 34 on May 8, 1999, at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Prothonotary Warbler | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; August to mid-September. Floodplain sections of slow-moving rivers; swamps; lake and reservoir edges. Historically, most of the few breeding records have been in the Patapsco River Valley. The most recent atlas confirmed their continued nesting at several sites in the eastern valley as well as at a new location upstream from Browns Bridge on the Patuxent River. | |
|
| Worm-eating Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; late July to mid-September (late date October 4). Extensive, dry, deciduous wooded hillsides, usually with broadleaf evergreen understory. Breeding distribution, primarily along the Patapsco River and the Patuxent River/reservoirs, has not changed significantly in the last 30 years. What did change, according to observers covering atlas blocks in both areas, was the increased difficulty of locating the species in what appeared to be prime habitat. High of nine on May 9, 1994, at Daniels, Patapsco Valley State Park. | |
|
| Ovenbird | |
|
| Common breeder; fairly common migrant. Mid-April to mid-May; September to late October (one November 6 record). Mature, open deciduous pine or mixed woods with thick leaf layer. Breeding for this ground-nesting species is most successful in extensive forest tracts where it suffers lower predation rates than in small woodlots. High of 30 on May 14, 1994, at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Northern Waterthrush | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Late April through May (one June 3 record); late August through early October (more spring records). Boggy, open areas with scattered shrubs; swampy floodplain forest with standing water. Gwynn Acres Path, Meadowbrook Park, and Lake Elkhorn all have multiple records. | ||
| Louisiana Waterthrush | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. April; mid-July to mid-September. Deciduous floodplain forest near rapidly moving sections of rivers; also along hillside streams. Loud song rings out above moving water as it bobs along muddy edges. Highs of eight on May 4, 2007, in the Sykesville section, and April 12, 2008 at Henryton (both in Patapsco Valley State Park). All major county river valleys. | |
|
| Kentucky Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; mid-August to late September (one October 2 record). Extensive, moist, mature deciduous woods; floodplain and upland. Often at eye level or below. Although this species still breeds in the Patapsco, Patuxent, and Middle Patuxent river valleys, the most recent BBA showed a substantial drop since the 80s atlas. At least some of this decline could be blamed on the high deer population, which continues to strip the understory of the woodlands where this ground nester resides. High of 20 on May 13, 1995, at Rockburn Branch Park (where they still breed). | |
|
| Connecticut Warbler | ||
| . Uncommon fall migrant. Early September (one August 20 record) to late October. Reported in eight of the last 10 years, with single records for three of those years. Elusive, so presumed slightly more common than records indicate. Thickets; heavily vegetated fields; dense understory of deciduous woods and edges, usually not far from water. | ||
| Mourning Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant. Second week of May into June; mid-August to mid-October. Not easily detected. Thick undergrowth in deciduous woods; boggy meadows; and wood edges usually not far from water. Reported in each of the last 10 years, with single records for two of those years. | ||
| Common Yellowthroat | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant; rare in winter. Mid-April into May; much of September through October (sometimes lingers into November); four December and one January record. Dense undergrowth and heavily vegetated open areas, especially near water. High of 49 on May 14, 1994, at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Hooded Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to mid-May; late August through September. Extensive, mature deciduous woods with dense shrub layer. Usually at eye level or below. This low-nesting species has probably suffered from the countywide explosion of the white-tailed deer population, which has destroyed much of the woodland understory. In the 70s BBA, the heaviest nesting concentrations were in the eastern portions of Patapsco Valley State Park, Rockburn Branch Park, areas along Rocky Gorget Reservoir, several portions of the Middle Patuxent River Valley, and sections of Patuxent River State Park. That did not change significantly during the 80s atlas; however, by the completion of the 2000 BBA, the species was increasingly difficult to locate. Although they were found breeding in four locations in Patapsco Valley State Park and in Rockburn Branch Park, they had disappeared from most of the woodlands bordering Rocky Gorge Reservoir and could be found in just one area along the Middle Patuxent River. The population was healthiest in Patuxent River State Park where deer have been hunted for decades and the understory is still quite dense. | |
|
| Wilson's Warbler | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. May; late August into October (two November records); three December/January records. Moist wood edges; boggy meadows; willow scrub near water. Local lakes, Meadowbrook Park, and Rockburn Branch Park have multiple records. High of five on May 11, 1996, and four on September 13, 1998, both at Rockburn Branch Park. | ||
| Canada Warbler | |
|
| Fairly common migrant. May into early June; mid-August to early October. More easily detected in spring in deciduous or coniferous woods with dense understory; second-growth; often not far from water. Frequently at eye level. | ||
| Yellow-breasted Chat | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Late April to mid-May; early August to late October (four November records); one January and one February sighting. The change of some scrubby fields to maturing woods as well as the loss of land to housing development has gradually reduced nesting habitat. Overgrown shrubby fields; deciduous thickets; wood edges. Alpha Ridge Park, Rockburn Branch Park, and Schooley Mill Park still have breeding chats. | |
|
| Eastern Towhee – House Sparrow | ||
| Eastern Towhee | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to late April; mid-September through October. Dense undergrowth of deciduous and coniferous woods; wood edges; hedgerows; brushy tangles. High of 25–30 on April 18, 2004, at Rockburn Branch Park. | |
|
| Bachman's Sparrow | ||
| Rare. One record on May 8, 1955, along Murray Hill Road, south of the Middle Patuxent River. | ||
| American Tree Sparrow | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter. March (a few may linger to mid-April); late October into December. Weedy fields and wood edges. Highs of 46 on February 2, 2008, at University of Maryland Central Farm, and 40 on February 1, 1997, south of the Middle Patuxent River west of Murray Hill Road. This species has wintered at Centennial Park and Schooley Mill Park. | ||
| Chipping Sparrow | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant; uncommon to rare in winter. Early March to late April; October into November. Yards, parks, hedgerows, wood edges. Highs of 150 on October 25, 1998, at the University of Maryland Central Farm and 100+ on October 16, 2000, at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. | |
|
| Clay-colored Sparrow | |
|
| Rare fall migrant. Seven records. October 5 to November 14. Weedy fields and edges, often in association with Field Sparrows. Schooley Mill Park, Mt. Pleasant, Western Regional Park, and Meadowbrook Park have records. | ||
| Field Sparrow | |
|
| airly common breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to mid-April; mid-October into late November. Brushy, weedy fields; hedgerows; wood edges. Atlases show this species is gradually disappearing from the most developed parts of the county. | |
|
| Vesper Sparrow | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon to rare migrant. Late March to mid-May; September into early November (latest November 12). As county farms dwindle, breeding records are coming from the far western portion of the county only. Dry fields and pastures; poorly vegetated sites, and dirt roads. Highs of 15 on May 2, 1959 and 16 on May 16, 1961, both in southern Howard County. Currently, the University of Maryland Central Farm, Alpha Ridge Landfill, and a few roadsides in the westernmost part of the county are the most consistent locations. Confirmed in the most recent atlas in a far western block on land that is planned for development. | |
|
| Lark Sparrow | |
|
| Rare fall migrant. Three records. A muddy field (which no longer exists) along Elliott Drive on October 12, 1988; Western Regional Park on October 4, 2003, in an area of construction where there was a large unvegetated dirt mound adjacent to a streamside weedy area; and West Friendship Park September 21, 2009, in a hedgerow. | ||
| Savannah Sparrow | |
|
| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mid-March to late May; early September into December. Weedy fields, pastures, sparse-grass areas, fields with low-growing crops. The 2000 atlas was the first in which breeding was confirmed in the county. Nest building was observed at the University of Maryland Central Farm in 2005, while an adult feeding a fledged young was seen at Western Regional Park in 2006 (the last atlas year), for a second confirmation. A third nesting was verified in 2007. On June 16, three males were observed singing at Alpha Ridge Landfill; at the same location on June 30, an agitated bird was observed carrying food. Highs of 350 on October 7, 2002, and 350 on October 12, 1998, both at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
|
| Grasshopper Sparrow | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. April to mid-May; August through October (late date November 7). Extensive grassland; dry, weedy fallow fields; fields with crops. The three atlases have seen a steady decline in breeding sites. Currently, this species is confined almost entirely to the northern and western portions of the county, reflecting the location of most of the remaining farmland. High of 50–75 on June 9, 2001, at Western Regional Park prior to its development (in an alfalfa/clover field). | |
|
| Henslow's Sparrow | |
|
| Rare migrant. In the 1950s and early 1960s, this species was seen annually in early May, but there have been just two sightings since 1962: one April 28–May 12, 1990, and the second May 9, 2009. High of eight on May 2, 1959, in southern Howard County. | |
|
| Nelson's Sparrow | |
|
| Rare migrant. At least 17 records. April 12 to June 2; September 24 to October 31; (overwhelmingly a fall migrant). First reported October 9–10, 1988, from the University of Maryland Central Farm. That record accepted by MD/DCRC. From 1989 to 1996 it was reported just twice; from 1998 to the present it has been reported in eight of the last 10 years and photographed several times. Most records are from the University of Maryland Central Farm; other sites with at least one records are Gateway (1995) and Alpha Ridge Landfill (2006, 2009). One of the years in the last decade in which the species was not seen (2002) was a year of drought, which eliminated the wetland habitat in which this species is found. Despite repeated searches, no sightings were recorded in 2008, a year in which there was ample rainfall. All records have been in wet, warm-season grass meadows; in wet, weedy fields; or in long grass adjacent to shallow ponds. The high has been four/five from September 24 to October 11, 2006, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Fox Sparrow | |
|
| Fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. Mostly mid-February through early April (some late April and one May 10 record); mid-October to early December. Woodlands with heavy undergrowth; wood edges, and dense brushy areas, often not far from water. During migration, small flocks may appear under feeders. High of 100+ on March 21, 1987, at Patuxent River State Park. | ||
| Song Sparrow | |
|
| Common breeder; common to abundant migrant; fairly common in winter. March through early April; October into November. Fields, wood edges, hedgerows, yards, damp meadows, stream and pond edges. Highs of 480 on October 22, 1998, and 420 on October 12, 2000, both at Mt. Pleasant; and 402 on October 22, 2000, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | |
|
| Lincoln's Sparrow | |
|
| Uncommon migrant (predominantly fall); rare in winter. Late April to late May; mid-September to early November; two December and two January records. Easily overlooked in brushy tangles, wood margins, stream and pond edges. High of 20 on October 12, 2000, at Mt. Pleasant. | ||
| Swamp Sparrow | |
|
| Rare breeder; fairly common migrant (more in fall); uncommon in winter. Late March to late May; mid-September into early November. Wet meadows, marshes, pond and lake edges, damp weedy fields. High of 200 on October 18, 2002, at the University of Maryland Central Farm; four other counts over 100, all in fall. Spring high of 25 on April 17, 1999, at Meadowbrook Park. Nesting was confirmed in the most recent atlas at Race Road, a Coastal Plain location. | |
|
| White-throated Sparrow | |
|
| Abundant migrant; common in winter; rare in summer. Mid-April to late May; mid-September to mid-November; ten June/July records. Dense undergrowth, brushy wood edges, garden tangles, and brush piles. Frequents feeders. High of 315 on October 25, 2009, at Patapsco Valley State Park shrublands near River Road south of Sykesville. Seven records of 90 or more, all in fall. | ||
| Harris's Sparrow | |
|
| Rare migrant. Four records. Two birds on October 21, 1956, at Elkridge, and two in Allview (south of Columbia) beginning January 23, 1965. One Allview bird was banded and photographed; it was last seen at a feeder April 27; the second was collected and deposited with the USNM. The third record was one bird at the University of Maryland Central Farm October 25–26, 1998 (photo). The fourth appeared March 19, 2009, outside of a Gateway Business Park office window and stayed until May 4, 2009 (photo). | ||
| White-crowned Sparrow | |
|
| Uncommon to fairly common migrant; uncommon in winter. April to mid-May; October and November (more in fall). Open areas with scattered shrubs (especially multiflora rose), hedgerows, and wood edges near weedy fields. More in the western part of the county. High of 125 on February 7, 1994, at a farm on Roxbury Road. The first Gambel's subspecies was an adult reported February 2, 2008. It and a first winter bird were seen and photographed February 2–9, 2008, at a silage pit along Florence Road in western Howard County. | ||
| Dark-eyed Junco | |
|
| Abundant migrant; common in winter. April to mid-May (one June 6 record); late September (a few earlier) to mid-November. Hedgerows, weedy fields, brushy wood edges, yards, and gardens. Frequents feeders, often in flocks. Highs of 160+ on December 19, 2003, near West Friendship and 150+ on March 17, 2002, at the University of Maryland Central Farm. | ||
| Lapland Longspur | |
|
| Rare migrant; rare in winter. Twelve records. November 7 to March 21. Various locations in western Howard County. Fields in vicinity of Old Frederick Road and Underwood Road, and sites along Daisy Road have been productive. The high of three on November 7, 1992, flying over the University of Maryland Central Farm was also the first record. | ||
| Snow Bunting | |
|
| Rare migrant; rare in winter. Twelve records. Muddy fallow fields; gravelly shores of Triadelphia Reservoir; open, windswept areas with sparse vegetation. Recorded from October 31 to March 27. Five records in last 10 years. High of 53 on December 4, 1981, at Triadelphia Reservoir. | ||
| Summer Tanager | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in summer. Recorded in nine of the past 10 years. April 17 to May 28; September 2 to October 6; June and July records. Mature deciduous and pine woods. No confirmed nesting, but summer records in the 2000 atlas were a pair (which could not be found again) on June 19, 2005, at Bon Secours Spiritual Center and a singing male on territory July 1–8, 2006, northeast of MD 175 and US 1 (on land that could not be searched). Some years there are three or four records during migration; in others none. Rockburn Branch Park, Daniels and Henryton in Patapsco Valley State Park, and Schooley Mill Park all have multiple sightings. | |
|
| Scarlet Tanager | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Late April to mid-May; mid-September to early October. Moist mature deciduous and mixed woods. Highs of 20 on May 3, 1958, in southern Howard County, 18 on May 8, 1999, at Rockburn Branch Park, and 18 on May 14, 1994, in southern Howard County. | |
|
| Northern Cardinal | |
|
| Abundant year-round. Widespread in suburbs, field edges, thickets, and brushy wood edges. Frequents feeders. | |
|
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | |
|
| Uncommon to fairly common migrant; rare in summer. Mid-April through May; late August to late October (three November records); two June and three July records. Mature woodlands, wood edges, open second-growth, and suburban areas. Increasingly reported at feeders. High of 15–16 three times in May 6–10 period, usually during extended periods of rain. | |
|
| Blue Grosbeak | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon migrant. Late April to late May; September to late October. Hedgerows, wood edges, open damp areas with scattered shrubs, and streamside brushy areas. High of 24+ on September 24, 1986, at Centennial Park. Alpha Ridge Park is a consistent breeding location. | |
|
| Indigo Bunting | |
|
| Common breeder; common migrant; rare in winter. Mid-April to late May; September to late October; one December and one January record. Weedy fields; second-growth; wood edges; hedgerows; open brushy areas with elevated singing perches. High of 70+ on September 13, 2002, at Mt. Pleasant. | |
|
| Painted Bunting | |
|
| Rare wanderer. Two records. One record of a bird at a feeder east of Bethany Lane, December 15–24, 2003 (photo). Accepted by MD/DCRC. The second appeared at feeders at the north edge of Savage, present March 11–April 11, 2009. Under review by MD/DCRC. | ||
| Dickcissel | |
|
| Rare breeder; uncommon migrant; rare in winter. Mid-May; mid-August through October; scattered winter and early spring records (April is the only month without a record). Two breeding records: 1994 along Folly Quarter Road and 2005 at Alpha Ridge Landfill where there were at least five adults and two nests. One nest fledged young; a second that had contained four eggs was found damaged and deserted. In addition to Alpha Ridge Landfill nestings, most recent BBA had probable nesting in two other western blocks. Most records are from central or western Howard County. Mainly weedy fields and shrubby edges. Appearance is highly unpredictable so it was not surprising that none returned to the landfill site to nest in subsequent years. | |
|
| Bobolink | |
|
| Fairly common spring migrant; uncommon in fall; rare in summer. Late April to late May; early August to late October (few after the end of September); three June and one July record. Spring flocks once numbered in the hundreds; most in the last 10 years have been below 100. Highs of 990 on May 8, 1954, in southern Howard County and 300 on May 9, 1987, in a field along Sanner Road. Largest flocks in fields of alfalfa or mustard; also in extensive tall grass with a few nearby shrubs. | |
|
| Red-winged Blackbird | |
|
| Common much of the year; can be fairly common to uncommon in winter except in single-species flocks or flocks of mixed blackbird species, which may number in the multi-thousands. Damp meadows, marshes, fields, open woods, vegetated pond and lake edges. | |
|
| Eastern Meadowlark | |
|
| Uncommon breeder; uncommon most of the year; rare in winter. Outside of the breeding season, meadowlarks generally move in small flocks. Fields; moist tall-grass meadows. Eastern Meadowlarks are a declining species in the county as habitat changes have reduced breeding locations. May Counts as late as 1995 tallied 135; the 2008 May Count total was 17. | |
|
| Yellow-headed Blackbird | |
|
| Rare. Three records. A Vantage Point, West Columbia feeder from January 28 to February 7, 1979 (photo); north of Fulton in a mixed blackbird flock November 9–10, 1985; and at a feeder in southern Howard County on December 12, 1999. | ||
| Rusty Blackbird | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; rare in winter. March and April (a few in May); October into early November. Wet woods, especially areas with mud and layers of soggy leaves; shallow standing water; and muddy pond edges. Despite generally declining numbers, there have been noteworthy totals in the last decades. Highs of 150+ on April 17, 2004, at Dorsey Road; 65 on April 10, 1996, at Gwynn Acres Path; and 48 on November 3, 1993, at Centennial Park. Gwynn Acres Path, Centennial Park, and Lake Elkhorn have multiple records. | ||
| Brewer's Blackbird | |
|
| Rare. Three records. A feeder in Hopewell, East Columbia from January 19 to February 1, 1985; a feeder on Reservoir Road southwest of Fulton from January 26 to February 11,1991; and a birdbath south of Ellicott City January 17, 1994. | ||
| Common Grackle | |
|
| Common to abundant most of the year; mostly uncommon in winter, except locally abundant in large flocks. Fields, wood edges, suburbs; deciduous or coniferous trees (conifers are frequent nest sites). | |
|
| Brown-headed Cowbird | |
|
| Common spring and summer; fairly common in fall; uncommon in winter except in large mixed species flocks of blackbirds. Suburbs, farms, and wood edges; increasingly seen in extensive woodlands. | |
|
| Orchard Oriole | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant. Late April to late May; mid-July through August (rapidly diminishing numbers after early August). Open deciduous woods along streams and rivers; scattered trees near lakes and ponds; hedgerows. | |
|
| Baltimore Oriole | |
|
| Fairly common breeder; fairly common migrant; rare in winter (at least six records). Late April to mid-May; September into early October. Winter of 2006–2007, which was mild until mid-January, provided records of at least two different adult males and one female (all photographed). Nests in mature deciduous trees in the open woods of suburbs, parks, and farms. The State Bird of Maryland is widespread in the county. | |
|
| Purple Finch | |
|
| Uncommon to fairly common migrant (more in spring); uncommon to fairly common irruptive species in winter. Mostly April, but a few to mid-May (one banded on May 30); mid-September to mid-November. In spring, it may associate with flocks of American Goldfinches in tops of trees, especially tulip trees. Mature deciduous trees, mixed woods; visits sunflower feeders. | ||
| House Finch | |
|
| Common year-round. Although disease reduced their numbers during the last decade, House Finches are still widespread and a frequent feeder bird. Favors conifers in yards; also found at wood edges and in hedgerows. Midwinter Count of February 5,1994, recorded a peak countywide total of 2,272; the number declined to a low of 266 on the February 5, 2005, count. The total has slowly risen to the point that at least 225 were recorded September 27, 2007, at Meadowbrook Park. First record October 18, 1965; first nest record 1977. | |
|
| Red Crossbill | |
|
| Rare wanderer. Eleven records. May 2–23 (three spring records); October 12 to December 24. Most recent record January 12,1998. Generally in mature conifers or at nearby feeders. | ||
| White-winged Crossbill | |
|
| Rare wanderer. Six records. November 1 to April 15. Heaviest invasion in Howard County history began with two different reports on January 25, 2009 (Hipsley Mill Road/Annapolis Rock Road; Font Hill area). Within a short time, flocks of up to 30 birds were detected feeding on the cones of the Douglas firs in the vicinity of the south entrance of Centennial Park. They were seen intermittently by dozens of birders until April 15. Mature conifers or nearby feeders. | ||
| Common Redpoll | |
|
| Uncommon to rare in winter, except in invasion years. All records December 7 to April 2. Without question, the heaviest invasion year in recent history was 1994 when January 15–30 generated 13 reports. That year 24 redpolls were recorded on the February 5 Midwinter Count; numerous other reports were received in the January to early April period. Weedy fields, mixed woods, and feeders. | ||
| Pine Siskin | |
|
| Uncommon migrant; uncommon in winter except in invasion years. April to mid-May; early October through November. Reports sometimes spike in January and February. Flocks of up to 75 birds; the all-time high was 258 at multiple feeders at Wynfield Drive, February 7, 2009. Siskins may associate with American Goldfinches. Weedy areas, brushy edges, conifers; also frequents feeders with nyger thistle or sunflowers pieces. | ||
| American Goldfinch | |
|
| Common to abundant year-round. The official Howard County Bird is found in second-growth, deciduous or mixed wood edges, and suburbs. In late winter and early spring, flocks may be present in box elders and other streamside trees. By summer, males in bright breeding plumage along with olive-green females can be seen along roadsides and in weedy fields eating seeds and collecting thistledown for their nests. Also frequents nyger thistle and sunflower feeders. Their well-crafted, thick-walled nest may remain intact and visible all winter in tall shrubs and saplings. | |
|
| Evening Grosbeak | |
|
| Formerly uncommon, now rare migrant; rare in winter. April into early May; late October through November. Numbers and locations are unpredictable. Frequents sunflower feeders. Numbers reported for this irruptive species have dropped dramatically in the last 20 years; few now wander this far south. Fewer than ten records in the last 10 years. Two reports in early February 2008 were the first since 2002. One of those reports was on the Howard County Midwinter Count, the first on that count since 1991. In contrast, the initial count in l986 recorded 67! | ||
| House Sparrow | |
|
| Common to abundant year-round. Suburbs, shopping centers, farms, lakeside vegetation, and horse barns. Bluebird box monitors are vigilant about preventing House Sparrows from nesting; unfortunately, homeowners and business owners are often less careful about eliminating crevices, open vents, and gaps that provide nest sites. House Sparrows are aggressive introduced cavity-nesters. They are not a protected species. | |
|
HYBRIDS |
||
| Brewster's Warbler | ||
| Rare migrant. Sixteen records. April 21 to May 11 (13 records); September 6, 10 and 21. Mature woodlands near water; wood edges. Savage and Schooley Mill Park each have two records. | ||
| Lawrence's Warbler | ||
| Rare migrant. Five records. April 29, May 13, June 11, and September 6, 7. Mature woods near water; wood edges. Pigtail, Schooley Mill Park, Rockburn Branch Park, and Patapsco River west of MD97. | ||
EXTIRPATED OR HISTORICAL |
||
| Swallow-tailed Kite | ||
| Historical record. Stewart and Robbins in Birds of Maryland 1958, p. 107 describes a specimen (USNM) collected at Ellicott City, August 7, 1879. | ||
| Ruffed Grouse | ||
| Extirpated. Species gradually disappeared from the Piedmont in the 1900–1920 period according to Stewart and Robbins in Birds of Maryland 1958, p. 124. Occasional reports in the last 50 years are considered gamefarm-raised birds. | ||
| Passenger Pigeon | ||
| Extinct. Frank Kirkwood in Birds of Maryland 1895 cites J.R. Ridley, who had a farm 8–10 miles from Ellicott City, as seeing a flock of 50–60 birds of this species on September 17, 1893. | ||
| Bewick's Wren | ||
| Considered extirpated in Maryland. A breeding record for the county near Cooksville in 1949 was reported in Birds of Maryland, 1958, p. 233. A report mentioned in the first edition of Birding Howard County, Maryland for September 1993 was not accepted by the MD/DCRC. | ||
| * This paper uses the convention adopted by the Maryland Highway Department, the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, and others, which eliminates apostrophes in street and place names on road signs (e.g., Browns Bridge). | ||