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Report a Sighting Here is the place to post your sighting of animals and of plants in the Sligo Creek watershed or in the Park itself and to peruse what others have seen and reported. It is a fascinating list, growing year by year. No need to feel shy; what is of interest to you is what is fine to post, and interesting behavior and surprising locations are useful to record. Thanks for taking part - as a reader or as a reporter - in the web of life in Sligo Creek.
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What | Where | When | Reported by | Comments |
Two Snapping Turtles Mating | Stormwater Pond S of Beltway/495 | Sat, May 25, 2019, 8:30am | Dan Treadwell |
mating Snapping Turtles, Photo #1 by Dan Treadwell mating Snapping Turtles, Photo #2 by Dan Treadwell Snapping Turtle head shot, Photo #3 by Dan Treadwell |
Two Red-Shouldered Hawks | Stormwater Pond N of Univ. Blvd | Sat, May 25, 2019, 7:15am | Dan Treadwell | Picture is from about 100 yards away Red-Shouldered Hawks, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Mature female 5-lined Skink |
Sligo Creek Parkway near Brunett Avenue | Sat, May 18, 2019, 5:45pm | Stuart Armstrong | Skink tried crossing road in traffic. I helped it across the road. Mature female 5-lined skink, Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Brown-Headed Cowbirds (2 males) | 1/4 mile N of Dennis Ave | Fri, May 17, 2019, 9:45am | Dan Treadwell | See the May 3rd 2019 sighting for female cowbirds. Male Brown-Headed Cowbird (profile), Photo by Dan Treadwell Male Brown-Headed Cowbird (back), Photo by Dan Treadwell Male Brown-Headed Cowbird (two), Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Barred owl | By the soccer field opposite Sligo Creek Golf Course | Thurs, May 16, 2019, 8:40pm (twilight) | Stuart Armstrong |
Barred Owl, Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Red shouldered hawk and chicks | By Sligo Creek Pkwy and Brunett Ave / ball field | Thurs, May 16, 2019, afternoon | Stuart Armstrong | I've watched the hawks for a few weeks but today is the first time I've seen the chicks. Red Shouldered Hawk and chicks, Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Flowering tall blackberry, mountain laurel, bedstraw, maple-leaf viburnum | Between Hillwood Manor Park and the downstream edge of the powerline meadow | Mon, May 13, 2019 | Michael Wilpers | The tall blackberry (along the paved trail) seems to have benefited from mowing of dense porcelainberry. Only one cluster of mountain laurel flowers were blooming, the rest either about to or just finished. Bedstraw is in the same family as coffee. Tall blackberry, Photo by Michael Wilpers Bedstraw, Photo by Michael Wilpers Maple-leaf virburnum, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Coyote | Dale Drive at Red Oak Drive | Thurs, May 9, 2019, 10:30pm | Elliot Gersh | Scurrying up Red Oak Drive, crossing Dale Drive and into the yard behind 1316 Dale Drive |
Crayfish, Green Heron |
Stormwater Pond south of Beltway | Thurs, May 9, 2019, 12:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Green Heron eating a crayfish. Crayfish, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Kingbird | Stormwater Pond south of Beltway | Thurs, May 9, 2019, 8:30am | Dan Treadwell | There were two of them, possibly more. Eastern Kingbird in profile, Photo by Dan Treadwell Eastern Kingbird, back view, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Yellow-crowned Night Heron | Along a Sligo tributary between Forest Glen Rd and Dennis Ave | Wed, May 8, 2019, 4:45pm | Jim Strick and Laura Mol | An adult YCNH, standing for many minutes on one of the large, flat rocks that project into the water. Viewed ~80 feet downstream, from the Ten-Block Ford that crosses Wheaton Branch just above its confluence with Sligo Creek's main stem. No Yellow-crowned Night Herons are reported nesting above Colesville Road this year but, following eBird reports of “an occupied nest” in a Seven Oaks neighborhood, I found it on 5/12—a messy, stick-stuffed nest on a high fork of a White Oak in front of 9307 Caroline Ave, which is about 1,000 feet due east of Sligo Creek and downstream from Colesville Road. |
Gray Catbird | Stormwater Pond N of Univ Blvd | Fri, May 3, 2019, 3:15pm | Dan Treadwell |
Gray Catbird #1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Gray Catbird #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell Gray Catbird #3, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Red Winged Blackbird, Brown Headed Cowbird (2 females) | Stormwater Pond south of Beltway | Fri, May 3, 2019, 11:20am | Dan Treadwell |
Red Winged Blackbird in profile, Photo by Dan Treadwell Red Winged Blackbird head-on, Photo by Dan Treadwell Female Brown Headed Cowbird #1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Female Brown Headed Cowbird #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Tree Swallows | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Tues, Apr 30, 2019, 1:20pm | Dan Treadwell | There were at least 3-4 of them swooping around the ponds. Tree Swallow #1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Tree Swallow #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Barn Swallows | Stormwater Pond south of Beltway | Tues, Apr 30, 2019, 12:45pm | Dan Treadwell | There were at least 4-6 of them swooping around the pond. Along with catching fish and/or insects off the pond surface, they appeared to be gathering nest material. Barn Swallow (solo), Photo by Dan Treadwell Barn Swallow (pair), Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Coyote | Just N of Univ. Blvd along Sligo Trail | Sun, Apr 28, 2019, ~9pm | Stuart Armstrong | I was walking south on the path, in the dark, approaching University Blvd. The coyote had just crossed Univ. Blvd and was silhouetted against the brighter background (street lights). It was trotting towards me. I turned on my headlamp, surprising it. It took off into the woods, but I had a glimpse of it. It never looked back, so I never saw glowing eyes in the distance. |
Eastern Bluebird (female) | Stormwater Pond north of Univ. Blvd. | Sat, Apr 27, 2019, 1:40pm | Dan Treadwell | Unlike a lot of them, this bluebird was not too shy about posing for photos. Eastern Bluebird, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
American Goldfinch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, pair of Gray Catbirds | Sligo Creek Trail between Kennebec Ave and Piney Branch | Wed, Apr 24, 2019, ~3pm | Cathy S. | Goldfinch flitting around the playground, gray catbirds in bushes near the trail, woodpecker high in trees across Sligo Creek Pkwy |
Common Grackle | Stormwater Pond north of Univ. Blvd. | Wed, Apr 24, 2019, 8:45am | Dan Treadwell | There were at least two of them there, possibly more. Common Grackle, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Jack in the Pulpit, Mayapples | Along Sligo paved trail just N of Forest Glen playground | Tue, Apr 23, 2019 | Sherrell | Spotted these alongside the trail just north of the playground & bridge above Forest Glen Road Jack in the Pulpit (side) Photo by Sherrell Jack in the Pulpit (back) Photo by Sherrell Mayapple in bloom Photo by Sherrell Mayapple, flower closeup Photo by Sherrell Mayapple patch Photo by Sherrell |
White Squirrel | Near Colesville Road & Sligo Creek Pkwy | Sun, Apr 14, 2019, ~5pm | Laurette | Note from FOSC webmaster: white squirrels and albino squirrels are different. And it just so happens the Washington Post had an
article on this over the weekend! White Squirrel view 1, Photo by Laurette White Squirrel view 2, Photo by Laurette |
Swainson's Warbler? | Bike path, just N. of Maple Ave. footbridge, S. of playground footbridge | Fri, Apr 12, 2019, 3pm | Cam Scribner | I cannot identify the bird and did not have a camera. The closest picture I can find is the Swainson's warbler, but that should not be this far north, right? The bird was about the size of a nuthatch. It was light gray/brown above, slightly darker on the wings, bright white underneath, with a dark line across its eye. It had a small (insect-eating) beak that was light orange, and light orange legs. It was perched on a rock and had a very distinctive way of bobbing while it hopped around looking for food and drink. If anyone has any ideas of what it was or has also seen it, please shoot me an email: misterscribner@gmail.com |
Yellow-Shafted Flicker | Parkside & Hilltop near the mouth of Comstock Branch | Fri, Apr 12, 2019, ~10am | Mike Livingston | Flying low over the grass. Find out more about the Northern Flicker on the Audubon Society's website. |
Great Horned Owl | First bridge upstream from Colesville Road | Sun, Apr 7, 2019, 3:30pm | Katherine Payne | The owl was in a pine tree near the first bridge upstream from Colesville Road. Nearby crows were making a racket. |
Ironwood catkins, Canada Goose nest, skunk cabbage, deer skeleton | Around and near the Kemp Mill stormwater ponds | Sat, Apr 6, 2019, 5-7pm | Michael Wilpers | The stunning profusion of skunk cabbage is all around an upland seep above the west bank. The ironwood is blooming on the north bank. The goose nest is at the foot of a red maple. The deer skeleton is just off the paved trail near University Blvd. Deer skeleton, Photo by Michael Wilpers Goose nest with eggs, Photo by Michael Wilpers Ironwood catkins, Photo by Michael Wilpers Ironwood catkins (zoom), Photo by Michael Wilpers Skunk cabbage, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Barred Owl | Flora Lane, 100 yards from the trail | Wed, Apr 3, 2019, afternoon | Maggie | There were several owls calling. I walked down a trail just next to where Flora Lane intersects the Sligo trail and spotted this beauty sitting in a tree. Barred Owl, Photo by Maggie |
Bufflehead (sea duck) |
Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 3:15pm | Bob Cantor |
Male & female buffleheads, with photo-bombing beaver, Photo by Bob Cantor Male & female buffleheads, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Pair of Bald Eagles | Over Sligo Creek Parkway near Holy Cross Hospital | Sun, Mar 24, 2019, 3pm | Holly McClain | They were flying over the trees, circling. On this sunny day it was easy to see their white heads and large black wings spread straight and long. I have not seen a pair before, just the one. |
Wood ducks (2 females, 1 male) |
Stormwater pond just S. of 495/Beltway | Fri, Mar 22, 2019, 2pm | Dan Treadwell | Male & female Wood ducks #1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Male & female Wood ducks #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell Male & female Wood ducks #3, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
River Otter | Along Sligo Creek, just S. of Univ Blvd | Wed, Mar 13, 2019, 2pm | Karen | My husband and I were sitting on bench looking across into the woods near a hill. We weren't able to take a photo, but the long tail, color of coat, and face matched that of a river otter. My husband saw it too, and confirmed it matched based on photos we found online. First time we saw this in over 36 years of enjoying the park. |
Kingfisher | N. of Forest Glen Road | Sat, Feb 9, 2019, ~2pm | Glen Worrell and Liz Milor | We heard the call then saw it flying along Sligo Creek. |
Raven | Stormwater pond N. of Univ. Blvd | Thurs, Jan 31, 2019, ~4pm | Leah Haygood | Flew overhead vocalizing. Got a good look at it, including the wedge-shaped tail. Call was really weird, almost mechanical. But there are some recordings on eBird that sound similar. |
Red Fox | Edinburgh Lane and Maplewood Ave, TP | Sun, Jan 6, 2019, evening | Lucia Nisen | Heading towards Sligo Creek |
Eastern Red-backed Salamander | Near first bridge downstream from Wayne Ave. | Fri, Jan 4, 2019, 10am | Jim Anderson | Found in soil after I had weed wrenched a bush honeysuckle. I was working in the woods. The Eastern Red-backed Salamander are most common salamander in MD and can be found under rocks, leaves, etc in the woods and in our yards. FOSC Webmaster: An interesting article on them in the NY Times. |
Belted Kingfisher | Near bridge downstream from Colesville Road | Thurs, Jan 3, 2019 | Katherine Payne | Spotted again on the 6th and 7th |
leucistic Robin | Stormwater pond just N. of Univ. Blvd. | Wed, Jan 2, 2019, 9am | Dan Treadwell |
Robin with leucism, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Downy Woodpecker | Stormwater pond just N. of Univ. Blvd. | Wed, Jan 2, 2019, 9am | Dan Treadwell |
Downy Woodpecker, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Belted Kingfisher (male) | Stormwater pond just N. of Univ. Blvd. | Tues, Dec 25, 2018, noon | Dan Treadwell |
Belted Kingfisher (male), Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Coyote Track | Stormwater pond just N. of Univ. Blvd. | Sat, Dec 22, 2018, 2pm | Dan Treadwell |
Coyote track, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Juvenile Great Blue Heron |
Stormwater pond just S. of the Beltway | Sat, Dec 22, 2018, 1pm | Dan Treadwell | There was also an adult Great Blue Heron there at the same time. Juvenile Great Blue Heron, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
8-point Buck | Sligo Creek & Forest Glen Road, just below Holy Cross hospital | Tues, Dec 18, 2018, 4:30pm | Stuart Armstrong |
8-point Buck, Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Robin with white markings on head | Bike path N of Univ. Blvd. | Sat, Dec 8, 2018, 2pm | Dan Treadwell | Bike path north of University about half way between Lamberton Drive and where the path connects to Orebaugh Street. Abnormal white on a bird is a condition called "Leucism", which is similar to Albinism. Robin, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures | 100 Yards South of Dennis Ave | Sat, Dec 1, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell | I counted six Black Vultures and two Turkey Vultures; feeding on a dead Opossum. Black Vulture (L), Turkey Vulture (R), Photo by Dan Treadwell (solo) Turkey Vulture, Photo by Dan Treadwell Black Vulture with dead opossum, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Barred Owl | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Thurs, Nov 29, 2018, 1:30pm | Bob Cantor | Some angry crows alerted me to the presence of the owl in the forest at the back of the ponds. The crows eventually chased it off.
Barred Owl, Photo by Bob Cantor |
White-throated Sparrow | Stormwater Pond north of Univ. Blvd. | Sun, Nov 22, 2018 | Dan Treadwell | A Fall/Spring resident, it leaves for summer breeding elsewhere. White-throated Sparrow, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Dark-eyed Junco | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Sun, Nov 18, 2018, 1:30pm | Dan Treadwell |
Dark-eyed Junco, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
(two) Great Blue Herons | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Fri, Nov 16, 2018, 12:50pm | Dan Treadwell | Seeing a Great Blue Heron at one of the Stormwater Ponds is fairly common, but seeing two at once is rare.
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Cardinal (male) | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Tues, Nov 13, 2018, noon | Dan Treadwell |
(male) Cardinal, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Fox Sparrow | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds | Thurs, Nov 8, 2018, 1:30pm | Bob Cantor | Two Fox Sparrows, all the way in the back at the edge of the forest. Photo by Bob Cantor |
Box Turtle | On Sligo Creek Pkwy halfway between Dennis Avenue and Forest Glen | Thurs, Nov 1, 2018, 11am | Jim Anderson | I stopped and moved the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was pointed. Photo by Jim Anderson |
Immature White-crowned Sparrow | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds, near the bridge on Dennis Ave | Wed, Oct 31, 2018, 3:30pm | Bob Cantor | 3 immature White-crowned Sparrows, two of whom let me get close enough to get a nice picture for a positive identification. Photo by Bob Cantor |
Female & Male Cardinals | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Mon, Oct 29, 2018 | Dan Treadwell | The male cardinal is displaying signs of a condition called "Leucism", which is a partial loss of pigmentation. Female Cardinal, Photo by Dan Treadwell Male Cardinal, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Beaver (dead, apparent roadkill) | Sligo Creek Parkway just south of Wayne Ave | Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 6pm | Dan Treadwell |
Beaver, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Greater Yellowlegs | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Tues, Oct 23, 2018, 2:30pm | Dan Treadwell | A very unusual bird to see in the Sligo watershed. Greater Yellowlegs, a pair, by Dan Treadwell Greater Yellowlegs, a pair (revisited), by Dan Treadwell Greater Yellowlegs with friends, by Dan Treadwell Greater Yellowlegs, solo #1, by Dan Treadwell Greater Yellowlegs solo #2, by Dan Treadwell |
Killdeer | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Tues, Oct 23, 2018, 2:30pm | Dan Treadwell |
Killdeer, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Red Shouldered Hawk | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Wed, Oct 17, 2018, 10am | Dan Treadwell |
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Turkey Vulture | Stormwater Pond North of University Blvd | Wed, Oct 17, 2018, 10am | Dan Treadwell |
Vulture photo #1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Vulture photo #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Great Blue Heron | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds | Fri, Sep 28, 2018, 2pm | Bob Cantor | You can usually count on seeing one Great Blue Heron at these ponds when you visit, but I rarely get to see one posed like this! Great Blue Heron in flight, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Northern Bobwhite | Sheffield and Fleetwood Terrace | Fri, Sept 21, 2018, 12:30pm | Jim Anderson | The first sighting was on August 24, 2018 in a neighbor's front yard. Sighting by others were a couple of days later. This photo was caught on a game camera along the Park off Fleetwood Terrace. I don't think these are wild birds, I suspect these are birds that were raised and either escaped or were let go. Photo by Jim Anderson |
Eastern Phobe Flycatcher | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Fri, Sept 21, 2018, 6:45pm | Dan Treadwell |
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Male and female Common Blue Damselfly, Pearl Crescent Butterfly | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Tues, Sep 18, 2018, 3pm | Bob Cantor |
Male & Female Common Blue Damselfly, Photo by Bob Cantor Pearl Crescent Butterfly, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk and Frog | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Sat, Sept 15, 2018, 10:40am | Dan Treadwell | Initially spotted it perched in a tree, then it swooped down and caught a frog. Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Blue-tailed Damselfly | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Thurs, Sep 13, 2018, 9:15am | Bob Cantor |
Immature male, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Eastern Amberwing, Eastern Tailed-Blue and Variegated Fritillary | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Wed, Sep 12, 2018, 3:30pm | Bob Cantor | Some common insects posing nicely for me at the ponds. Eastern Amberwing, Photo by Bob Cantor Eastern Tailed Blue photo #1, Photo by Bob Cantor Eastern Tailed Blue photo #2, Photo by Bob Cantor Fritillary #1, Photo by Bob Cantor Fritillary #2, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Arcigera Flower Moth | Dennis Avenue near Hayes Ave | Wed, Sep 12, 2018, 8am | Bob Cantor | On my front screen door! Arcigera Flower Moth, top view, Photo by Bob Cantor Arcigera Flower Moth, side view, Photo by Bob Cantor |
Northern Flicker (two) | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Sun, Sept 2, 2018, 10am | Dan Treadwell |
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Maryland Short-Tailed Shrew | Near playground 1/3 mile upstream from intersection of Sligo Creek Pkwy & Colesville | Fri, Aug 31, 2018, 5pm | Stuart Armstrong | I caught it (gently) with leather work gloves...it's the only poisonous mammal in Maryland. I placed it in a flower pot, photographed it, then released it. Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Caterpillars | Intersection of Sligo Creek Pkwy & Dallas Ave | Fri, Aug 31, 2018, 8am | Bob Cantor | Probably some kind of sod webworm caterpillar. The rolling swarm is something seen in many different caterpillar types. One hypothesis is that they can travel faster that way, although I'm personally inclined to believe, at least in this case, that it confuses predators. Photo by Bob Cantor Video by Bob Cantor |
Barred Owl | Sligo-Bennington Neighborhood Park | Mon, Aug 27, 2018, 7pm | Lucinda | At the Sligo-Bennington Neighborhood Park just above the red playground equipment (southeast corner). The wingspan of this owl caught my eye as it flew towards one of the tall trees above where my kids were playing and then we lost sight of it. So breathtaking! |
Zebra Swallowtail | Next to Sligo Creek, near soccer field across from golf course | Wed, Aug 22, 2018, 7am | Stuart Armstrong | It was flying upwind and very skittish. |
Mushroom | Parking lot along Sligo Creek Pkwy, ~1/3 mile N of Colesville Road | Wed, Aug 22, 2018 | Stuart Armstrong | It was on a tree about 6 feet off the ground Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Northern Bobwhite | Sheffield and Fleetwood Terrace | Wed, Aug 22, 2018 | Martine Brizius |
Northern Bobwhite #1, Photo by Martine Brizius Northern Bobwhite #2, Photo by Martine Brizius |
Spotted Sandpiper | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Sun, Aug 19, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell |
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Bald Eagle | Stormwater Pond north of Univ Blvd | Sat, Aug 18, 2018, 7am | Dan Treadwell |
Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Coopers Hawk | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Mon, Aug 13, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell | Picture taken from over 100 yards away, so not the greatest Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Red-Bellied Woodpeckers (two) | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Mon, Aug 13, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell | Two different Red Bellied Woodpeckers. One has very little red on head (probably a juvenile), the other has more red coloring on the head. Red-Bellied Woodpecker #1 picture 1, Photo by Dan Treadwell Red-Bellied Woodpecker #1 picture 2, Photo by Dan Treadwell Red-Bellied Woodpecker #2, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Sat, Aug 11, 2018, 3pm | Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Sat, Aug 11, 2018, 3pm | Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly | Kemp Mill Shopping Center Pond | Sat, Aug 11, 2018, 2:30pm | Dan Treadwell |
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Goldfinch | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Fri, Aug 10, 2018, 3pm | Dan Treadwell |
Goldfinch, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Downey Woodpecker (Female) | Stormwater Pond 150 yards north of Univ Blvd | Fri, Aug 10, 2018, 2:45pm | Dan Treadwell |
Downey Woodpecker, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Diana Fritillary Butterfly | Deer path off Woodman Avenue SS, along the Wheaton Branch | Wed, Aug 8, 2018, mid-afternoon | Anthony Brown | There were several in the area, or just one that kept following me. Diana Fritillary Butterfly, Photo by Anthony Brown |
Dragonflies! | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sun, July 29, 2018, 12:30pm | Dan Treadwell |
Widow Skimmer, Photo by Dan Treadwell Golden-winged Skimmer, Photo by Dan Treadwell Common Whitetail Dragonfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell Blue Dasher (female), Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Monarch Butterfly | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sun, July 29, 2018, 12:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Once quite common, now quite rare. Monarch Butterfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Northern Water Snake | Near soccer field across from golf course | Fri, July 27, 2018, 4pm | Stuart Armstrong | I think it was resting after the flooding that occurred after the recent heavy rains. Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Common Whitetail Dragonfly | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Thurs, July 26, 2018, 2pm | Dan Treadwell |
Common Whitetail Dragonfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
dead snapping turtle | Below pedestrian bridge 73-01, downstream ~1/4 mile from NH Ave | Wed, July 18, 2018 | S. Gregory | The shell was in good shape but the limbs and head were shredded. |
One-Legged Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Fri, July 6, 2018 | Dan Treadwell | I went by the pond this morning and this Heron was hopping around on one leg. No sign of the other leg. I was reviewing older pictures and realize I took pictures of this same bird a week ago (June 30). I didn't notice it at the time, but when you look closely at the June 30 picture you can see that this bird is missing part of one leg. I'm guessing perhaps it got it caught in something, as the one leg is only half there. Today there was no sign at all of the injured leg. Yellow-Crowned Night Heron June 30, Photo by Dan Treadwell Yellow-Crowned Night Heron July 6, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Great Blue Heron | Stormwater pond just north of Forest Glen Road | Wed, July 5, 2018, 11am | Maggie | A hot day, few walkers, and many deer were out with fawns, as well as bird life! |
Great Blue Heron | 100 yards upstream from North Sligo Park (near Flower Ave and Sligo Creek Pkwy) | Wed, July 5, 2018, 7:15am | S. Gregory | Large bird standing in the stream, despite walkers and joggers a few yards away on the hiker-biker trail. Usually these herons like a more secluded section of Sligo Creek. |
Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Wed, July 4, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell |
Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron full body, Photo by Dan Treadwell Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron head in profile, Photo by Dan Treadwell Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Heron head straight on, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Black-eyed Susan; White Vervain; Heal-all; Common Fleabane; Hedge Bindweed; Common St. Johns Wort; White, Yellow, and Red Clover | Meadow habitat on the berms at the Wheaton Branch ponds | Sun, July 1, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | Though a popular garden plant, Black-eyed Susan was reported only below NH Ave in 2003; these few blossoms are on county property but outside the Park. An impressive expanse of the native fleabanes stretches along the entire eastern-most berm. Most of the bindweed flowers were closed. I saw only one individual of the native White Vervain and one 3' x 3' patch of the native Heal-All. Lots of naturalized Yellow Sweet-Clover and some White Sweet-Clover, both being visited by bumble bees. Black-eyed Susan, Photo by Michael Wilpers White Vervain, Photo by Michael Wilpers Heal-all, Photo by Michael Wilpers Common Fleabane, Photo by Michael Wilpers Hedge Bindweed, Photo by Michael Wilpers St. Johns Wort, Photo by Michael Wilpers White, Yellow, and Red Clover, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Domesticated Rabbit | Half mile upstream from Forest Glen Road, on the park path. | Sun, July 1, 2018, 7pm | Stuart Armstrong | This tiny creature drew a crowd. Photo was taken from four feet away. Then it scampered (hopped) off. domesticated rabbit (in profile), Photo by Stuart Armstrong |
Blue Dasher and Slaty Skimmer Dragonflies | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sun, July 1, 2018, 9:50am | Dan Treadwell |
Slaty Skimmer Dragonfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell Blue Dasher (male) Dragonfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Bluebird | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Sat, June 30, 2018, 5:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Never thought I would ever see one of these. Eastern Bluebird, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly and Bullfrog | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, June 30, 2018, 9:45am | Dan Treadwell |
Eastern Amberwing Dragonfly, Photo by Dan Treadwell Bullfrog, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Bracken Fern, Butterfly Weed, large colonies of Hemp Dogbane, Fleabane, flowering Deer Tongue | Powerline meadow, between EW Highway and 16th Place | Mon, June 25, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | Bracken Fern was considered "very rare" in Sligo in our 2003 survey (only one patch near Univ. Blvd) and this colony in the powerline is a large one. Butterfly Weed was not recorded at all in 2003 and there are now about a dozen, widely scattered patches in the powerline. This extensive patch of dogbane may be even larger than one close to 16th Place -- it's a popular nectar source for pollinators. Deer Tongue in splendid flower. Bracken Ferns, Photo by Michael Wilpers Butterfly Weed, Photo by Michael Wilpers Hemp Dogbane, Photo by Michael Wilpers Fleabane, Photo by Michael Wilpers Deer Tongue in flower, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Honewort, Cow Vetch, and White Sweet Clover | Lower Long Branch (between Carroll Ave and confluence) and Sligo at NH Ave | Mon, June 18, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | I was unfamiliar with Honewort, a member of the carrot family with extremely tiny flowers and petals curved inwards on themselves. The 2003 survey of Sligo natives reported it in all of Sligo except sections 4 and 8. Cow Vetch, though non-native, is considered an important component of urban meadows. Honewort, Photo by Michael Wilpers Cow Vetch, Photo by Michael Wilpers White Sweet Clover, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Elderberry, Yarrow, Dogbane, Butterfly Weed, Bottle-brush Grass, Bracted Plantain, Smaller Hop-clover | Powerline meadow, between Sligo paved trail and 16th Place, Hyattsville | Sat, June 16, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | At least four patches of the bright orange Butterfly Weed. Bracted Plaintain is one of my favorites with its unusual silvery-green cast and very tiny three-parted flowers. Dogbane and Yarrow are both usually pollinator magnets, but didn't see any on them. Elderberry, Photo by Michael Wilpers Yarrow & Dogbane, Photo by Michael Wilpers Butterfly Weed, Photo by Michael Wilpers Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix), Photo by Michael Wilpers Bracted Plantain, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Coyote scat (probable) | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Sat, June 16, 2018, 10am | Dan Treadwell | Scat was in the dirt road just south of the Stormwater Ponds. This is typical of Coyote behavior. The scat resembles pictures found online at Bear Tracker Coyote scat, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Black-crowned night heron | Off the bridge near the intersection of Dallas Ave and Sligo Creek Trail | Sat, June 16, 2018, 9:30am | Maggie | Two black-crowned night-herons - one wading, one perching |
Eastern Ratsnake | Arcola Ave near Nairn Road | Fri, June 15, 2018, 2:40pm | Dan Treadwell | Found dead in gutter along Arcola. Approximately 36" long. For more info, see Maryland's Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) |
Green Heron | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Fri, June 15, 2018, 2pm | Dan Treadwell | Green Heron, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
very large Snapping Turtle and smaller turtle | Along Sligo Creek near NH Ave | Fri, June 15, 2018, 7am | S. Gregory | The 12" turtle crossed from one side of creek to other bank and then remained there, in the water. The much larger one (its shell perhaps 20"-24" long) was making its way steadily upstream. I saw probably this same large turtle in the creek two previous years, around mid-June, but not last year. Once two or three years ago I saw it digging a nest in the sand on land. |
Fireflies | 100-200 feet downstream from Piney Branch Road | Tues, June 12, 2018, 8pm | Michael Wilpers | Several dozen lighting bugs flying no more than 3-4 inches above ground level over the nearly flat area on the west side of the paved trail. None were visible on the steeply sloped area immediately downstream. Flash color seemed more yellow than green. I watched them for a few minutes and they didn't ascend any higher above the ground cover. |
Flowering Basswood (Linden) Tree | Dale Drive Neighborhood Park | Tues, June 12, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | At the southern (downstream) footbridge over the creek. It is rooted at the edge of the creek water, so probably wasn't planted. This tree has very pecular flowers attached to the end of a thin filament that emerges from a green, leaf-like structure. It is native to much of the eastern US, including parts of Maryland, but apparently not in DC or the inner suburbs east of Rt. 355, so not mentioned in the 2003 survey of native Sligo plants. Photo by Michael Wilpers |
(female) Belted Kingfisher | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Fri, June 8, 2018, 6:30am | Dan Treadwell | Belted Kingfisher, Photo by Dan Treadwell FOSC Webmaster: A field guide-worthy photo! Beautiful shot. |
Baltimore Oriole | In the only sycamore tree at Evans Parkway-Neighborhood Park. Close to the SE entrance. | Tues, June 5, 2018, 5pm | Christian Long | My brother and I have seen both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles at Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park since 2016. We spotted a nest back in 2016 but were unsure if they are nesting this year. We've seen them on multipe occasions throughout late spring to middle summer. This year we have only spotted Baltimore Orioles. |
Beaver | Stormwater ponds S. of Dennis, E. of Medical Park Drive |
Tues, June 5, 2018, noon | Christian Long | Swimming around in one of the three ponds connected to the wetlands. Beaver #1, Photo by Christian Long Beaver #2, Photo by Christian Long |
(female) Belted Kingfisher | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Mon, June 4, 2018, 1pm | Dan Treadwell | Belted Kingfisher, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
(male) Belted Kingfisher | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Fri, June 1, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell | Belted Kingfisher, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Beaver! | ~one block south of Route 29 | Wed, May 30, 2018, 7am | Elizabeth Malone | The beaver was sitting in shallow water, seemingly on his/her tail, which was visible between her/his legs, washing cheeks with paws. Click here to download a 3 second video of the beaver. |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Mon, May 21, 2018, 8am | Dan Treadwell | It was way up in a tree; picture was from about 100 yards away. Red-Tailed Hawk, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Green Heron | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Mon, May 21, 2018, 8am | Dan Treadwell | Picture is a bit grainy as it was shot from about 100 yards away (using zoom on camera) Green Heron, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Barred Owl | Upland woods bordered by the hiker-biker trail, Flower Avenue, and Carroll Avenue | Sun, May 27, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | I believe this was the first time I've heard a Barred Owl here in 15 years of walking this section. Perhaps the bird was displaced by the torrential rains of May 26, or it relocated there to take advantage of prey animals flushed into the open by the rains and flooding. |
Lightning Bug | On my front door (two blocks from Sligo) |
Sun, May 27, 2018 | Sherrell | Always happy to see the return of lightning bugs for the season. |
Lightning Bug | Along the hiker-biker trail about 200 feet downstream from Maple Ave. | Sun, May 20, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | First one I've seen this year. Seems very early, but Kit Gage reported one on April 10 last year. |
Red-winged Blackbird | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sun, May 13, 2018, 1:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Red-winged Blackbird, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, May 12, 2018, 7pm | Dan Treadwell | Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Boat-tailed Grackle | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, May 12, 2018, 5:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Boat-tailed Grackle, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Killdeer (bird) | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Fri, May 11, 2018, 2:40pm | Dan Treadwell | Killdeer, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Blue-Headed Mallard | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Lamberton Drive | Fri, May 11, 2018, noon | Dan Treadwell | Blue-Headed Mallard, Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Northern Watersnake | In creek between Forest Glen Road and Dennis Ave | Wed, May 9, 2018, 1pm | Linda Keenan | We didn't get a close look since it started swimming down the creek. It was about 2 feet long. |
Pileated Woodpecker | Brunett Ave & Sligo Creek Pkwy | Tue, May 1, 2018, 7pm | Jan W. | On two large trees at the juncture of Brunett & Sligo |
Cerulean warbler, Black & White warbler | 2nd bridge downstream from Colesville Road | Tue, May 1, 2018, 2pm | Katherine Payne |
Cerulean Warbler, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Holy Moly! Black-and-white Warbler, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Flock of Cedar Waxwings | Downstream from Colesville Road by playground | Mon, Apr 30, 2018, 8:30am | Katherine Payne |
Cedar Waxwing, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Sharp-shinned hawk | Near the Kemp Mill stormwater management ponds | Sat, Apr 28, 2018, 11:30am | Julianne Mangin |
Sharp-skinned Hawk, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Wood Thrush singing, Gray Catbird calling | Just north of Dennis Community Center | Wed, Apr 25, 2018, 7:30am | Susan Hunt |
Wood Thrush, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Grey Catbird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Prothonotary Warbler | Near SSIMS track field | Mon, Apr 23, 2018, 1:30pm | Katherine Payne |
Prothonotary Warbler, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Pileated Woodpecker | In MNCPPC wooded conservation area near Elm and Larch Avenues in Takoma Park | Sun, Apr 22, 2018, ~6pm | Catherine T. |
Pileated Woodpecker, Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Flowering Bluets and Pussytoes | Pepco meadow (btw NH Ave & EW Hwy) | Sun, Apr 22, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | There were hundreds of the bluets (Houstonia caerulae) in patches of a 5-20 flowers each on the dry, SW-facing slopes. Bluets were rare in the 2003 survey. The Pussytoes (either Field or Plaintain-leaved) were only on the third ridge-top NE from the creek. Bluets, Photo by Michael Wilpers Pussytoes, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Star Chickweed | Long Branch, ~50 feet upstream from sidewalk leading to Becca Lilly Park | Sun, Apr 22, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | This native spring wildflower (Stelaria pubera) has bloomed in this spot for the last ten years or so. Chickweed, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis), Coopers Hawk, goldfinches, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Rufous-sided Towhee | Upstream from Colesville Road | Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 3:30pm | Katherine Payne | |
Snapping Turtle (and Red-Eared Slider) | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, Apr 21, 2018, 1pm | Dan Treadwell | Large Snapping Turtle, eyeing a much smaller Red-Eared Slider Turtle in picture #1 Photo 1 by Dan Treadwell Photo 2 by Dan Treadwell Photo 3 by Dan Treadwell |
Palm Warbler, male | Downstream from Colesville Road, by playground | Thurs, Apr 12, 2018, 2:30pm | Katherine Payne | Palm Warbler Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Flowering trout lily and spring beauty. May apple popping up all over. | Around the Dennis Ave Recreation Center | Wed, Apr 11, 2018 | Jim Anderson | Found many trout lily plants, but only one was blooming. Spring beauty was found in many places. The May apple was popping up in many locations close to the Recreation Center and many other areas of the Park. Trout Lily, Photo by Jim Anderson Spring Beauty, Photo by Jim Anderson May Apples, Photo by Jim Anderson |
Cutleaf Toothwort flowering; Dutchman's Breeches and Trout Lily leafing out | Along Long Branch stream, between Carroll and Jackson Aves | Wed, Apr 11, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | I don't recall seeing toothwort in lower Long Branch before, but it was there about 200 ft downstream from Carroll, at the foot of a mature Tulip-tree, close to the Dutchman's Breeches, which have come up there for the last several years (reported nowhere else in Sligo). I noticed that a dense colony of Trout Lily (aka Yellow Trout Lily) was wiped out near the Jackson Ave bridge by WSSC and subsequent tree planting. Cutleaf Toothwort, Photo by Michael Wilpers Dutchman's Breeches, Photo by Michael Wilpers Trout Lily, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Golden Crowned Kinglet (female), Myrtle Warbler | At the kiosk bridge downstream from Colesville Road | Tues, Apr 10, 2018, 2:30pm | Katherine Payne |
Golden Crowned Kinglet, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Myrtle Warbler, Wikipedia |
A pair of ruby crowned kinglets, the male with his crown erect | At the kiosk bridge downstream from Colesville Road | Tues, Apr 10, 2018, noon | Katherine Payne | Right at eye level!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Pair of Turkey Vultures | Along the creek's edge across from the Golf Course & Soccer Fields | Sun, Apr 8, 2018, 9:30am, 5:30pm | Debra Benator | Perhaps a courtship dance for the morning sighting. On a possible nesting site on the ground in the afternoon sighting. Photo by Debra Benator |
Pair of Wood Ducks | Section 12U, just below Glen Haven Park | Sun, Apr 8, 2018, 9am | Sandra Dumas | |
Wood Ducks | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, Apr 7, 2018, 3pm | Dan Treadwell | Male Wood Duck by Dan Treadwell Male & Female Wood Duck by Dan Treadwell |
Mayapples, black oak buds, and bloodroot flowers open. Also, mining bee nests. | Sligo Creek North Neighborhood Park | Wed, Apr 4, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | A few dozen Mayapples with leaves still small and drooping. Wind brought down a twig of black oak, showing its silvery white-haired buds. Two bloodroot flowers open, despite the chill. Several dozen mining bee tunnels on barren, dry slope, with excavated red soil around them. Mining bees don't sting! And they pollinate bloodroot. Black Oak bud Photo by Michael Wilpers Bloodroot Photo by Michael Wilpers Mayapple Photo by Michael Wilpers Mining Bee Nest Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-shouldered Hawk, Spicebush, Skunk Cabbage | Between Kemp Mill stormwater ponds and Channing Drive | Mon, Apr 2, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | I assumed the woodpecker was a Downy or a Hairy until I noticed the red neck. The hawk started quite a racket and flew to a perch near the adjoining backyard, just upstream from the barberry patch near Markwood and Ladd, so I veered away. Only a few Spicebush flower buds had opened. The persistence of the Skunk Cabbage flowers (though dried) during leaf-out might be due to the very cold January causing a delay in these very early flowering plants. Spicebush Photo by Michael Wilpers Skunk Cabbage Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Bloodroot | Flower Avenue playground (where the playground meets the woodlands) | Sun, Apr 1, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | A small patch of a few bloodroot plants has reliably appeared in this spot the past few years. Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Turtles (Red-Eared Sliders, possibly others) | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sat, Mar 31, 2018, 12:30pm | Dan Treadwell | Nothing unusual about turtle sightings. What was unusual was the large number of turtles. One group of six and another group of five, for a total of eleven, at one time. However, it appears that some (all?) of these are red-eared sliders, an invasive species. Photo 1 by Dan Treadwell Photo 2 by Dan Treadwell |
Adult Bald Eagle | On a snag at the University Blvd. stormwater ponds | Thurs, Mar 29, 2018, 2:15pm | Leah Haygood | Beautiful mature bald eagle with white head and tail sitting on a snag. It flew to another snag and back. Seemed pretty content to hang out and survey the ponds. I saw one overhead at the same spot about a week ago. I never used to see them in this area--anyone know if they're expanding their territory? |
Great Egret | Just past the footbridge north of Wayne Avenue | Thurs, Mar 29, 2018, 9am | Elizabeth Malone | The bird was on rocks and branches over the creek, moving northward. A great feeling to see! Photo by Elizabeth Malone |
Belted Kingfisher | Along Sligo Creek, downstream from Colesville Road, flying upstream | Sun, Mar 25, 2018, mid-afternoon | Katherine Payne | |
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) in flower | (see comments) | Sat, Mar 24, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | It was late afternoon, so all of the flowers had closed for the day but one. About a dozen plants. I'd seen them there in past years, and glad to see them return. Spotted along the north side of the footpath just west of New Hamsphire Ave (just below the confluence of Long Branch Creek where it meets Sligo Creek Pkwy). |
Pair of wood ducks | Sligo Creek SSIMS track, upstream (N) of Wayne Ave | Tues, Mar 20, 2018, mid-afternoon | Katherine Payne | |
Red-shouldered Hawk | East side of Sligo Creek Pkwy just N of Piney Branch Road, opposite the tennis courts | Tues, Mar 20, 2018, mid-afternoon | Katherine Payne | |
Two Red-shouldered Hawks | In woods north of Dale Drive neighborhood park | Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 11:30am | Hisao Yatsuhashi | One feeding on small mammal. Near nest. Displaying apparent mating behavior. Photo 1 by Hisao Yatsuhashi Photo 2 by Hisao Yatsuhashi |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker | Sligo Creek Trail, ~1/8 and 1/4 of a mile south of Piney Branch Road | Sun, Mar 18, 2018 | Hisao Yatsuhashi | Seen twice this morning (10:40am and 11:40am), climbing up tree trunks. |
Black Crowned Night Heron & Turtles | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Wed, Mar 14, 2018, 1:45pm | Dan Treadwell | In addition, three turtles out sunning themselves on a nearby log. Night Heron by Dan Treadwell 3 Turtles by Dan Treadwell |
Unusual dense shrub layer in a woodland | Between Drexel St. and the powerline meadow, near 16th Ave. | Sat, Mar 10, 2018 | Michael Wilpers | In most of Sligo, the shrub layer has been almost wiped out by browsing of over-abundant deer. In this section of woodland, the understory is a dense thicket of greenbrier, which J. Parrish (in our 2003 native plant survey) calls "impenetrable; good protection for wildlife from predators." It should make good habitat for ground-nesting birds. Deer are common near the powerline, and they browse on greenbrier (despite the thorns), so it's not clear how this nice thicket persists (perhaps because it's so well established along the powerline edge). |
White-Tail 9-point Buck | Just S. of Wayne Ave, on W. side of Sligo Creek | Fri, Mar 2, 2018, 1pm | Jim Anderson | We saw 5 bucks laying down below our house in the park. Four of the bucks still had nice racks, but the 5th did not have a rack. I was somewhat surprised the bucks still had their racks. When I went out to take the photo, all 5 stood up, but this one stood and looked at me. The others ran off before I could get a photo. Photo by Jim Anderson |
Red Fox | Just S. of Wayne Ave, on W. side of Sligo Creek | Sat, Jan 29 & Feb 17, 2018 | Jim Anderson | The photos were taken with a game camera set to take photos with a motion sensor. This particular area is visited by fox, raccoon, rabbits, o'possum, squirrels and many species of birds. It is very interesting to see the activity of animals though out the evening and nighttime hours. Red fox in snow, Feb 17, Photo by Jim Anderson Rec fox, Jan 29, Photo by Jim Anderson |
Juvenile Bald Eagle | Above tennis court at Woodside Park (Spring St. and 1st Ave) in Downtown SS | Thurs, Feb 15, 2018, 4:40pm | John Francis | Bald eagle sized bird with slow wing beat flew about 40 feet over the tennis courts. Unmistakably large and mixed light and dark brown from below with coloration a good match. Could have been same bird reported the same day by Alan Abrams 1 mile north approx 2 hours earlier. Did not make out white markings on the tail (or on head for that matter) but it was a quick sighting and I was in the middle of a point. Stopped play (for a minute) but couldn't see if it roosted in an adjacent tree or moved on. |
Possible Immature Bald Eagle | Just south of the Golf Course | Thurs, Feb 15, 2018, 2:50pm | Alan Abrams | As I was driving north on Sligo Creek Pkwy, a huge raptor flew out of the trees (below the soccer field) and straight over my head, bearing south. The bird did not have a white head, but it did have a clearly delineated, all-white tail. The tail was spread wide. Its belly and the underside of its wings were dark brown or gray. |
Great Blue Heron and Deer | Stormwater Pond 100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road | Sun, Feb 4, 2018, 9am | Dan Treadwell | Four Deer in the background. Just above the freezing mark; pond had light layer of ice on it in some areas. |
Great Blue Heron | In Long Branch, at the footbridge at the base of Houston Ave | Tues, Jan 16, 2018, afternoon | Ed Gertler | A great blue in tiny Long Branch looks like a pterodactyl |
2 Foxes, presumably red | Along Sligo Pkwy just south of Riggs Road, near Powhatan Road | Tues, Jan 16, 2018, 7:50am | Glen W. | The foxes ran away from each other, one crossing paved path heading northeast. |
Fox, presumably red | Along Sligo Creek Trail, east of NH and the powerline, just before EW | Tues, Jan 16, 2018, 7:45am | Glen W. | Darted across paved path just in front of me, headed north-northeast. Was biking to work. |
Southern Flying Squirrel | Along the park between Forest Glen Road and Dennis Ave | Sun, Jan 7, 2018 | Elissa | Seen in our kitchen (our house backs up to the park). It was just sitting on our counter, but ran, climbed and glided as we tried to catch it. Our cat corned it and we were able to catch and release it back outside. It’s the 4th one we’ve had to trap and relocate. They like to nest in our attic. A wildlife specialist told us they can come in through a quarter-sized hole. Photo by Elissa |
Bald Eagle | Jefferson Avenue along Sligo Creek Parkway | Sat, Dec 30, 2017 | Melissa | Male bald eagle, perched in a tree for about 15 minutes until crows surrounded him and squawked enough to be annoying. When he flew away, he flew toward Carroll Avenue. Gorgeous, enormous, majestic, serene ... perfect. FOSC Webmaster: During followup emails with Melissa to ascertain how she could identify the gender without close examination, she responded: My great uncle was a bald eagle conservationist in Pennsylvania, so I spent a lot of time with him over the years learning the gender differences. Yes, DNA testing of the feathers and/or close-up anatomical observation would confirm. However, this bird’s pitch call was slightly higher than normal, and the bird was about a third-less of the size of what a female in this area typically is. I didn’t get to see the beak, but that’s also a good indicator (female bald eagles have a more distinct and larger hook of the beak). |
Bald Eagle | Corner of Jefferson and Freemont Aves, on a ridge above Sligo Creek Parkway | Fri, Dec 29, 2017, 7:30am | Holly McClain | Perched on a treetop, so beautiful sitting in the morning sun for a while before crows succeeded in sending it onward. |
Northern Dusky Salamander | ~1,000 yards upstream from Forest Glen Road | Fri, Dec 22, 2017, 3pm | Stuart Armstrong | I found it beneath a rock, photographed it, then carefully returned it to the leaves and rocks in the stream. The MD record is 5 inches, as was this--so this is as large as this type gets. Photo #1 by Stuart Armstrong Photo #2 by Stuart Armstrong |
Witch Hazel in flower | Along east edge of Sligo's hiker biker trail, between Jackson and Aspen Avenues | Tues, Dec 19, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | The tree was in full flower, just slightly faded from their peak yellow. This native understory tree is the latest flowering plant in Sligo, described as flowering in "late autumn" (in Woody Plants of MD) or "Oct-Dec" (in Flora of VA). Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Great Blue Heron | Kemp Mill stormwater ponds | Mon, Dec 11, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | It flew low overhead, from south to north, as we stood on the earthen berm along the south edge of the ponds. It perched about six feet up along the western edge of the western of the two ponds.
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Belted Kingfisher | Stormwater pond just S. of the Beltway, on W. side of Sligo Creek Pkwy | Mon, Dec 11, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | It was perched about four feet above water level, facing south from the north bank of the eastern pond of the two.
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Two Pairs of Wood Ducks | Stormwater pond just S. of the Beltway, on W. side of Sligo Creek Pkwy | Fri, Dec 1, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | Both pair were in the eastern pond and flew into the second one as we approached. A fifth duck was with them, perhaps a first-winter juvenile.
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Red Fox | Franklin Avenue, about half-way between Flower and Colesville | Fri, Dec 1, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | The fox ran across Franklin, heading south, around sunset. Tail was extended horizontally back.
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Blue Heron | In the creek about 100 yards S. of Univ Blvd | Sat, Nov 25, 2017, 3-4pm | Ben Sands | It stood still as people passed - I had to point it out to people, though if you looked it was quite visible. It was there for at least half an hour. |
Native strawberry-bush in seed | On the Long Branch paved trail, 10 feet upstream from the footbride closest the confluence with Sligo (just downstream from the Becca Lilly playground) | Fri, Nov 10, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | The blazingly purple-pink of the seed capsule was a joy to see, especially on a specimen about 8-ft tall. Parrish called this species "uncommon" in Sligo in 2003. The Flora of Va says it's "commonly reduced to small vegetative sprouts by deer browsing," so we're lucky to have this healthy individual in Sligo (for now). Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Turtles on a log | Stormwater Pond just N. of Forest Glen Road | Fri, Nov 3, 2017 | Dan Treadwell | Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Opossum (dead) | 1/4 mile upstream from Dennis Ave | Fri, Nov 3, 2017 | Dan Treadwell | Laying close to the side of the road. Apparently hit by vehicle. Why you should brake for 'possums |
Wildflowers! Dewberry (Blackberry) Purple-stemmed Aster Maryland Golden Aster Heath Aster Rough-stemmed Goldenrod Tall goldenrod Wingstem |
Powerline meadow (between 16th Place and hiker-biker trail) | Tues, Oct 17, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | Wingstem was not reported in Sligo in the 2003 native plant survey. Only a few individuals were along north edge of meadow. I had not seen purple-stemmed aster before, though it was reported in the 2003 survey (it has purple flowers as well). Very unusual to see dewberry flowering now (normally in spring); perhaps it's in response to the recent mowing. Dewberry (also called Blackberry) by Michael Wilpers Purple-stemmed Aster by Michael Wilpers Maryland Golden Aster by Michael Wilpers Goldenrod by Michael Wilpers Wingstem by Michael Wilpers |
White-crossed Seed Bug Spotted Cucumber Beetle |
Powerline meadow (between 16th Place and hiker-biker trail) | Tues, Oct 17, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | The white-crossed seed bug was on the dandelion-like seed head of pilewort or something like it. The cucumber beetle was among the recently-closed flowers of wingstem. White-Crossed Seek Bug by Michael Wilpers White-Crossed Seek Bug (zoom) by Michael Wilpers Representative photo of spotted cucumber beetle from BugGuide.Net |
Two Black Vultures | 100 yards upstream from Wayne Ave | Mon, Oct 16, 2017, noon | Dan Treadwell | They were feeding on a dead deer that was nearby but flew up into a tree when I stopped. |
Whole Lotta Turtles hangin' out | Stormwater Pond just N. of Forest Glen Road | Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Dan Treadwell | Photo by Dan Treadwell |
Bald Eagle | Near the intersection of Domer and Flower Aves. | Fri, Oct 6, 2017, 1pm | Holly McClain | Flying low, circling over Flower & Domer Aves.
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Belted (male) Kingfisher and turtles | Stormwater pond just below the beltway | Sun, Oct 1, 2017, 10:45am | Dan Treadwell |
Photo #1 by Dan Treadwell Photo #2 by Dan Treadwell
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Muscovy Duck | By bridge near first playground upstream from Colesville Road | Sat, Sept 23, 2017, 6:30pm | Stuart Armstrong | This one is different from the previous photos posted. |
Ring Neck Snake | Edge of Sligo Creek foot/bicycle path, ~100 yards from Holy Cross Hospital | Sat, Sept 23, 2017, 5:30pm | Alan Gerstle | Don't have a photo. Snake was about 18" long, no more than one inch in circumferance
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Groundhog (i.e., woodchuck) |
Downstream from University Blvd | Sat, Sept 23, 2017, 5:15pm | Dan Treadwell | It was sitting out about 5 feet from the shoulder of road and I went right by it on my bicycle. I circled back to get a picture and it ran over to a nearby tree. |
Common Yellowthroat Warbler | Near Wayne Ave & Sligo Creek Pkwy | Wed, Sept 20, 2017, ~9:30am | Barbara Neu | Lovely, friendly group of four birds!
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Baby Black Rat Snake | Inside my house on Parkside Road | Tues, Sept 19, 2017, 5am | Mike Livingston | Found a surprise guest on the bathroom counter this morning: a live gray reticulated snake approx. 8" long and not much more than 1/4" diameter. Googled images of babies of several local snake species and it seems to have been a baby rat snake. Sorry no pictures, but I wanted to move it outside before it disappeared into some crack or drain.
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Wood Ducks and Snapping Turtle | Stormwater Pond Along Sligo Creek just south of Beltway overpass | Fri, Sept 15, 2017, 9:45am | Dan Treadwell | Male and Female Wood Duck, three ducklings, plus a Snapping Turtle
Photo of Female Wood Duck by Dan Treadwell |
Belted Kingfisher | Stormwater Pond Along Sligo Creek just south of Beltway overpass | Mon, Sept 4, 2017, 9:45am | Dan Treadwell | I've seen this bird several times, but it doesn't hang around long enough to get a very good picture. (FOSC: See 10/1/17 sighting for later shots Dan made.) |
Luna Moth | Sligo Creek Bike Path near soccer field below Colt Terrace | Mon, Aug 28, 2017, 1pm | Dan Treadwell | Moth was laying in bicycle path on the asphalt. Large; about 5 inches across. Alive, but barely moving. |
Muscovy Duck | 3rd parking lot from Colesville Road heading towards Wayne Ave. | Tue, Aug 15, 2017, 7:45pm | Liz M | This is the second time I've seen this very large duck. I have no idea what it is. It's brown with a red caruncle. At first glance we mistook it for a turkey but it is definitely a duck or a goose. I googled for it and the closest thing was Muscovy duck.
From FOSC: The bird has been identified as a Moscovy Duck. |
Muscovy Duck | Loitering just upstream from Sligo Creek and Three Oaks. | Mon, Aug 14, 2017, 6am and 5pm | Janet Kinzer | I'm guessing this is a goose of some kind - heavy black legs, webbed feet, heavy body, slow moving. It waddles away if you approach. Yellow billed, shaped like a ducks,with a red mask or wattle.The head is about to my knee. The body is mottled mostly brown. Nver opened the wings though I approached.
Photo by Janet Kinzer |
Great Egret | Downstream from Maple Avenue, where the smaller stream meets Sligo Creek. | Sun, Aug 13, 2017, 9am | Beth Baker | First one I've seen in decades of walking in the park. |
Tree Fungus | Along Sligo Creek trail, near Dallas and Brunett Avenues | Sat, Aug 12, 2017 | Steve Fine | |
Muscovy Duck | In underbrush near creek at the end of Three Oaks Drive. | Sat, Aug 12, 2017, ~6:30pm | Jean Cavanaugh | My neighbor posted a photo of the duck on our neighborhood listserv, and another neighbor identified it. I was out walking the dog this evening, and we saw the duck pecking for insects in the underbrush and forest along the creek. It was definitely a duck, with a duck bill. It was also larger than the typical duck we see in the creek. The coloring was striking - dark green and brownish, with red on face/bill area.
Photo by Susan Hunt |
Black Crowned Heron | The pond ~100 yards downstream from Forest Glen Road. | Sun, Aug 6, 2017, 6:20am | Dan Treadwell | When I got too close for his liking, he flew into nearby tree. |
Flying Squirrel | Back yard on Haverford Road. Two blocks west of New Hampshire and about 200 yards north of the convergence of Long Branch and Sligo Creek (Becca Lilly Park). | Fri, July 28, 2017, just after sunset | Bill | In the waning dusk, three family members sitting in their backyard after sunset noticed what was first thought to be a wounded bat or wood pecker landing awkwardly on a tall oak tree in the back yard. As they observed the creature starting to climb the tree the 13 year old member observed that it looked like a chipmunk--at which point it was determined to be a flying squirrel. |
Great Blue Heron | The pond just inside the beltway along Sligo Creek Road, ~100 feet downstream from Forest Glen Road. | Mon, July 17, 2017, 7:15am | Dan Treadwell | |
Northern Water Snakes (2) | Just upstream from Park Valley Bridge. | Sun, July 16, 2017 | Kit Gage | Saw two intertwined northern water snakes just upstream from Park Valley Bridge. They were right up from the creek, in the sun. One slithered away quickly. The other just stayed in the greenery. About 4 feet long. |
Yellow-Crowned Night Herons (2) | Toward the beginning of the rocky diversion path after Park Valley Road. | Sat, July 15, 2017, 2:30pm | Alys Cohen | We saw them land on the edge of the creek. They were so well camoflaged that it was hard to keep track of them or photograph them. |
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | The pond just inside the beltway along Sligo Creek Road, ~100 feet downstream from Forest Glen Road. | Mon, July 2, 2017, 7am | Dan Treadwell | Very skittish creature - I was lucky to get so close. |
Painted Turtle | University Blvd stormwater ponds (just N of Univ. Blvd) | Sat, June 29, 2017, 9:30am | Ed Murtagh | Painted Turtle laying eggs. |
House Wren | Perched on top of bird house on trail down from soccer fields, upstream from Colesville Rd. The Wren popped into the bird house. | Tues, June 27, 2017, 11am | Katherine Payne | |
Coopers Hawk | ~1/2 mile upstream from University Blvd, on the bike path about half way between end of Colt Terrace and main Sligo Creek trail. | Sun, June 16, 2017, 1:15pm | Dan Treadwell | Was lying dead alongside the bike path. |
Black-Crowned Night Heron | In the stream about 300 feet from the intersection of Sligo Creek Pkway and the Beltway | Sun, June 11, 2017, 6:30pm | Linda Keenan | I might have seen another Black-crowned Night Heron farther downstream just northwest of Brunett Ave. |
Venus' Looking Glass, Butterfly Weed, Bracted Plantain in bloom | In the powerline meadow that crosses East-West Hwy | Thurs, June 8, 2017, 4pm | Michael Wilpers | The plantain is within the footpath through the meadow between 16th Place and the second tower. The others are near that tower (the one closest to the paved Sligo trail and footpath through the meadow). Neither Butterfly Weed nor Bracted Plantain were reported as occurring within Sligo in the 2003 survey of our native plants. Venus' Looking Glass was reported only in this section.
Bracted Plantain by Michael Wilpers |
Black-Crowned Night Heron | Near the footbridge by Heather Ave and Sligo Creek Parkway | Tues, June 6, 2017, 4pm | Craig Lapreziosa | Photo taken from the Sligo Creek Trail. The bird sat there for a few minutes before flying off up the creek. |
Downy Woodpecker | Sligo Creek Pkwy 1/4 mile upstream from Piney Branch Road | Sun, June 4, 2017 | Dan Treadwell | Lying in the road dead |
Raven | Along Comstock Branch, between Boulder Ave and Piney Branch Road | Wed, May 24, 2017, 11:20am | Heather Livingston | I could hear something VERY different sounding outside, so loud and deep croaky call, repeated, close. Looked out my back door and there was a very large dark black bird in a low young tree, I think it had been trying to get a squirrel. It stood on the low branch and croaked several times. I could see well its size and long hooked black beak. Definitely not a crow. I caught a glimpse of black wings of another nearby bird flying away but don't know if that was another raven or a crow. There was a much smaller grayish bird at one point near the raven, not sure what type, pecking at it I think and then it flew away. The squirrels all hid. After a couple more croaks the raven flew away and I didn't hear it again. Estimated height (very rough guess) about 18 inches. Cloudy damp day, but not raining. |
Eastern Box Turtle | Crossing Park Crest Drive at Sussex Road (one block from Sligo Creek Park) | Sat, May 20, 2017, 9:20am | Dreen Maahs | |
Black-Crowned Night Heron | University Blvd Stormwater Ponds | Thurs, May 18, 2017, 9am | Ed Murtagh | Lots of turtles and herons at the ponds this morning too. |
Yellow Finch | Next to berm between Sligo Creek and Takoma Park Elementary. | Wed, May 10, 2017 | Judy Dougherty, Jim Dougherty, Miro & Seneca Honzak | |
Lone Cedar Waxwing, Wood Duck, Black Throated Blue and (female) Mourning Warbler | Downstream from Colesville Road between Tennis Court and along playground area. | Wed, May 10, 2017, 10:30am-noon | Katherine Payne | |
Peregrine Falcon | Circling over University Blvd. stormwater pond. | Fri, May 5, 2017, 4:20pm | Leah Haygood | Magnificent bird! I got a good look at his/her "hood" as it circled the stormwater pond a few times and then flew off. I've never seen one in Sligo Creek before but I've heard there are some nesting in downtown Silver Spring. |
Snapping Turtle | About 200 yards upstream from Forest Glen Road. | Fri, May 5, 2017, 1:15pm | Dan Treadwell | Large Snapping Turtle. Did not have a tape with me, but I laid a copy of today's Express newspaper beside him to show scale.
Snapping turtle, Photo #1 by Dan Treadwell |
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | From the Ten-Block Ford that crosses the Wheaton Branch just upstream of its joining the Sligo Creek mainstem (a bit upstream from prior 2017 sightings). | Mon, May 1, 2017, 9am | Laura Mol | Sighted an adult YCNH impressively soaring into low trees along the Branch, watching/resting?/hunting? and then swooping closer in and upstream, alighting on a largish branch overhanging the water, continuing its water-watching. Overcast, 70 degrees F. |
Eastern Box Turtle | About 20 feet away from the Bennington Tributary. | Fri, Apr 28, 2017 | Anne Vorce | Reported by a neighbor. Medium size. Maybe the same one we have seen for years. I had wondered if he were still around. |
Black-Crowned Night Heron | Sitting on rock in Sligo Creek adjacent to Dale Drive Neighborhood Park. | Fri, Apr 28, 2017, ~7:45am | Hisao Yatsuhashi | |
Two nesting pairs of Yellow-Crowned Night Herons | Directly over the parkway. Walk north from the Park Valley Bridge along the trail. After crossing the first hiker/biker bridge start looking overhead--or look for bird droppings on the southbound lane of the parkway and then look up! | Thurs, Apr 27, 2017 | Sam Stokes | For several years a pair has nested above the parkway in this location. This year there are two. The large nests are easy to spot, but you'll need binoculars for a good look at the occupants. For more information on this bird, go to: |
Green Heron | At the Ladd Street entrance to the Park, near the new wetland development. | Wed, Apr 26, 2017, ~11am | Dana Best | |
Green Heron | University Blvd. stormwater ponds, the large one closest to the path. | Mon, Apr 24, 2017, ~4pm | Leah Haygood | Lone Green Heron fishing along the edge. Great Blue Herons are common here but you don't usually see Green Herons. |
Blue Toadflax and other native wildflowers blooming | The powerline meadow (between New Hampshire Ave & East-West Hwy) | Sun, Apr 23, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | This species, with its delicate, sparse blue flowers on 8-inch-tall stems, was labeled "rare" in Sligo in our 2003 survey of native plants and only in this section. I saw it in a small colony of a couple-dozen stems covering an area of about 2-3 square feet about half-way between the two tall powerline towers. Other natives blooming were Bluets, Plantain-leaved Pussytoes, Cinquefoil (Common or Dwarf), and a large number of Dewberry.
Blue toadflax, Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron | Downstream from Piney Branch Rd. and Sligo Creek Parkway between the two foot bridges. | Sat, Apr 22, 2017, 9:30am | Irene Walton | Fishing in the creek. |
Hooded Merganser, male | ~175 yards downstream from the 4/16 sighting below. This time seen from the last creek-crossing bridge above (N/W, just upstream of) Piney Branch Road | Fri, Apr 21, late afternoon | Laura Mol | He was in a patch of sunlight, on a rock near the bank of the Creek, preening and then still for 10+ minutes, with a Mallard pair in the water close by for part of the time. When a crow flew in, he took to the water and raised his impressive "hammerhead," white-flashing crest. What a gorgeous duck! MD BB Atlas #2 reports increasing H-Merganser nesting along the Patuxent River (roughly 10+ miles NE of Sligo Creek). |
Hooded Merganser | Near the trail bridge between the Dale Ave. playground and the "bog" off Sligo Creek Road (on the way to Wayne Ave.) | Sun, Apr 16, 2017, morning | Barbara Neu | This very fancy and dramatic waterfowl was a wonder to see! |
Two Lightning Bugs | Just up from Sligo Creek upstream from Park Valley Road | Mon, Apr 10, 2017, ~8pm | Kit Gage | It was a hot day - high 80s. But still this is the earliest I can recall seeing them in the spring. |
Male Red-winged Blackbirds wrestling; also Wood Duck, 3 Snapping Turtles, 4 species of mustard, field pansies | Wheaton Branch stormwater ponds (at Dennis Ave) | Sun, Apr 9, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | Three male Red-wings had been singing from low perches around the Dennis Ave end of the larger pond when two confronted each other in shallow water along the edge, one appearing to pin the other (wrestling style) for a few seconds only for the ruckus to start again. The whole encounter lasted about a minute with wild flashes of red and black feathers. The south and east banks were carpeted with tall white-flowered spikes of (probably) Wild Peppergrass, with scattered bursts of dramatic yellow from at least three other mustard species, probably Field Mustard, Creeping Yellow Grass, and Common Winter Cress (aka Yellow Rocket). Many Field Pansies on the far slope of the eastern-most berm.
Common Wintercress and Field Peppergrass (lepidium campestre) Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Northern Harrier, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Toads mating, Green Frog, Skunk Cabbage in fresh leaf | Kemp Mill area of the Park between Univ Blvd and Channing Drive | Tues, Apr 4, 2017 | Michael Wilpers and Helen Read | The harrier soared high above the stormwater ponds. The gnatchatcher flitted about near the tops of the young Red Maples along the side-trail that branches off NE from the main path. The American Toads mated in the new tributary channel created last month by Parks, near where Nicholas joins Ladd. American Toads in "amplexus", the smaller male on top, with strings of fertilized eggs extending back a couple of feet. A Green Frog sat in the shallow water a few feet away. Fresh giant leaves of Skunk Cabbage decorated the landscape prolifically on both sides of the trail.
American toads mating, photo by Matt Harper, MCNPPC |
Great egret in breeding plumage | University Boulevard stormwater pond | Mon, Apr 3, 2017, ~2:30pm | Leah Haygood | Seemed to be having some success fishing. Hanging out near a Great Blue Heron, comparable in size. |
Giant Native Grape Vine | Along the left bank of the creek, about 30 feet upstream from the first parking area downstream from Wayne Ave. | Tue, Mar 28, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | This is the third huge native grape vine of this size (6" diameter) I've seen in Sligo. The other two are located (a) about 30 feet downstream from Wayne and (b) about 100 ft downstream from Dennis, both on the right bank of the creek (facing downstream). |
Two Pileated Woodpeckers | On the south side of the creek between the footbridge near Brunett Ave. and before the playground heading west. | Tue, Mar 28, 2017, 1:15pm | Linda Keenan | We saw one pileated woodpecker on a tree. After a short time, it flew to another tree. Then as we continued down the path, a second pileated woodpecker flew from one tree to another. |
Brown Creeper, Phoebe, Yellow Crown Night Heron, and a 'flock' of Golden Crown Kinglets | The playground just south of Colesville Road along Sligo | Mon, Mar 27, 2017, 2pm | Katherine Payne | It was flying around near the back of the third pond and keeping very well hidden most of the time but occasionally gave me a good enough look to positively identify it before it disappeared.
Representative photo of Brown Creeper (Certhia Americana) from NH Public TV |
Bats (Probable Brown Bats) |
The neighborhood near SS Int'l Middle School | Sat, Mar 25, 2017, 7pm | Bruce Sidwell | Likely brown bats due to size and behavior (fly in straight line, rather than erratic). Brown bats are also most common in this area. The sighting means they are out of hiberation now. |
Eastern Meadowlark | Wheaton Branch Stormwater Management Ponds | Thur, Mar 23, 2017, 2pm | Bob Cantor | It was flying around near the back of the third pond and keeping very well hidden most of the time but occasionally gave me a good enough look to positively identify it before it disappeared. |
A Barred Owl | One block from Sligo, at juncture of Three Oaks Drive & Manchester Road | Wed, Mar 22, 2017, 7:30pm | Katherine Payne | Heard a barred owl call three times. |
A Barred Owl | Near the juncture of Pershing Drive & Bennington Drive | Tue, Mar 21, 2017, after 9pm | Anne Vorce | Heard a barred owl call. |
Yellow Crowned Night Heron | On the trail near the intersection of Hilltop Road and Geneva Ave | Mon, Mar 20, 2017 | Adam Landsman | Beautiful mature yellow crowned night heron sitting on a branch above the creek. |
Giant grape vine | 30 feet downstream from Wayne Ave | Mon, Mar 6, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | Between the creek and the hiker-biker trail. About 6 inches in diameter at the widest. Unfortunately, some "branches" of the one at Wayne have been cut. |
A Barred Owl | Near juncture of Sligo Creek Pkwy & Brunett Ave | Wed/Thurs, Mar 1-2, 2017, evening | Debra Benator | March 1: Along Sligo between Colesville Road & Brunett Avenue, spotted high in the trees.
March 2: The owl was active in the trees on the right as you turn onto Brunett from Sligo. |
Groundhog | On the paved Sligo walking path, ~200 feet south of Dennis | Mon, Feb 27, 2017 | Tamara Forys | The groundhog ran across the path from the creek side to the west side. It did not appear to have the white nose of the groundhog previously spotted. |
Bald Eagle | Flying over Sligo Creek between Forest Glen Road and Dennis Avenue | Fri, Feb 24, 2017, late afternoon | Dominic Quattrocchi, Craig Oaks | |
Eastern Comma Butterfly | Near trail between Forest Glen Road and Dallas Avenue | Sun, Feb 19, 2017, 12:30pm | Julie Mangin | Eastern comma butterflies are among the few species of butterflies that overwinter as adults. They must be confused with this unseasonably warm weather.
Representative photo from the North American Butterfly Association |
Shepherd's Purse in flower | At the corner of Flower Ave and Division Ave | Sat, Feb 18, 2017 | Michael Wilpers | A naturalized annual in the Mustard Family, this species was first documented in N. America in 1672 as among "such plants as have sprung up since the English planted and kept cattle in New England" (Del Tredici, "Wild Urban Plants"). All sources I looked at (including the 2012 Flora of VA) list flowering in March or later.
Photo by Michael Wilpers |
Canada Geese | Saw a couple of Geese at Wheaton Park baseball field, and a large flock in and around the stormwater ponds about 100 yards downstream from the Kemp Mill shopping center on Arcola Ave. | Fri, Feb 17, 2017 ~noon | Dan Treadwell | Canadian Geese are frequently seen within the Sligo Creek watershed. |
Belted Kingfisher | Flying north over the new managed meadow between the soccer fields and the two stormwater ponds just downstream from the Beltway | Wed, Feb 15, 2017 12:30pm | Michael Wilpers | Could have been the same individual as recently reported downstream from Colesville. Their breeding territories average only 0.6 miles of stream-length, but couldn't find info on their winter home-range. |
Belted Kingfisher | Downstream from Colesville Road, at bridge of first playground. | Wed, Feb 8, 2017 ~noon | Katherine Payne | |
A fox calling | Heard from Tenbrook Drive (Sligo Woods neighborhood) | Fri, Jan 27, 2017 ~8pm | Susan Hunt |
We've heard this call occasionally since we moved here about 9 years ago, never been quite sure what it was.
Fox chasing dog, then calling (starting at 0:28sec, representative call) |
Red Fox | Trotting from Sligo Woods neighborhood, west across Tenbrook Drive, into Sligo Park (sledding slope, across Parkway from ball courts; between Dennis & University) | Sun, Jan 22, 2017 | Laura Mol | A healthy/vigorous-looking, rather large red fox--in contrast to a sighting a year ago (2-29-2016) of a very mange-ridden fox on exactly the same flight path. |
Two black squirrels with white tips on tail | Grounds of Washington Adventist University on the banks of Sligo Creek at Carroll Ave | Fri, Jan 6, 2017 | Jack Cohen & Clair Garman | Black squirrels are relatively often seen. The white tips on their tails made these squirrels unique. |