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.

Carol Boston thesis on technology and
Sligo Sightings, 2011-2013 (48-page PDF) 		  Notations by Friends of Sligo Creek
on Boston thesis (1-page PDF)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

Photo by Stuart Armstrong
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
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.

Photo by Dan Treadwell
Common Yellowthroat Warbler Near Wayne Ave & Sligo Creek Pkwy Wed, Sept 20, 2017, ~9:30am Barbara Neu Lovely, friendly group of four birds!
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.
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
Photo of Female Wood Duck and Snapping Turtle by Dan Treadwell
Photo of Male Wood Duck by Dan Treadwell
Photo of Wood Ducks and Snapping Turtle 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.

Photo by Dan Treadwell
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.
Please see the Aug 12 entry for Jean Cavanaugh for more info.

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

From FOSC: The bird has been identified as a Moscovy Duck.
Please see the Aug 12 entry for Jean Cavanaugh for more info.

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.

Photo by Beth Baker
Tree Fungus Along Sligo Creek trail, near Dallas and Brunett Avenues Sat, Aug 12, 2017 Steve Fine

Photo by 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

From FOSC: These dabbling ducks are wild along the Rio Grande River, Texas, and south into Brazil. A Sligo sighting must be of an escaped domesticated Muscovy.

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.

Photo 1 by Dan Treadwell
Photo 2 by Dan Treadwell
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

Photo by 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.

Photo by Kit Gage
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.

Photo by Dan Treadwell
Painted Turtle University Blvd stormwater ponds (just N of Univ. Blvd) Sat, June 29, 2017, 9:30am Ed Murtagh Painted Turtle laying eggs.

Photo by Ed Murtagh
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
Butterfly Weed by Michael Wilpers
Venus' Looking Glass 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.

Black-Crowned Night Heron by Craig Lapreziosa
Downy Woodpecker Sligo Creek Pkwy 1/4 mile upstream from Piney Branch Road Sun, June 4, 2017 Dan Treadwell Lying in the road dead

Photo by Dan Treadwell
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

Info on the Eastern Box Turtle
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.

Black-Crowned Night Heron by Ed Murtagh
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.

Representative photo from Audubon Society
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
Snapping turtle, Photo #2 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.

All About Birds
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.

Info on the Eastern Box Turtle
Black-Crowned Night Heron Sitting on rock in Sligo Creek adjacent to Dale Drive Neighborhood Park. Fri, Apr 28, 2017, ~7:45am Hisao Yatsuhashi

Info on this bird from the Chesapeake Bay Program
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:

All About Birds
Green Heron At the Ladd Street entrance to the Park, near the new wetland development. Wed, Apr 26, 2017, ~11am Dana Best

Info on this bird from the Chesapeake Bay Program
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.

Representative photo from BirdingInformation.com
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
Cinquefoil, Photo by Michael Wilpers
Dewberry, Photo by Michael Wilpers
Pennsylvania Fleabane, Photo by Michael Wilpers
Plantain-leaved Pussytoes and Bluets, 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!

Representative photo from PurelyPoultry.com
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
Field mustard (brassica rapa) Photo by Michael Wilpers
Creeping yellowcress (rorippa sylvestris) 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
Skunk cabbage, photo by Michael Wilpers
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).

Photo by Michael Wilpers
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.

Representative photo from AllAboutBirds.org
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
Representative photo of Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis) from Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Representative photo of Yellow Crown Night Heron from Shoal Creek Conservancy, Austin, TX
Representative photo of Golden Crowned Kinglets from AllAboutBirds.org
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.

Representative photo from the St. Lucie, FL Audubon Society

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.

Representative call

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.

Photo 1 by Adam Landsman
Photo 2 by Adam Landsman

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.

Photo by Michael Wilpers
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.

Representative photo from Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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
Representative photo from a Manitoba, Canadian government website

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.

Photo 1 by Dan Treadwell
Photo 2 by Dan Treadwell

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.

Representative photo of winter fox by Bonnie Coates Ott

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.

Photo by Jack Cohen
Photo by Jack Cohen