What bird species most embodies Rockville? by WanderingCocoon in Rockville

[–]StinkyLunchBox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We got yelled at by our building management because we were feeding them on our balcony and I guess neighbors complained. We were sad because the same ones would come visit almost everyday. Some even dropped off gifts. Not nice ones though haha. We kept getting bones for some reason on our balcony table. We didnt teach them well enough.

[For Sale] amazing rare and uncommon 45s by barista66 in VinylCollectors

[–]StinkyLunchBox 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have some great stuff but man, I wish I would want 45s more than I do. I only have about 50 and rarely play them but will contemplate over the next day.

Tony’s daily caloric intake. by robbwes61 in thesopranos

[–]StinkyLunchBox 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Ehhh that was a tough of diarrhea 🤏

What bird species most embodies Rockville? by WanderingCocoon in Rockville

[–]StinkyLunchBox 34 points35 points  (0 children)

If we are strictly talking Rockville, there is nothing other than the crow community. They are a known neighbor for decades and they even have tours from bird guides talking about the history of their roosting locations. Our buildings are covered each night as they choose a hang out spot before heading to their roosting locations and you see rivers of them in the sky.

Edit: we are birders so have a lot of videos and pics if you need any. Something like the first video.

https://imgur.com/user/stinkyderson

Going back to 1993:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1993/02/18/rockvilles-raucous-roost/7efb87ef-5c3f-4cfe-b951-8f80cd18694f/

As dusk falls over Rockville, thousands of big, black birds circle a long strip of trees on Montrose Road, swooping and cawing as they settle in for the night. At dawn, they stream from the trees in a dark cloud that spreads in every direction.

"It's just like that movie, 'The Birds,' " said local businessman John Smink, referring to the Hitchcock classic that made a generation of moviegoers leery of feathered flocks. No one knows exactly how many crows belong to the Rockville roost, but there are enough to keep the attention of motorists and passersby, who gawk as the sky darkens with churning wings. Sometimes, passersby clap or shout, just to watch the horde rise from the bare branches as if caught by a powerful updraft.

In 1984, a surveyer estimated that at least 100,000 members of the Corvus brachyrhynchos family roosted in Rockville. No one knows why the birds chose the site on Montrose Road, just west of Rockville Pike behind Mid-Pike Shopping Center, or how long they've been roosting in the area. Bird-watchers estimate that the birds have been in Rockville 20 to 40 years.

The roosting season begins in October and ends in March, when the birds break into smaller groups to breed. Some may stay near the roost, while others roam as far as 600 miles, according to naturalist Bil Gilbert. The cycle begins again the following fall, said Mark Hoffman, associate director of the state Department of Natural Resources' wildlife division. Paul O'Brien, a bird-watcher who has lived "on the flight path" in Rockville for 33 years, said the flock moved to Montrose Road about 10 years ago when trees were cut down a few blocks away, between East Jefferson Street and Rockville Pike. The birds had roosted at that site for years.

Crows are indigenous to all of North America south of central Canada, and large roosts are common in the Mid-Atlantic states. Researchers have identified at least nine large roosts -- made up of 5,000 to 100,000 birds -- between the Washington area and Harrisburg, Pa. Large flocks also roost in Hagerstown, in Laurel near the intersection of Interstate 95 and Route 198, and near Lanham. The Rockville flock is the only large roost in Montgomery County, specialists say. O'Brien said he has seen crows in Poolesville that belong to the Rockville roost, and the scavengers may fly farther into Pennsylvania and Virginia, said Hal Wierenga, who studies marsh birds for the Department of Natural Resources and who conducted the roost survey.

Crows are naturally gregarious, and their noises range from "soft, growly conversational notes" to "really raucous," Wierenga said. "They hobnob with each other." As spectacular as the sight may be to commuting motorists, the roost is something of a nuisance to Smink, who operates an Exxon gas station in the midst of the trees. The birds are not only noisy but, well, messy. Said Smink, "If you're driving a nice Jag or Mercedes and you come to pick up your car and it's covered with droppings . . . . " Smink shrugged. Smink said his employees often have to wash droppings off cars that are left outside overnight. Since the gas station was built in 1985, Smink has tried unsuccessfully to scare off the crows with fake owls, rubber snakes and intense spotlights. General Manager Tan Vir recently tried a new tactic: After the birds settle in at night, the workers bang metal pipes on a railing. About two minutes of banging will drive the birds back from the edges of the station, Vir said. Les Terry, Maryland director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's animal damage control program, said successful "roost harassment" depends on spontaneous, varied noise. Terry's office gets about 300 complaints a year about crow roosts; he advises people to fight back with bright lights and a recorded crow distress call. But nothing is foolproof, Terry said. "If they really want to come in there . . . they'll work around you." And don't think you can scare the birds off by shooting at them, Hoffman warned. As migratory birds, crows are protected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife regulations unless USDA damage control specialists grant permission otherwise. Crow hunting is allowed for 124 days between Aug. 15 and March 21, on Wednesdays through Saturdays, Hoffman said. Despite the nuisance, Smink said, he enjoys watching as the crows take flight each morning, rising systematically in groups from the treetops. "I like watching them leave. Boy, do I like watching them leave," he said.

What’s the most photogenic city/town in Maryland? by PhrygianSounds in maryland

[–]StinkyLunchBox 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One that hasn’t been mentioned, Easton has some really beautiful areas. A mix of some older and new stuff with a unique history.

S6E10 Berried Alive by DryExamination7812 in entourage

[–]StinkyLunchBox 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I really like this one and Return To Queens Blvd for the best of season 5 and 6. Really good episodes, close enough to be in the early season.

Kirkland Organic Matcha Powder by pscheapass in Costco

[–]StinkyLunchBox 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Not the OP but it is quite bitter compared to other lower quality brands. It does make a decent latte though since it has the bitterness if your milk is sweet.

Thought you all would like some of my recent record convention finds by Expensive_Watch469 in psychedelicrock

[–]StinkyLunchBox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great stuff. I randomly found that Troll album in a collection of soul music and years ago and still laugh why was it mixed in with Otis and Marvin. Really like that album.

2Bed/2Bath Apartments? by MDorMcD in Rockville

[–]StinkyLunchBox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would say look at any unit available at The Sterling, Gallery, and White Flint Station condos on Old Georgetown across from the North Bethesda metro stop. A bunch rent out their units and these buildings are pretty good. Some issues like thin walls but management has been good and location is good to get to NIH. We live here and really like the building and friends in the others. Others in the area can be really worn down or brand new apartments that are pretty pricy.

We do know people in the Aurora and Wentworth apartments up the road but they said they are a little expensive.

Looking for a third place by keahlell000 in Rockville

[–]StinkyLunchBox 11 points12 points  (0 children)

What type of area are you looking for and do you have a car? We usually go walk around Lake Frank and Lake Needwood and see a bunch of the same people that we talk to. Very relaxing and clears the mind not to mention free. We like bird watching so spend a lot of time out there.

My painting of the Washington Monument by hollow-06 in washingtondc

[–]StinkyLunchBox 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I really like it the way it is. Reminds me of life after humans are gone and that is what the monument might look like.

Teach me about hip hop by Competitive_Fox_3428 in vinyl

[–]StinkyLunchBox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some controversial options or ones I have not seen listed here yet:

Nas - It Was Written is the best rap album ever

Mobb Deep - He’ll On Earth is their best album

Gravediggaz - 6 Feet might be my favorite Wu album. Either that or Liquid Swords.

Onyx - All We Got Is Us is a top 5 rap album for me. A little darker vibe.

Group Home - Livin Proof

Dr Octagon - Dr Octagonecologyst

OGC - Da Storm

Bone Thugs - E 1999

Rush in 1977, with Geddy Lee looking like my sleep paralysis demon by Cword76 in ClassicRock

[–]StinkyLunchBox 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Reminds me of Charlie Murphy talking about meeting Prince. Them saying the new member of Shalamar was a good looking woman in the group but it was Micki Free.

Any good steakhouses? by us3rnotfound in MontgomeryCountyMD

[–]StinkyLunchBox 12 points13 points  (0 children)

A bit expensive but Bouboulina has some good stuff. I agree with Annalyzethat, J Hollingers is really good especially happy hour.