This morning we launched the H.M.S. Hoover once again to monitor a few sections of Hoover Reservoir for Prothonotary Warblers. Both the air and water temperatures were sizzling. By noon passing 90 degrees was history and the water was ready to brew tea. By the time we made land it was a contest to see who looked hotter, us or the birds. Many birds were observed perched with their beaks open and we also saw Great blue Herons in their cooling off posture, bill open and wings folded outward by their sides. This weather has many birds looking very stressed. We worked several of the islands on the reservoir, the inlets at Twin Bridges and coves along the east shore to slightly south of Windale Farms Circle. Our reward was locating 16 new Prothonotary Warbler territories and having several of the males on a show for us perched in the sunlight and singing away. In the direct sunlight some of the males were extraordinary in the brightness of their plumage. It's a sight I never tire of. One male flew out to the boat and kind of greeted us. I was surprised when I compiled our observations for the trip to find we tallied 70 species. However, to temper that statement, many were nothing you wanted to write home about such as the Rock Pigeons under a bridge. The Cliff Swallows under the bridge were much more appreciated. Cowbirds, grackles and the like can run up a list rapidly. Quality versus quantity is more enjoyable and there were some better species about including Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher at the nest hole in a reservoir bank, a Common Yellowthroat that came out over the water to check us out, Great Crested Flycatchers and Eastern Kingbirds at their nests. Now I have to rest up for Thursday when it is predicted to be another scorcher and I am scheduled to participate in a Breeding Bird Survey. At least Thursday's activities will be on land in an area with shade. Charlie Bombaci ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]