I spent about 2.5 hours at Huntley Meadows on Sunday morning. King Rail (1) and
Soras (saw 1, heard 2 others) were seen and heard by me, and another birder saw
and photographed a Virginia Rail. All were in the vicinity of the boardwalk
loop, although the King Rail was on the outside of the loop. A Marsh Wren was
calling near the main beaver dam breast beyond the observation deck. The
Red-headed woodpecker family (at least 5, probably more) was very active and
vocal off the informal trail, even caching acorns into the dead trees in that
area. Perhaps this is a good sign that they plan to make this home for a while.
I also had a House Wren right at the entrance to the boardwalk area. Swamp
Sparrows are also back.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
