I also saw a bird I was pretty sure was a Philly vireo in almost the same
place. In addition to the migrants birds listed below, a couple of natural
history notes.
1. Near the parking lot was a very big rough green snake. Haven’t seen one in
years. Absolutely beautiful.
2. The tick-seed sunflowers are blooming (they are quite a sight if you’ve
never walked the Hike/Bike Trail at this time of year), and there was an
amazing flight of skippers (heck if I know which one). Must have been
hundreds. And a good number of other butterflies as well.
3. There was an impressive amphibian chorus in the main wetland. Anyone know
what species?
Other migrants included:
Swift 17
Hummer 4
Swallow sp. 15
Acadian fly 6 still singing
Pewee 4
Great crested 4
RE vireo 9
WE vireo 3
House wren 4
Gnatcatcher 2
Veery 1
Parula 3
Magnolia 7
Chestnut-sided 4
Blackburnian 2
Black-throated green 1
Prairie 1
Redstart 3
B&W 1 (singing)
Yellowthroat 11
Canada 1
Scarlet tanager 1
Bunting 4
Ben Jesup
Alexandria
Subject: Yellow-bellied Fly and Philly V at Huntley Meadows (Kings Hwy)
From: Will McPhail <willmcphail AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:06:10 -0700 (PDT)
Hello all,
�
I spent the morning at Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax Co. (Kings Highway South
entrance) and birded the track to the observation platform, mainly focusing on
the back meadows. It was a gorgeous day with the front having past; the weather
felt just right for migrants! �I had 9 warblers in less than 2 hours including:
Parula, Chestnut-sided, Canada (only one) and Black-throated Green with
Redstart and Magnolia being the most numerous warbler species. �
The 2 best sightings of the day were a very cooperative Philadelphia Vireo seen
well working a clearing along the right side of the path (before the last
�meadow� on your right near the platform). The other top migrant was a calling
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (on the left side of the path after the turn from the
maintenance facility). It was quite vocal for about 30 seconds and then hardly
made a sound. Great Fall birds!
There seemed to be a good mix of species coming through and I noticed a strong
push of Yellow-billed Cuckoos seeing over half a dozen. Things in general were
quite active from 7:45 until 9:30 or so and quieted down when the wind picked
up and the sun intensified. �Beautiful day though�.
I also checked out Monticello Park in Alexandria and added Black-throated Blue
to the list. Monticello had big numbers of Magnolia and Redstart as well. They
must have had a great flight. I had another unidentified Empidonax there that
resembled a Least but I can�t be sure given the look I had and lack of
vocalization. It was a beautiful day to be out birding�..
�
Will McPhail
Burke, VA (Fairfax County)
