VA Birders,
Finally, on my 3rd try, I saw the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck in the yard
on the shore of Lake Audubon in Reston, Fairfax Co., where it comes to feed
with a group of Mallard-type ducks, at 7:45 am this morning. The birds were in
the yard at 2133 Cabots Point Lane, off South Lakes Drive. (From Toll Road,
take Wiehle Ave. Exit 13; turn left on Wiehle, left on Sunrise Valley Dr., rt.
on South Lakes, and left on Cabots Point Lane. Bear left on the private road
(Stephen Eccles got permission for us to do this) and park at the end of the
road (in the space across the street from the homes, if possible). Take public
path down to lake and look in yard on left with feeders for the duck. It is
the one with the PINK bill. The whistling-duck seemed to be hanging out with
the mallards today. Take note that the ducks may leave by 8:00 am some
mornings, especially in hot weather. Happily, it was very pleasant this
morning. Also, if you go, please remember that you are a guest on private
property. Stay on the public path, speak softly, and do not go into private
yards unless you are invited to do so by the owner.
Good birding,
Val Kitchens
Arlington, VA
