Good evening,
After learning the Potomac River was nearly ice free, and the ducks were back,
we made a quick trip to Riverbend Park to see what we could find.
We did not have to go any farther than the viewing area at river's edge near
the visitor center. There were ducks, a few Canada Geese, and a flyby of an
adult Bald Eagle that stirred things up for a minute or two.
Here's our list:
Canada Goose--2
Gadwall--6
American Wigeon--4
Mallard--4 (not as many as we thought there would be)
Canvasback--1
Redhead--at least 50, all in view from the viewing platform, and pretty much
staying in one place.
Ring-necked duck--several hundred, spread out up and down river.
Bufflehead--50, or more, spread out up and down river.
Hooded Merganser--1 female
Common Merganser--at least 25
Pied-billed Grebe--2
Great Blue Heron-1
Bald Eagle--3, the adult Bald Eagle flew down river causing the waterfowl to
scatter. It did not go after any of the waterfowl.
American Coot--several hundred up and down river.
There very well could have been more of many of these species, but we did not
take time to walk up or down river.
Good birding to all,
Jay and Carol Hadlock
Herndon, VA
