A chilly but sunny morning was spend in eastern Loudoun County's
Algonkian Park combined with a few stops at the various ponds in the
Ashburn area. Duck of many species were present on the Potomac River in
Algonkian Park. We saw many Wood Ducks (40+), American Wigeons, Greater
Scaups, Lesser Scaups and all three species of Merganser (Hooded, Common
and a fair number of male Red-breasted). A single Ring-necked Duck,
Green-winged Teals and a male Common Goldeneye were found as well. By
far the best birds were saw were a Red-necked Grebe and three
White-winged Scoters (adult male, female and first winter male). Wow,
that was way cool. Freezing of the Great Lakes and cold weather should
have its reward and this was certainly it. This makes me wonder how many
Scoters and Grebes are really present along the Potomac River. Must be a
nice number.
The various ponds in Ashburn were yielded a few nice birds including
Canvasback (28), Ring-necked Duck and a single Redhead.
Beaverdam and Reservoir Rd were quiet but we still managed to find a few
Hermit Thrushes, Common Mergansers and yet another Red-necked Grebe.
A couple Great-blue Heron nests were occupied at the heron rookery along
Loudoun County Parkway. Guess they are currently not to disturbed by the
ongoing construction int he area. Hopefully it'll remain like that.
It was a morning well spend.
Gerco
Leesburg, VA
