Here is a note from Rich Rieger on this morning's Dyke Marsh Field Trip,
sponsored the Friends of Dyke Marsh.
Very nice morning at Dyke Marsh, Alexandria, today. Slight chill in
the air and dew on the ground. Good turnout with ten observers and
myself. Ray Smith had the ducks scoped out when we started in the
picnic area - showing us Am. Wigeon, Shovelers, and Ruddy Ducks. PB
Grebes were present as well as one LEsser Scaup.
An adult Bald Eagle got the gulls riled up a few times and Caspian
Terns were diving here and there. A passing Coopers Hawk was scolded
by a RB Gull.
On to the Marina area where we found one Palm Warbler and then watched
two YB Cuckoos flit about in the Sycamore trees near the boat launch
ramp. 7 Am Coots paddled about the dock area. Seems like the
waterfowl diversity is increasing w. more vegetation in evidence -
will be interesting to see what January brings.
One lone fall Blackpoll Warbler was found at the beginning of Haul
Road and the stroll out to the boardwalk yielded most of the usual
suspects. A possible No. Harrier flew in to the island opposite the
last platform as we tallied the morning list and a lone Osprey
circled, working it's way south. We were treated to another Cooper's
Hawk flyby just as we started our return trek.
The Dyke Marsh walk happens every Sunday - 8am - starts near the south
parking lot - free and open to all...list follows
Rich Rieger
C. Goose - 400
Am Wigeon - 3
Mallard - 200
No. Shoveler - 3
Lesser Scaup - 1
Ruddy Duck - 6
PB Grebe - 14
DC Corm. - 20
GB Heron - 8
great Egret - 45
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 1
No. Harrier 1 (possible)
Coopers Hawk 2
Am Coot 7
Killdeer 11
Laughing Gull -- no count
RB Gull no count
Great BBack gull no count
Caspian Tern 4
Rock Pigeon 7
Mo Dove 15
YB Cuckoo 2
Rbellied WP 2
Downy WP 3
No Flicker 1
Blue Jay 17
Am Crow 3
Fish Crow 5
Car. Chick 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
WB Nuthatch 1
Car. Wren 5
Am robin 18
CAtbird 2
No Mockingbird 1
Starling 20
Palm Warb 1
Blackpoll Warb 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
No Cardinal 5
RW Blackbird 10
C. Grackle 6
House finch 3
Am Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 15
