I received but one informative response to my recent query as to whether
anyone had scouted Arlington National Cemetery for Snowy Owls. Based on
that response and the lack of others, it would seem that the cemetery has
not been scouted. I have a relative buried there, and I may try a visit
some time fairly soon both to pay my respects and scout a little.
My birder colleague also suggested that Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington
seems like another plausible roosting site, like ANC close to National
Airport and seeming to have suitable habitat. However, he has looked a bit
and seen no Snowies there.
Finally, yesterday I did a little "cyclo-birding" along the Washington and
Old Dominion Railroad trail from Arlington to Leesburg. The Red-shouldered
Hawks were out in force, and I saw at least 6. I also had 2 quick possible
Cooper's Hawk fly-bys. I was impressed once again by the tremendous numbers
of Northern Cardinals (100, order-of-magnitude, often in pairs) all along
the trail. Also, of course, many sparrows, although the best I could do
while moving was recognize White-throateds singing here and there, and a
few of their calls. I only heard a few Towhees on this ride. I was a bit
surprised at how many Northern Mockingbird's were about -- perhaps 30.
Nothing else stood out other than hearing some Eastern Bluebirds near
Leesburg.
Cheers, Steve Young, Arlington
