VA BIRDers,
Rich Rieger, Marc Ribuado and I checked several locations (not together) in
the Fort Belvoir Christmas Bird Count Circle yesterday and today and noted
wonderful waterfowl concentrations on the Potomac and Belmont Bay. Probably
the most Pied-billed Grebes I have every seen in December sat on Accotink
Bay and at least 700 Gadwall floating about on Belmont Bay. Common Grackles
on the GW Parkway near Fort Hunt and the Red-headed WP spot. Marc tells of
Pine Siskin flocks and Purple Finch sightings down near Neabsco Creek. Good
numbers of sparrows are present, Yellow-rumped Warblers here and there,
hundreds of ducks at Huntley Meadows and Jackson Abbott Refuge and a
Cooper's Hawk is hunting behind my house. And just a couple days ago Ben
Jesup spotted an American Woodcock at Huntley. It looks like the makings
for a great CBC!
There are several areas that are not currently covered or lightly covered in
the upcoming Fort Belvoir CBC. Volunteer counters for a half or full days
are most welcome! Areas that deserve help are at Huntley Meadows down
Barnyard Run (seeking someone who likes sparrows and waterfowl), several
areas at Mason Neck (all but one are adjacent to water), the Lorton,
Fountainhead Park and Burke Lake area (several small lakes, wonderful stream
valleys, mixed woodlands on the Occoquan River) and the uncharted
Featherstone NWR!
The weather looks reasonably good for the count Sunday so come on out and
join us! Please drop me a line or call at 703 768 2172. Thanks Much!
Wishing You All Great 2008 Birds!
Kurt Gaskill
