After a week ( Mon. - Fri.) of very few nighthawks at Tysons Corner, last
night it was an aerial circus again. I knew it would be good night even
before I got to the tower buildings because I saw birds in the minimal light
around some buildings on the beltway off-ramp and also over some buildings
on rt. 7. I got to the the tower buildings at about 9:02 or 9:03; the
lights were already on and THE SKY WAS FULL OF NIGHTHAWKS. They were
relatively low and actively feeding; great views of the birds and their
feeding antics. There were also birds over the Fairfax Square buildings
across from the mall entrance. Interestingly, the tower birds seemed to
come and go. They were there, then they weren't , and then they were again.
I am not sure they were even the same birds coming back., as there was
constant distant thunder, and a steady west wind.
My assessment is that the birds were either blown east by the earlier storms
from the west, or that they were migrating over Fairfax County when the
storms brought them down. Anyhow,it was great show. I also walked around to
the back of the building to get a better view. I'll be back there tonight
for sure, and I hope the nighthawks are too!!
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
