The first of what might become a regular birdwalk at Green Spring Gardens Park
in Annandale took place yesterday, November 23. A large group of 28 birders
showed up, making it necessary to divide the group into two sections. Green
Spring is a Fairfax County Park whose central themes are horticulture and local
history. It is an approximately 30 acre site located in a typical suburban
neighborhood, with a stream, two ponds, extensive gardens, and adjacent to a
golf course. Despite this seemingly bird-attractive setting, we didn't have
great success, tallying only 21 species. Green Spring achieved birding fame
last year for its over wintering female Rufous Hummingbird, and while it has
been reported that she is back this year, she wasn't spotted on this walk.
Turkey Vulture 3
Bald Eagle 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 5
Re-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downey Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Crow Sp. 2
Carolina Chickadee 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 7
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 14
Northern Mockingbird 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 1 (!)
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 5
The entrance to Green Spring Gardens Park is on Braddock Rd in Annandale, about
300 yards north of its intersection with Little River Turnpike (Rt 236). The
address is listed on some maps and GPS systems as Green Spring Rd off 236, but
that is incorrect.
Harry Glasgow
Green Spring Gardens Park
