Hi, all -
Spent several hours at Henricus Park/Dutch Gap Conservation Area
today. I saw/heard a couple of Yellow Warblers along the road as you drive
in to the Dutch Gap parking lot, as well as a lone American Coot hanging
out around the first overlook, up close. There was also a Summer Tanager
singing around the rebuild Cittie of Henricus fort, and one along the Dog
Leg Trail in Dutch Gap. Also saw a Warbling Vireo along the first overlook
where the fishing pier is and watched him sing. In that same area was a
banded female Prothonotary Warbler. Does anyone know the number for banded
birds reporting? I didn't get a number - just a color and location and a
couple of pics (I doubt I can clean up any of the pics to see a number, but
I can try if necessary).
I have a question about a Chipping Sparrow I saw - it definitely had
the white eyebrow, black eye stripe, pure white belly and throat, and a
black/dark bill, but it didn't have the chestnut-colored head. Instead, the
crown looked more like the head of a White-throated Sparrow - brown with a
thin white stripe in the middle. It was feeding where the picnic tables are
next to the fort, to the left of the visitor center/gift shop (if the gift
shop is on your right). I was so busy looking at it, I didn't think to get
a picture until after it had walked out of sight. Thoughts.
Also,a few days ago, at Bryan Park, I saw what I initially thought to be a
singing FEMALE Blue Grosbeak in the Meadow. Everythign I've read says that
the immatures have patches of blue on them, but this one didn't have a
speck of blue, but it was singing loudly in the top of a low tree. I got
several good looks at it and MAYBE a photo. All brown, big bill. Would a
female sing? Are immature males ever all brown?
BTW, 53 species, in all, in Henricus/Dutch Gap, as well as three or four
Snapping Turtles, and Eastern Rat Snake, a Rough Green Snake, and dozens of
spawning fish - carp, perhaps? All were a creamy to dark orange color and
about 2 - 3 feet long, at least.
Alyssa Freeman
Richmond, VA
