I pondered going to Monticello Park after lunch today, but I’m glad I went to
the Huntley Meadows Hike/Bike Trail instead. In spite of the rotten weather, it
was a great afternoon for migrants. Within 100 yards of my car I had 7 Warbler
species in the first 20 minutes. I ran into pockets of Warblers all along the
trail and in the fields. The activity never let up the entire time I was there
(over 4 hours). I tallied 11 species of Warblers and an added bonus of a Common
Raven croaking several times as he passed over the park. It was the numbers
rather than the species count that was the highlight. I saw at least 8
Black-throated Blue males, and similar numbers (if not more) of Black-throated
Green. Warblers included: Redstart, BTB, BTG, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Parula,
Nashville, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Palm, and B&W (lots of these). As
reported yesterday, Indigo Buntings are still present, as are Chimney Swifts.
No pics today, as it was too wet to take my camera afield.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
