After an all-too-brief respite from winter late last week, it was back with a
vengeance this morning. The group set off with temperatures in the teens, and
we were fortunate there was no wind. Despite the frozen wetland, nearly 300
Canada geese were spotted and many were hanging out on the ice. Woodland birds
and ducks were scarce, but a group of six bluebirds were foraging on
winterberries below the tower. Two barred owls were spotted, and both a hermit
thrush and two sapsuckers enjoyed the feeders.
We thank Pam and Stuart Davis for their gracious hospitality in hosting our
holiday potluck brunch this morning. Many regulars attended the brunch, but
skipped the frigid walk! Smart!
Canada Goose 300
Mallard 18
Black Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 10
Herring Gull 7
Mourning Dove 4
Barred Owl 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
crow sp. 8
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 5
Eastern Bluebird 12
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Dark-eyed Junco 5
White-throated Sparrow 15
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 16
American Goldfinch 12
The Monday Morning Birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine (except during electrical
storms, strong winds, or icy trails), at 8AM (7AM from March through October),
is free of charge, requires no reservation, and is open to all. Birders meet in
the parking lot at the Park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA.
Questions should be directed to Park staff during normal business hours at
(703)768-2525.
Harry Glasgow & Nancy Vehrs
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
