Winter mode is gaining momentum at Huntley Meadows with abundances of ducks and
sparrows. This morning's walk drew 13 birders who spotted 48 species.
Highlights were large numbers of Green winged Teal, Canada Geese (Cackling
Goose not found), and a huge flock of Common Grackles flying overhead.
Additionally, it seemed that today was sparrow reunion day with Field, Fox,
Song, Swamp, White Crowned, Towhee in plentiful supply, as well as busy flocks
of White-throated Sparrows practicing their 'Old Sam Peabody' song, getting
ready to impress some nice girl next spring.
Canada Goose 169
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 100
Northern Shoveler 2
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 125
Great Blue Heron 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull 25
Mourning Dove 14
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 9
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 12
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 13
American Crow 35
Fish Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 20
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Brown Creeper 3
Carolina Wren 13
Winter Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
Northern Mockingbird 2
Brown Thrasher 2
Cedar Waxwing 40
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Eastern Towhee 3
Field Sparrow 3
Fox Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 17
Swamp Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 25
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 17
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Common Grackle 200
House Finch 2
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, at 7 AM, is free of charge,
requires no reservation, and is open to all. Note that as winter approaches,
occasional icy conditions on the trail may cause cancellation of the walk at
the last moment. Birders meet in the parking lot at the Park's entrance at
3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For questions call the Park during normal
business hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
