The Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk attracted 14 birders who spotted 50
species. It was an exciting morning as spring continues and more species
return to our area. Among the highlights were two American Bitterns calling
and one flushed from the central wetland. This bird flew across the pond and
landed in the grassy area on the north side of the water. It was a very
dramatic sight. Also the group watched as an adult Osprey flew and hovered
over the pond several times, finally plummeting into the water to emerge with a
fish - sushi. Our FOS Common Yellowthroat was heard today, as well as our
first two Barn Swallows. The Virginia Rails were heard but not seen this
morning, but the Sora seemed nowhere to be found. With a pair of Virginia
Rails in residence, one hopes for continuation of nesting from last year.
Would nesting American Bitterns as well be asking too much?
Canada Goose 31
Wood Duck 13
Mallard 7
Blue-winged Teal 2
Green-winged Teal 10
Hooded Merganser 3
American Bittern 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Virginia Rail 2
Greater Yellowlegs 8
Wilson's Snipe 2
Ring-billed Gull 20
Mourning Dove 2
Barred Owl 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 6
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 3
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 9
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 12
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 8
Brown Thrasher 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 25
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 100
Rusty Blackbird 60
American Goldfinch 25
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. 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
