Regular readers of the Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk report know the
boilerplate at the end which states that the walk happens rain or shine. Today
was the great test of that brave declaration as 7 stalwarts, Gore-Tex-ed from
head to toe, sloshed through puddles and steady rain to spot 40 species. It
was well worth the discomfort as the highlights included an American Bittern in
flight landing in the cattails and rice grass, and a family of 13 5-day old
Hooded Mergansers and Mom near the boardwalk. Additionally, the group spotted
a dozen Wilsons Snipe, one hawk 'sp', several Wood Ducks, and a large
population of Common Yellowthroat Warblers singing. We came away soaked and
cold, but with some great birding under our belts.
Canada Goose 10
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 9
Green-winged Teal 3
Hooded Merganser 14
Pied-billed Grebe 1
American Bittern 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 3
Green Heron 1
Wilson's Snipe 12
Ring-billed Gull 3
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 1
Tree Swallow 4
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 10
Carolina Wren 6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 11
Gray Catbird 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 12
Eastern Towhee 2
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 30
Northern Cardinal 9
Red-winged Blackbird 35
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 5
Hawk species 1
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
