There were many 'firsts' on this morning's Huntley Meadows Monday Morning
Birdwalk. After the main group finished the customary breakfast and list
tally, I went back and joined some friends at the tower. From there we spotted
what is believed to be the Park's first Red-necked Phalarope. It was a male in
non-breeding plumage, swimming in characteristic circles, pecking at the
vegetation in the central wetlands. This sighting was made through a scope by
several birders, and the bird was easily visible and identifiable.
Additionally, the season's first White-throated Sparrow was seen, and a Great
Blue Heron with a dark patch on its head that resembled a bad toupee. The
Phalarope is obviously in migration, so there is no assurance it will be there
longer than a day. Quite a day!
Canada Goose 17
Wood Duck 11
Great Blue Heron 5
Great Egret 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Red-necked Phalarope 1
gull sp. 1
Mourning Dove 3
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 8
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 25
Gray Catbird 6
Common Yellowthr 9
Northern Par 1
warbler sp. 3
Eastern Towhee 1
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 8
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 250
American Goldfinch 4
The Monday Morning Birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7AM (8AM during December,
January and February), 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
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
