The Friends of Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk's 'rain or shine' policy
was tested enthusiastically
this morning as 12 birders gathered in a steady snowfall to spot 36 species.
We endured the weather to spot some interesting highlights. Topmost was
probably the 34 Wilson's Snipe in the Central Wetland. It seemed that
everywhere we looked, there was another one. Also, the spotting of 3 American
Tree Sparrows was possibly a Monday Morning first. Our conclusion that in both
cases, we were witnessing the gathering of species for the upcoming spring
migration. We were also encouraged to spot so many Rusty Blackbirds as have
been reported by others for the past week or so. This is a species in sharp
decline, and to find so many in one flock is gratifying. Readers are reminded
that beginning next week on April 1, the Monday Morning walk will revert to its
summer schedule, and begin at 7 AM. The group encountered a Ground Hog along
the path who very pointedly reminded us that he is a rodent, not a
meteorologist, and that the springtime snow
is not his fault!.
Canada Goose 9
Gadwall 10
Mallard 12
Northern Shoveler 15
Green-winged Teal 46
Hooded Merganser 3
Wilson's Snipe 34 Probable migratory flock
Mourning Dove 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 6
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 1
crow sp. 22
Tree Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 18
Tufted Titmouse 10
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 6
Eastern Bluebird 4
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 25
American Tree Sparrow 3 probable migratory gathering
Song Sparrow 30
Swamp Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 40
Dark-eyed Junco 15
Northern Cardinal 11
Red-winged Blackbird 200
Rusty Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 1
American Goldfinch 8
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 from October
through March), 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
