Two events seem to be having an impact on the bird counts brought in by the
Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk: the drawdown of summer, and the
construction project being undertaken at the Park. Not surprisingly for a
Monday holiday, over 25 birders took part in this morning's walk (I stop
counting birders at 25). Our group counted 37 species this morning. As
summer ebbs, we find changes in several species: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
seem to be forming into groups apparently getting ready for migration. We are
seeing fewer numbers in normally large Huntley populations of Red-winged
Blackbirds and Canada Geese; and a slight decline in Shore bird numbers. On
the other hand, we note a clustering of several species of shorebirds in the
midst of the earth moving features of the wetland renovation project. As the
workers scrape more soil away, the birds are finding more exposed food. Our
great thanks to Barbara and John Perry for
their hospitality for the use of their home for our after walk breakfast and
tally.
Canada Goose 5
Wild Turkey 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 3
Green Heron 4
Bald Eagle 1
Killdeer 5
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 10
Mourning Dove 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 7
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 3
Acadian Flycatcher 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 12
Carolina Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren 7
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 15
Gray Catbird 4
European Starling 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 15
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 November
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
