This morning's Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk drew 22 birders who
identified 47 species on a hot, humid, partly cloudy day. We had several
first-timers today who seemed to enjoy themselves. We hope they can return
regularly. Our highlights included the Wood Duck family we have been following
for a month or so, and another with very small, fuzzy chicks. Our fascination
with the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest over the boardwalk continues, as we watched
three little beaks poking up from the nest as a parent brought the next morsel.
We are pleased to hear several Wood Thrushes in the forest for the past few
weeks. Today, we were able to see one or two as well. We hope that this
bonanza may be a signal of the reverse in the decline of Wood thrushes in North
America.
Canada Goose 33
Wood Duck 22
Mallard 3
Hooded Merganser 2
Great Blue Heron 5
Great Egret 1
Green Heron 4
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5
Barred Owl 1
Chimney Swift 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 4
Acadian Flycatcher 6
Eastern Kingbird 5
Red-eyed Vireo 7
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 7
Carolina Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse
7
White-breasted
Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7
Eastern Bluebird 2
Wood Thrush 4
American Robin 20+
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 5
Indigo Bunting 1
Red-winged Blackbird 25
Common Grackle 30
Orchard Oriole 1
House Finch 12
American Goldfinch 2
The Monday Morning Birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine (except during electrical
storms, strong winds, or icy trails), 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
