I have lived my life with the immutable principle that I would never let
weather defeat me. Rain, snow, hot, cold, whatever - it won't stop me. There
are continuous tests to this precept. This morning's Huntley Meadows Monday
Morning Birdwalk was one of those tests, and 6 birders joined me in our
resistance to the urge to stay home. It was a cold, wet, and grey day which
revealed a mere 33 species. The main wetland was still frozen, so that a few
Mallards were the entire duck population, and other passerines were holed up.
Our highlights consisted of 6 species of Woodpecker and many sparrows. The
coffee we enjoy after our walks was especially appreciated today.
Canada Goose 130+
Mallard 5
Great Blue Heron 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull 4
gull sp. 4
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 25
Fish Crow 2
crow sp. 36
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 60
Swamp Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 75+
Dark-eyed Junco 25
Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird 10
blackbird sp. 20
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 8AM (7AM from April through October),
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 GlasgowFriends of Huntley Meadows Park
