Sometimes, during more reflective moments, I ask myself what drives me to get
up in what is essentially the middle of the night, drive many miles to stand
in appalling weather so that I can watch a few birds. I never come up with an
answer, but I do enjoy it. This morning was one of those moments. Six
birders joined me in the cold and rain to participate in today's Huntley
Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk, and we spotted 33 species. Perhaps today's
highlight was the reaction as an adult Bald Eagle flew low over the wetland
spooking nearly every duck into the air. The geese, on the other hand saw no
threat and remained oblivious. Other observations included complete absences
of American Robins and Great Blue Herons.
Canada Goose 150
Gadwall 3
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 75
Northern Shoveler 4
Northern Pintail 28
Hooded Merganser 8
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull 8
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 20
Fish Crow 15
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 10
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Marsh Wren (Eastern) 1
Carolina Wren 6
Eastern Bluebird 3
Song Sparrow 20
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco 6
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 90
American Goldfinch 1
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
