The highlight of today's Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk certainly
wasn't the weather, which was cold, rainy and generally bleak. No, it was a
female Merlin perched in a tree near the eastern end of the boardwalk. It sat
in this tree for a few hours providing many photographic opportunities. This
unusual bird (for Huntley) was one of about 40 seen this morning by the 21
birders who gathered in the rain. Other noteworthy sightings included a
growing duck population, our standby Barred Owl in a cedar tree along the
driveway, and the Red-headed Woodpeckers. The hot coffee waiting for us at
Denny's after the walk was particularly welcome today.
Canada Goose 100
Gadwall 10
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 32
Northern Pintail 12
Green-winged Teal 15
Hooded Merganser 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Bald Eagle 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
gull sp. 16
Mourning Dove 30
Barred Owl 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Merlin 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 28
Fish Crow 2
crow sp. 6
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 3
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 15
Field Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 25
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Common Grackle 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 13
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
