It was a bright, gusty morning for the 13 birders on this morning's Huntley
Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk. We spotted 45 species, with an interesting
phenomenon: pairs of species - we list both species of Vulture, of Crows, of
Nut-hatches, and of Kinglets. The group encountered enormous quantities of
Green-winged Teal, Canada Geese, and Mallards, the usual variety of Sparrows,
and quantities of Red-winged Blackbirds. One of our group commented that the
cat tails seemed to be 'battle ready', invoking ancient memories of the
ferocious cat-tail wars of my youth. Sigh.
Canada Goose 247
American Wigeon 1
American Black Duck 3
Mallard 175
Northern Shoveler 6
Northern Pintail 5
Green-winged Teal 250
Black Vulture 4
Turkey Vulture 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 100
Mourning Dove 20
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 7
Northern Flicker 17
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 30
Fish Crow 4
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 8
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Towhee 4
American Tree Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 30
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 20
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Northern Cardinal 13
Red-winged Blackbird 60
Common Grackle 3
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 24
The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge,
requires no reservation, and is open to all. Note that as winter approaches,
occasional icy conditions on the trail may cause cancellation of the walk at
the last moment. Birders meet in the parking lot at the Park's entrance at
3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For questions call the Park during normal
business hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
