TS Hanna's contribution to the bird population at Huntley this weekend wasn't
particularly impressive (but then again, neither was TS Hanna). At the sound
of the final Buzzer, so to speak, the 12 birders on this morning's Huntley
Meadows Monday Morning Bird Walk had counted 42 species. Among the highlights
were migrating warblers ( a magnificent view of the Magnolia!). Additionally,
the group came upon a 'Pile O' Beavers'. Six beavers calmly sleeping along the
boardwalk - probably flooded out of their den by Hanna. When the water level
goes down, they will return to the den as if nothing was wrong. Who needs
FEMA? Also, the group was serenaded by the chorus of thousands of Southern
Leopard Frogs (Rana utricularia) who seemed to be celebrating the inflow of
water. Another beautiful day at Huntley.
Canada Goose 3
Great Egret 2
Little Blue Heron 3
Green Heron 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 4
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
White-eyed Vireo 3
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 30
Barn Swallow 12
Carolina Chickadee 15
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Carolina Wren 6
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 4
Scarlet Tanager 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Red-winged Blackbird 4
American Goldfinch 20
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. 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
