Sometimes there are dawns at Huntley Meadows that are so inspirational that one
is rendered speechless. This morning was one of those. As the sun eased up
over the trees illuminating the mist covering the wetland, 11 birders stood in
rapt silence at the staggering beauty of nature. Whatever your beliefs are, or
are not, these moments are very moving. Once composures were regained, we were
able to tally 42 species. The highlights - after the sunrise, that is -
included the large groups of Red-winged Blackbirds common in the fall; several
warbler species; and several raptors including a Bald Eagle. Try dawn in any
nature center, open space area, or Civil War Battlefield in the Autumn. It is
well worth the lost sleep.
Canada Goose 59
Wood Duck 8
Great Egret 2
Bald Eagle 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 8
Chimney Swift 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 10
Downy Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 10
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Eastern Wood-Pewee 4
Eastern Phoebe 4
Blue Jay 15
American Crow 1
Tree Swallow 20
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren 6
House Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 10
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
Yellow Warbler 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 3
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 4
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 12
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird 200
Common Grackle 6
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 5
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
