Our group of 5 this morning heard a Pine Warbler singing (nope, not a Junco)
at Huntley Meadows just beyond the Visitor's Center and fairly deep in the
woods. There was also an Eastern Phoebe singing high atop a tree near the
boardwalk loop, and it then flew briefly onto the favorite perch at the
railing near the first observation area. 2 Winter Wrens were seen and one
struck up its beautiful song in the observation deck area. There was also
one American Tree Sparrow just beyond the loop area of the bardwalk. An
immature Bald Eagle was another highlight. Waterfowl still present but in
reduced numbers included Northern Pintails, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards,
American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Canada Geese (including a very
impressive high-flying migratory group) and many Ring-billed Gulls. A nice
flock of 10 Wilson's Snipe feeding in one of the exposed areas in the main
wetland was an additional treat. By the way, Beavers have done quite a
number on many of the small trees at the entrance to the wetland area. Many
of the birds' favorite close-up perches will be missing this spring. The
Beaver lodge in the loop area continues to grow, also.
This evening John Pratt and I did the hike/bike trail search for American
Woodcock, along with the staff and many others on their annual Woodcock
walk. We were treated to at least 8-10 birds. Peenting began around 6:20
p.m. Although there were many fly-byes, there did not seem to be much yet in
the way of courtship flights circling high. John and I got there a little
early and were treated to probably a half-dozen Fox Sparrows in the Woodcock
field, an Eastern Towhee calling, and 4 fly-over Wood Ducks. At the end of
the evening there were at least 2 hooting Barred Owls, one fairly close.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax.Co.
