I'm heading out of town this afternoon for my first trip up to Cape May for
their "Spring Weekend". I had considered a half day at work, but isn't just
silly this time of year? Glad I called off for the whole day!
My husband and I braved the mosquitos for an otherwise amazingly wonderful walk
on the backside of Huntley Meadows (Alexandria, VA @ Kings Hwy & Telegraph Rd).
Of first note is the new "Grounded Coffee" shop which opened up in the "Shops
at Telegraph - great new place!
There is so much water on the backside, it is simply an amazing sight to see.
It looks like a Georgia Swamp - with the wet leaves, dark tree trunks, green
leaves and sun, it is a great atomsphere. The pond trail was stunning!
http://talking-dog.com/grebe/photos/huntley/pondOnpondpath.jpg
Of birding note, we were not disappointed at all. INDIGO BUNTINGS were a dime
a dozen (and as blue as ever). Singing COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were second most
abundant. A couple of YELLOW BILLED CUCKOOs "clucked" in the woods. OVENBIRDS
sang from the woods as well as SWAINSON's THRUSH. At the end of the path on
the deck, a WHITE EYED VIREO sang relentlessly as well. I spotted the HOODED
MERGANSER with her growing ducklings as well in the water. ACADIAN and GREAT
CRESTED FLYCATCHERs were numerous as well.
Our return trip to the car was even better than the walk in. Two BARRED OWLS
called to each other numerous times in the distance. And, as a final finale, a
stunning displaying WILD TURKEY was on the path/road near the entrance to the
first meadow. iPhone and binoculars combined for a bad photo, but it was very
exciting to see - my first at Huntley Meadows!
The tiny spec at the far end of the path is the turkey:
http://talking-dog.com/grebe/photos/huntley/turkeyFromFar.jpg
Bad Bigfoot-type photos of the turkey - tail out and happy:
http://talking-dog.com/grebe/photos/huntley/turkeyUpClose1.jpg
http://talking-dog.com/grebe/photos/huntley/turkeyUpClose2.jpg
-Renee Grebe
Alexandria, VA
