I birded the service entrance (Telegraph Rd./S. King's Hwy.) of Huntley Meadows
Park, Fairfax Co. this evening after work. Warbler activity was all but nil in
the late hour and with the heavy duty winds (only Common Yellowthroat,
Ovenbird, and YB Chat). YB Cuckoos were very active, and Thrushes too, with
Swainson's, Veery, and Wood. I found a male Blue Grosbeak in the corner of the
Woodcock field closest to the observation deck, and I believe his mate was in
the grass but did not give me a good look. A lone Great Egret was in the swamp.
I managed to find the reported Lincoln's Sparrow in the field on the left as
you approach the observation deck. He was playing hide and seek with me in the
brush piles along the edge of the swamp, but finally gave me a good look at the
end of one of the piles. Should you go looking for him or any other birds in
these fields, waterproof footwear is an absolute must, as it's like walking on
soaked sponges back there. The bugs are not too bad yet, but warmer weather
this weekend may change that.
Take care.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
