Hello all,
After reading the post by Steve Johnson about seeing a Horned Grebe
at the lake on the east side of the Dulles Airport Marriott Hotel, we
made a quick trip out there around 10 a.m. this morning hoping to
find it. Alas, it was not to be. We were a bit hampered by not having
our scope (sent to KOWA for repair). We had nice light, and there was
no wind. There is a nice, paved pull off spot along the airport road
(be in the far right lane and watch for merging traffic just before
the pull off) from which you get a good view of the lake looking to
the west. Also, we checked the boat launch area and the dam from the
road that runs along a portion of the west side of the lake.
We did see the following:
CANADA GOOSE one on the island
MALLARD--15 OR SO
RING-NECKED DUCK--75-80
BUFFLEHEAD--four (they took off while we were there)
HOODED MERGANSER--20 or so
RUDDY DUCK--at least five, all sleeping most of the time we were there
GREAT BLUE HERON--one, perched at the top of a tree lakeside
BELTED KINGFISHER (2)
Good Birding to all,
Jay and Carol Hadlock
Herndon, VA
Fairfax County
