I had a most interesting morning in the northern reaches of Lake Accotink
Park, Fairfax County. The lake itself has been run down to allow for dam
repairs. This allowed me to cross into a fairly large area of rank grass and
rushes (with some small bushes) that I can normally access only in the
winter (when it is the only certain spot in my local patch for Swamp
Sparrows).
First surprise was finding an Eastern Kingbird. Normal late date is
September 15, though they have been seen exceptionally into November.
Second surprise was the presence of 20+ Swamp Sparrows, most (perhaps all)
first-year birds. Their normal early date is October 10.
The third surprise was a Marsh Wren which responded while I was spishing up
the Swamp Sparrows. It climbed up some tall grass for a brief appearance,
but could not be enticed out again. Almost certainly a migrant, but
intriguing to think the species might have nested here! I shall check next
year. [This is the first 'new' species for my local patch in quite some
time.]
Complete list of sightings:
Great Blue Heron (2)
Wood Duck (1 male, 2 females)
Red-shouldered Hawk (1)
Solitary Sandpiper (2 together)
Chimney Swift (20+)
Belted Kingfisher (2)
Eastern Phoebe (3)
Eastern Kingbird (1)
Blue Jay (6)
American Crow (25+)
Fish Crow (2)
Carolina Chickadee (7)
Tufted Titmouse (6)
White-breasted Nuthatch (2)
Carolina Wren (4)
House Wren (2)
Marsh Wren (1)
American Robin (30+)
Gray Catbird (4)
Black-throated Blue Warbler (male)
Nashville Warbler (immature/female)
Common Yellowthroat (female)
Northen Cardinal (12+)
Indigo Bunting (1)
Song Sparrow (15)
Swamp Sparrow (20+, mostly hatching year birds)
Stephen Eccles
