This morning's Prince William Conservation Alliance birdwalk at Merrimac Farm
Wildlife Management Area in Nokesville presented a dramatic demonstration of
the concept of a 'Flood Plain' as nearly half of the normal route of these
walks was impassable due to flooding of Cedar Run. The wind, rain and cold
added to the flooding conditions to keep our participants to two. The bird
highlights centered around Wild Turkeys which seemed to be everywhere. The
brief vocalization of a Pine Warbler was encouraging and renewed our belief
that spring will come soon. The Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area is
located adjacent to the northwestern boundary of Quantico Marine Corps Base
near Nokesville on Deepwood Lane (State Route 645). Follow Aden Road (SR 646)
east from Rt. 28 at Nokesville or west from Rt.234 at Independent Hill to the
crossroads at Aden (Jct. Aden Road and Fleetwood Drive (SR 611). Turn south on
to Fleetwood Dr. and go approximately 1
mile to Deepwood Lane. The first access point (North Parking Area) is located
one-half mile down Deepwood Lane. There take a right turn onto a gravel road
and follow it to its end (0.3 miles). The Cedar Run Parking Area can be
accessed by continuing on Deepwood Lane for an additional mile to its end.
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 40+
Great Blue Heron
1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
American Crow 3
Carolina Chickadee 1
American Robin 2
Pine Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 3
Field Sparrow
1
White-throated Sparrow 12
Northern Cardinal 1
The Prince William Conservation Alliance sponsors these walks on the last
Sunday of every month, beginning at 8 AM.. Questions about the Sunday walks or
about the Alliance and its work should be addressed to 703.499.4954; by
consulting the Alliance's website at http://pwconserve.org/; or by email to ;
alliance@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Harry Glasgow
Nancy Vehrs
Prince William Conservation Alliance
