25 birders
enjoyed a beautiful Spring morning at Huntley Meadows today. Sharp eyes and
ears located 69 species. Among the highlights were an American Bittern that
provided excellent scope views from the observation tower, eleven species of
warblers, four species of raptors, and a healthy collection of yellowlegs and
sandpipers who have replaced most of the ducks that have moved on northward.
Also enjoyed were excellent views of cooperative White-eyed Vireos, Scarlet
Tanagers, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Indigo Buntings.
Unseen, but heard clearly in the parking lot, were a pair of Wood Thrush.
Activity at the bird feeder was rather low, perhaps due to the lurking presence
of a Barred Owl. Also unseen was the
mother Hooded Merganser and babies that have been reported frequently.
Canada Goose---26
Wood Duck---1
Mallard---7
American Bittern---1
Great Blue Heron---2
Osprey---1
Red-shouldered Hawk---1
Red-tailed Hawk---2
Peregrine Falcon---1
King Rail---1
Greater Yellowlegs---6
Lesser Yellowlegs---4
Solitary Sandpiper---9
Least Sandpiper---4
Mourning Dove---2
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo---3
Barred Owl---2
Chimney Swift---6
Ruby-throated Hummingbird---2
Red-bellied Woodpecker---5
Downey Woodpecker---2
Hairy Woodpecker---1
Northern Flicker---1
Pileated Woodpecker---2
Acadian Flycatcher---2
Eastern Phoebe---2
Great Crested Flycatcher---4
Eastern Kingbird---1
White-eyed Vireo---4
Red-eyed Vireo---1
Blue Jay---3
American Crow---2
Tree Swallow---12
Northern Rough-winged Swallow---6
Barn Swallow---14
Carolina Chickadee---4
Tufted Titmouse---2
White-breasted Nuthatch---3
Carolina Wren---4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher---12
Eastern Bluebird---2
Wood Thrush---2
American Robin---5
Gray Catbird---3
Northern Parula---1
Magnolia Warbler---1
Black-throated Blue Warbler---8
Yellow-rumped
Warbler---6
Black-throated Green Warbler---1
Black-and White Warbler---1
American Redstart---1
Prothonatory Warbler—2
Ovenbird---2
Northern Waterthrush---1
Common Yellowthroat---12
Scarlet Tanager---2
Eastern Towhee---2
Chipping Sparrow---1
Song Sparrow---3
Swamp Sparrow---4
White-throated Sparrow---3
Northern Cardinal---5
Indigo Bunting---2
Red-winged Blackbird---35
Common Grackle---12
Brown-headed Cowbird---1
Orchard Oriole---3
House Finch---2
American Goldfinch---12
Since 1985 The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at
Huntley Meadows.
It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge, requires
no
reservation, and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking lot at the Park's
entrance
at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For questions call the Park during
normal
business hours at (703) 768-2525.