I got a very late start today due to a job obligation until 9:30. I arrived at
Occoquan Bay around 10:40 a.m. I did not see the full contingent of sparrows
previously reported by 2 others, although I may have glimpsed the female
Dicksissel very briefly just off the parking lot. In the vicinity of the
observation blind/deck near the banding station (the one down close to the
water) were 3, possible 4 Red-headed Woodpeckers (I even got a few below
average pictures), one of which was caching acorns in a dead tree. I first
heard their kingfisher-like grating noise which alerted me to their presence.
They were very active. Two Hooded Mergansers were also seen off the blind/deck.
Further back the same road toward Painted Turtle Pond I had a superb look at a
Blue-headed Vireo. Also seen on the road along the bay (at the bottom of the
hill going down to it) was a male Blackburnian Warbler; a very surprising spot.
Weather was near perfect and foliage spectacular; both added bonuses.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
