The Anhinga which I reported at Mariner's Museum Park on July 25 is
still there as of today, August 1. I have been able to find him in the same
area almost every day since the 25th during my daily visits to the park.
Also, Jane Frigo and Stephen Living came out on the 26th and were rewarded
with excellent views of the bird using spotting scopes. It is a female, by
the way.
For those who wish to find this bird, I can give the following
information. I have had the most luck during the late afternoon/early
evening, from 6 p.m. on. I will give the best directions I can to the spot
on the trail I use to view the bird. I enter the Noland Trail from the WEST
ENTRANCE, for those familiar with the area this is the entrance by the
large, white horse statue and the Lion's Bridge. From this entrance I
follow the trail towards the Museum, do not take the "Meadow Path," (if
unfamiliar with the park there are trail maps located in this area which
will prove helpful). Continue on the trail, and before long you will have
to climb the first real hill. Once at the top, you will find yourself on a
high point which juts into Lake Maury with a good view of the lake. This
spot is before the first bridge, if you come to one you have gone too far.
Carefully scan the shoreline on the other side of the lake from this
point, especially BRANCHES/BUSHES WHICH TOUCH THE WATER. Some days she is
in plain view, other days she can hide very well behind vegetation and can
be difficult to find. The anhinga is visible/identifiable with binoculars,
but if you have access to a scope definately bring it along for a closer
view.
Nick Flanders.
Newport News.
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