[VA-bird] Occoquan Bay NWR 3/19/2019

From: "Ron Vogel" <vireo@xxxxxxx>
To: <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2019 19:29:06 -0400

Just a few notes on sightings at Occoquan Bay-

There are several king rails in the refuge's wetlands. Where Easy Road

crosses Catamount Creek, one of these rails has been pretty cooperative in
coming out of hiding for easy viewing.

Lots of fox sparrows along the backside of Bayview Road-counted at least

seven visually; two or three more were pretty vocal but not observable. Very
typical for this time of the year.

Ospreys are everywhere, especially along the shoreline where Marumsco

Creek enters Occoquan Bay.

Tree swallows have arrived, along with a few cow birds and two catbirds

(catbirds may have overwintered)

Blue -winged teal in the company of a pair of widgeons was seen on the

pond by the parking lot-first time I've observed either species at this
location on the refuge.

Cardinals are everywhere. I counted 27 individual birds today, about half

of which were on seen on Fox Road. At one point, I observed six males and
two females perched on the same small Bradford pear tree. A remarkable
sight, and reminder that what may be considered common can still be
amazingly beautiful.

Waterfowl continue to be this season's big disappointment; nevertheless,

large rafts of scaups remain on Occoquan Bay.

Can't wait to see what shows up next!

Ron Vogel

Annandale, VA

[VA-bird] Occoquan Bay NWR 3/19/2019

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