I wanted to thank Kim Taylor and Walter Barrows for the excellent photos of
the Osprey marina breeding pair at Dyke Marsh. If you haven't reviewed them
yet, please do so. They are excellent.
Ospreys have a highly visible presence at Dyke Marsh. In our survey area
which extends from the Stone Bridge south of Alexandria to Morningside Lane
on the George Washington Parkway, we generally document about 12 active
Osprey nests and normally most succeed in fledgling youngsters. Last year
was different. We documented 10 active nests and only 4 of these were
successful, including the marina nest publicized by Kim and Walter in their
delightful photos. Even the marina pair lost one of three original nestlings
in 2010, but went on to fledge the remaining two. I can't explain the low
Osprey production in 2010. Certainly prey base appeared not to be an issue.
The marina pair had no difficulty bringing fish to the nest. We'll see what
happens in 2011.
Dyke Marsh also hosts breeding Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Warbling
Vireos, a small and declining population of Marsh Wrens, and Least Bitterns.
It is a special place in a highly urbanized environment. Come visit us on
one of our Sunday morning walks. We meet in the south parking lot off the
GW Parkway every Sunday at 8:00 AM except during the Christmas Bird Count
season. And we always welcome volunteers for our Breeding Bird Survey. Our
website is http://www.fodm.org/. ;
Larry Cartwright
prowarbler@xxxxxxxxxxx
703-941-3142
