On my way to make some arrangements for land access for the upcoming Belvior
CBC, I stopped by Occoquan Bay NWR for about an hour to look for the Pipits
reported by others this week. I was not disappointed as they were easy to find
in the mud just off the road and next to the snow piles (and on the snow
piles). I managed to get pictures of 2 different individuals, both with worms,
which I thought would be much deeper in the earth. The Pipits were very
gregarious and gave good examples of their flight calls whenever they changed
location. I would estimate 8-12 individuals, but it was really hard to tell as
they were very active. I even found one right in front of the men's toilet off
the parking lot.
Many sparrows. I logged Savannah, Swamp, Field, Song, White-crowned,
White-throated. A killdeer was in the parking lot and a flock of 12 Cedar
Waxwings graced a tree in one corner for about 30 seconds. A Sharpie flew
through, an imm. Bald Eagle, and a Red-tailed Hawk. As I was leaving a male
Towhee perched nicely at the entrance to the refuge.
See pictures if interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28499865@N07/4210368052/ - Pipit with worm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28499865@N07/4210367882/in/photostream/ - Pipit ;
with worm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28499865@N07/4209603643/in/photostream/ - Towhee
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
