Phil Silas and I had some good birds today in Prince William Co. despite the
fact the only warbler we saw was YellowRumps.
Possum Point Road was OK for waterfowl w. a good showing of Wood Ducks, some
Horned and PB Grebes, two Canvasbacks, Hooded and RB Mergs, Gadwall,Coots, two
Redheads, a few Black Ducks and our beloved Mallards...
Aside from many Bald Eagles and Osprey, surprise raptor was a pair of Kestrels
hunting along the berm of the ash pond - we looked but did not see any sign of
a Peregrine on the smokestacks.
Cockpit Road was quiet as could be so we headed back toward Leesylvania and the
marina on Neabsco Creek. Swallows over the marina include Barn, No. RoughWings
and Tree and we picked up two Foresters Terns over the creek. In Leesylvania we
spotted what had to be a migrating Harrier.
We took a quick walk to the north side of Julie Metz before calling it quits -
hoping for a mid afternoon rail (why not?) No rails, but Phil spotted a Raven
soaring w. an Osprey right over the Clay colored Sparrow (spot)... great ending
to a beautiful 3/4 day of birds.
Rich Rieger
Alexandria
