A very nice morning at Occoquan NWR. Cool temps early, but almost no
breeze made for a great day.
Osprey and Eagles are setting nests and competing for space. I came across
a Tom Turkey displaying in the middle of easy road.
King Rails are making a racket up and down easy road. At least 5 calling..
maybe more. After much patience, I filmed one swimming across an opening
in the marsh near the bench.
Sitting there, I notice a rustle in the marsh... turned out to be a pair of
Wilson's Snipe. The male spread its tail, a display -- maybe. I have a
short video of it. I'd be interested in thoughts on what it is doing.
Kurt -- Does this count for the Breeding Bird Atlas?
Lots of singing going on, rusty blackbirds, catbird, towhee, and field
sparrows are now singing. Tree Swallows are now common and twittering
about. Fox sparrows are still hanging around but a mostly silent.
Here is a link to the videos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73831614@N00/albums/72157704218993912
