VA BIRDers,
Fine birding today at The Point - 104 species in 4 hrs. Highlight was a
calling Sora from the tidal marsh edge of Quantico Creek. Everything else I
encountered was pretty much seasonal and expected - 27 warbler species.
I headed to Leesylvania SP and managed to add one more species of warbler. I
was hoping for Purple Martin, but the park has poorly managed the houses
there and they are empty. I visited Julie Metz wetlands but there was
nothing new, yet a stop at Veteran's Park added the martins. Afterwards, I
traveled to Occoquan Marina and scoped Boneparte's Gulls, a pair of Gadwall,
a Lesser Scaup and the continuing male Redhead.
I decided to visit the Lorton area and found yet another warbler species and
some grassland sparrows (good for Fairfax Co!) plus another Bobolink. After
noting the local kestrel, I headed to Dyke Marsh where the Tundra Swan
(amazingly rare for the DC area in May) continues along with Ring-necked
Duck and Red-breasted Merganser. A good shorebird group was found that
included 11 Semipalmated Sandpipers - new arrivals to the area.
I ended at Huntley Meadows which was not overly active - perhaps due to the
low water levels. Top species there was a Virginia Rail.
Kurt Gaskill
