Additions to Huntley Meadows this morning from Rich Rieger and Kurt Gaskill,
all from boardwalk and trail from Visitors Center. Repeats are new totals
for the HM Park database.
Hooded Merganser 4
*Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 3
King Rail 3 (visual count), interesting higher pitch, quickly repeated calls
- did not believe it until I saw a rail open its bill and do it.
No. Flicker 5
*Eastern Phoebe 1, at the tower
Blue Jay 7
*Fish Crow 1
*GC Kinglet 1, parking lot
*RC Kinglet 1, parking lot
E. Bluebird 8
*Hermit Thrush 2
Am. Robin 10
*Fox Sp 1, singing near boardwalk
Song Sp 30
Swamp Sp 15
White-thr Sp 30
*DE Junco 4
*Rusty BB 1, flyover boardwalk
House Finch 5, all near visitors center & incl one male
From: va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Harry Glasgow
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 4:55 PM
To: VA Bird Listserv
Subject: [Va-bird] Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk
This morning's very dense fog limited the bird sightings on the Huntley
Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk. Coupled with the fog, the chilly
temperatures probably played a major role in our reduced participation of
only 7 as well. But even in these sub-optimal conditions, we spotted 39
species, with a dozen American Pipits flying across the Central Wetlands as
being the major highlight of the morning. Additional notable sightings
include the first American Tree sparrow of the season; both Rail species
being easily found; a huge flock of Common Grackles crossing the wetlands;
and 6 of the 7 species of woodpecker normally seen at Huntley in winter.
The fog provided a surreal setting as birds disappeared into the mist flying
only yards from the observer.
Canada Goose 62
Gadwall 1
Mallard 23
Northern Shoveler 8
Green-winged Teal 2
Hooded Merganser 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
King Rail 2
Virginia Rail 2
Mourning Dove 3
Red-headed Woodpecker 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 9
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 37
Carolina Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Carolina Wren 5
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 3
American Pipit 12
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
American Tree Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 12
Swamp Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 19
Northern Cardinal 12
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 600
Purple Finch 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 5
The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge,
requires no reservation, and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking
lot at the Park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For
questions call the Park during normal business hours at (703) 768-2525..
With the onset of winter, be advised that unsafe trail conditions may cause
the cancelling of any of the Monday Morning walks at the last moment.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park