Ten persons joined me this morning for the weekly walk at Dyke Marsh WP
sponsored by The Friends of Dyke Marsh, which starts at 8 a.m. in the south
parking lot to the Belle Haven picnic area every Sunday morning except
during the Christmas Bird Count season. The walk started in a dense fog that
prevented us from seeing more than a few yards offshore and didn¹t
significantly abate until we were near the end of Haul Road. Eager to take
advantage of the improved visibility, we walked back through the picnic area
to check out the river. Highlights during the walk included a couple of very
cooperative WINTER WRENS at the edge of the picnic area and along Haul Road,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS at the marina and along Haul Road, a small flock of
CEDAR WAXWINGS at the end of Haul Road, a couple of active RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLETS along Haul Road, several adult BALD EAGLES, including an apparent
pair perched near each other in the same tree along Haul Road, BELTED
KINGFISHERS in flight off the picnic area and prominently perched along Haul
Road, and a BARRED OWL perched prominently opposite the entrance to Haul
Road on our return trip. Waterfowl included a single AMERICAN BLACK DUCK
with MALLARDS in the little gut near the end of Haul Road, a female HOODED
MERGANSER in the marina cove, three male LESSER SCAUP just off the picnic
area, BUFFLEHEAD in several locations, and on our return trip a large number
of GADWALL, an adult male NORTHERN PINTAIL and two male NORTHERN SHOVELERS
off the picnic area. GREAT BLUE HERONS were seen near and far but we did not
see any GREAT EGRETS. We also did not see or hear any shorebirds during the
walk and a brief stop by Phil Silas and me at the nearby Hunting Creek
bridge after the walk. For those interested, a complete list of the 43
species seen on the walk and a photo of the BARRED OWL may be viewed at the
following link:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26152510
<http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26152510>
Thanks to regular field trip leader Phil Silas and all others who joined me
for this very enjoyable walk.
Gerry Hawkins
Arlington, VA
