Hello all,
I spent the morning at Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax Co. (Kings Highway South
entrance) and birded the track to the observation platform, mainly focusing on
the back meadows. It was a gorgeous day with the front having past; the weather
felt just right for migrants! I had 9 warblers in less than 2 hours including:
Parula, Chestnut-sided, Canada (only one) and Black-throated Green with
Redstart and Magnolia being the most numerous warbler species.
The 2 best sightings of the day were a very cooperative Philadelphia Vireo seen
well working a clearing along the right side of the path (before the last
“meadow” on your right near the platform). The other top migrant was a calling
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (on the left side of the path after the turn from the
maintenance facility). It was quite vocal for about 30 seconds and then hardly
made a sound. Great Fall birds!
There seemed to be a good mix of species coming through and I noticed a strong
push of Yellow-billed Cuckoos seeing over half a dozen. Things in general were
quite active from 7:45 until 9:30 or so and quieted down when the wind picked
up and the sun intensified. Beautiful day though….
I also checked out Monticello Park in Alexandria and added Black-throated Blue
to the list. Monticello had big numbers of Magnolia and Redstart as well. They
must have had a great flight. I had another unidentified Empidonax there that
resembled a Least but I can’t be sure given the look I had and lack of
vocalization. It was a beautiful day to be out birding…..
Will McPhail
Burke, VA (Fairfax County)
