Nine resolute and brave birders endured the bitter cold and gusty wind on this
morning's Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk where they spotted 43
species. Highlights included a dramatic confrontation between a Barred Owl and
a Coopers Hawk in the favorite Owl hang out near the Visitor Center.. The hawk
chased the owl away with much ' sturm und drang'. Other highlights included
the sighting of two Lesser Yellowlegs, a pair of Bald Eagles, a huge collection
of Ring-billed Gulls sharing the central pond with an even larger population of
Canada Geese. No Rails were seen, although one report of a strange call from
the cattails suggest they may still be around. Many were interested and
concerned that last week's storm may have driven them away.
Canada Goose 297
Gadwall 6
Mallard 23
Northern Shoveler 3
Hooded Merganser 7
Great Blue Heron 1
Bald Eagle 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 2
Ring-billed Gull 175
Mourning Dove 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 10
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 150
Fish Crow 2
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 15
White-breasted Nuthatch 8
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Field Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Rusty Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 2
The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7AM, 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. Be advised that
the walk may be called off at the last minute due to hazardous winter trail
conditions. Those with questions should call the Park during normal business
hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
