I refound Steve Vogel’s sedge wren at Occoquan Bay NWR this morning. It was on
the right side of Fox Rd. at the intersection with Bayview Rd, about 20 yards
from the parking lot. I head it calling first, giving a what I would describe
as a double raspberry. I pished it out and got a great look at the buffy face
and underparts and striped back. The refuge was pretty birdy, with lots of
sparrows. Most were ducking into the thick grass, but I did manage to see 2
tree sparrows, 6 fox sparrows, 12 savannah’s, and lots of song, swamp, and
white throated. Also a few field, junco, and towhee. I saw a lingering
catbird along Easy Rd., and king rail called from the marsh along the Wildlife
Drive (first time I have heard one there in quite a while). Also of interest
are a pair of bald eagles working on the osprey nest along Charlie Rd. where
the great horned owl nested a number of years ago. If they do wind up nesting,
expect the refuge manager to block off Charlie Rd., and possibly the wildlife
drive. I tallied 61 species.
Marc Ribaudo
Woodbridge
