FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Riverbend Park, (Ffx. Co.) Apr. 5

[Scott Baron <brnpelican@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello, birders.

I visited Riverbend Park in Fairfax Co. this morning
to look for early spring migrants as well as early
spring wildflowers.  Despite the cool (about 50
degrees F) temps as well as occaisonal mist and
showers, I was not disappointed with what I found.  I
hiked from the Visitor's Center downstream along the
Potomac to the falls in Great Falls Park, then
backtracked upriver to the Upland Trail, which snakes
back to the Visitor's Center.

Some birding highlights were:

At least 8 Great Blue Herons, some flying back and
forth to their roost near the falls.

Several species of waterfowl.  Red-necked Grebe (3 for
those of you who are still counting, at least 1 of
which was an adult), Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose,
Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Red-breasted
Merg. and Common Merg.  All of these species numbered
5 or less except for the geese, of which there were
about 20.

Sharp-shinned Hawk at the Visitor's Center.

Osprey heard near the Visitor's Center.

4 Eastern Phoebes.

Lots of swallows, mostly flying low over the river at
the falls.  Approx. 25 No. Rough-winged, approx. 65
Tree and 2 Barn.

3 B. Creeper

1 Winter Wren

2 B.g. Gnatcatcher

Both kinglets, at least a few of each species.

2 Hermit Thrushes together on the Upland Trail.

Several warblers.  About 9 Yellow-rumped, 2 Palm (1
Yellow/eastern race, 1 not seen well), 4 La.
Waterthrushes.  I got a clear scope view of one of the
latter as it fed along a rock near the falls. 
Probably the best look I've ever had of one.  It's
eyestripe was broken at the back end.

Sparrows - Towhee, Song, Junco, Wh.-throated and
Field.

Also, there were no gulls except 1 Ring-billed. 
Several Cormorants. Birds were active around the
feeders.
 
Flowers are in bloom along the river.  Early saxifrage
and Cut-leaved Toothwort are blooming, Redbud and Va.
Bluebell are just coming out, violets and Trout Lilies
aren't showing any blooms yet.

Think Spring!

Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.

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