FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Mason Neck State Park

[StephenDEccles@xxxxxxx]

Steve Williams and I led a birdwalk this morning to Mason Neck SP, on behalf 
of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). Two NVCT staff and ten 
invitees -- all new or inexperienced birders -- turned up. Although we did 
not start birding until nearly 9.30, we did quite well in a couple of hours. 
Got some very good views of several species, full listing below - 38 species, 
although a lot of heard-only birds, which can be frustrating for beginners!

PS. This trip reminds me of another potentially useful way that experienced 
birders can assist fundraising for non-pofits. Each year I offer non-profits 
a couple of 4-hour private birdwalks for groups of up to 6 people; these 
offers are then 'sold' as premia in fundraising events, raising at least $100 
a go!

Double-crested Cormorant - 1 flying over Belmont Bay
Great Blue Heron - several seen flying, with one scope bird roosting
Canada Goose
Osprey - scope on very close nesting bird, mate flying nearby
Bald Eagle - several immatures flying high and low, with great scope views of 
a full      adult perched bird.

Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - one well heard, and 4 fleeting glimpses of 'flying' 
birds
Chimney Swift
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher - scope view
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird

American Robin
Red-eyed Vireo
Northern Parula - common, but only heard
Prothonotary Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Indigo Bunting - scope view of male, also a moulting-in male
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird - unfortunately very common
House Finch
American Goldfinch


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