FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] Chuck-will's-widow @ The Wetlands (JRPS)

["JANICE FRYE" <jjfdc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Late this afternoon I went to check on the kingfisher burrow (quiet), a
white-eyed vireo nest in progress (perilously exposed in a busy area), two
suspected barred owl nest trees (one adult near each, no young detected),
the great horned owl near the golf course (hooting near a hooting barred
owl-not the first year I have heard this, though I have read accounts of
GHOWs eating other owls), and anything else that cared to sneak up on me.
For the past few days it has been wonderful with abundant water and bird
songs ringing from every nook and cranny.  The cardinals are numerous and
playful-a female seemed to especially like a vine swing she found the other
day.  Male prothonotaries are very visible in a couple of spots.  There was
one rusty blackbird politely demonstrating its song over and over near the
boardwalk.  There was a sound I am not sure of near the great horned owl at
dusk.  I wonder if it was a fledgling begging for food.  It was not like any
barred owlet I have heard-can anyone describe the begging sounds of a great
horned owlet?  I was going to the car after a lovely walk when I heard a
bird saying its name in the woods near the meadow.  Just to be sure, I
pulled up the correct track on a CD in the car and it was indeed my first
Chuck-will's-widow!  Five minutes from home, very little gas consumed, and
so rewarding. Goodnight!

 

Jan

Richmond