Spent the day birding in Prince William Co. with Sam Dotson, and had a
lot of luck. First stop was Julie Metz Wetland, where we saw the adult
HARRIS'S SPARROW (my 3rd try). It was in the same area reported
previously - along the trail that parallels the road, heading west from
the parking lot.
From there we went to the Prince William Landfill, where we spent about
an hour sifting through the gulls. Most were RING-BILLEDs, but we also
saw a few LAUGHING, 4 LESSER BLACK-BACKEDs, and of course HERRING &
GREAT BLACK-BACKEDs. But the best bird was the first winter ICELAND
that literally was at our feet. I was scanning and rescanning the
distant birds without much success, and then Sam called my attention to
the bird, which was 15' away from us (the closest bird to us). It flew
a short distance, and allowed wonderful, prolonged study. Also at the
landfill were at least 4 BALD EAGLES, and probably one or two more.
From there we went to Parkgate Rd., where we found the 2 LAPLAND
LONGSPURS previously reported. One is clearly a winter male, with a
nice, rich chestnut nape. No sign of Snow Bunting, though.
It was a decent raptor day, with c.10 RED-TAILED, 1 RED-SHOULDERED, 2-3
SHARP-SHINNED and 2 COOPER'S HAWKS, 1 N. HARRIER, and the eagles.
Good birding,
Paul Pisano
Arlington, VA
cheep AT erols.com
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