Hi all!
I was asked to lead a birdwatching event for some girl-scouts this morning
so we trekked on over to Huntley Meadows, which we figured to be the
perfect spot for beginners. We couldn't have asked for a better day either.
It was a small group, but there four girls (one being my sister), one of
the scout's brother, and two parents whom I accompanied.
The morning started out with three cormorants flying over and a kinglet in
a tree near the parking lot. We didn't have to walk before before the wrens
and sparrows emerged. Two Downies must have set up territory and a nest
because they didn't budge from the area near the visitor centre the whole
morning. We saw lots of chickadees and several cardinals. One of the young
girls (who was particularly enthusiastic) found a White-throated Sparrow
just a few feet away on a log; and he was in very bright, fresh plumage,
and it took me a few seconds before I could see him. She had good eyes, and
just before we got to the boardwalk I let her use my good pair of
binoculars.
Unfortunately, not everyone had binouclars, but fortunately, many of the
birds were very open and close, and my spotting scope helped alleviate that
problem. We heard a Pileated, but unfortunately never saw one. We had the
usual: Tree Swallows, Red-winged Blackbirds, and numerous sparrows. I was
hoping for a rail, but nothing this time. We had two pairs of Blue-winged
Teal and 3 pairs of Green-winged Teal. I was able to get them and some
other birds in the scope for spectacular views. The favorite sighting of
the day was the female Hooded Merg. which left her nest with her 11 or so
babies and went onto open water. I got them in the scope as well. We also
had several Yellowlegs, which a couple gentlemen were gracious enough to
point out, so I showed the girlscouts et al. them. They were particularly
fascinated by the long legs of the shorebirds. We saw some other neat stuff
and all around they were interested and had a good time.
--
+
JMJ
Go with God and may love guide your actions,
Jacob Barkett,
Woodbridge, VA
"The only mistake in life is not to die a saint."
"Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and
the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever
be encouraged." --- Northwest Ordinance
