Temperatures in the 60s, a cloudless sky, and a light breeze made this a
perfect day for the Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk. There were 14
birders, and they tallied 44 species. Our highlights included a display of
parents feeding their offspring. Tree Swallow parents collected insects and
brought them to juveniles perched on snags in the central wetlands.
Additionally, the Yellow-breasted Chat that has been seen near the beaver dam
spill way was present again this morning. Finally, an Osprey circled the
central wetland, perhaps determining that things were too dry, moved on,
accompanied by mobbing crows. Subscribers are reminded that tomorrow, July 3
is the anniversary of the signing of the Migratory Bird Act in 1918. From
Wikepedia, "The statute makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill
or sell birds listed therein ("migratory birds"). The statute does not
discriminate between live or dead birds and also grants full protection to any
bird parts including feathers, eggs and nests. Over 800 species are currently
on the list."
Canada Goose 4
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 125
Great Blue Heron 4
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 2
Osprey 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Killdeer 4
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Least Sandpiper 3
Mourning Dove 3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 3
Chimney Swift 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Acadian Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Red-eyed Vireo 2
American Crow 5
Tree Swallow 10
Barn Swallow 7
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 100
Gray Catbird 12
European Starling 4
Common Yellowthroat 5
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 7
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 24
Common Grackle 85
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
American Goldfinch 15
The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge,
requires no reservation, and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking lot
at the Park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For questions
call the Park during normal business hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
