The 14 birders who turned out this morning for the Huntley Meadows Monday
Morning Birdwalk tallied 44 species on a warm, humid, cloudy calm morning. The
drought has dried up the Huntley central wetland almost completely. This
shortage of water distresses many birders who come to see shorebirds, ducks,
and other water loving birds. But, we must understand that wetland drawdowns
are a natural part of the ecology, and actually perform valuable ecolological
services to the wetland. Patrons of Huntley Meadows should be aware of the
wetland restoration plans being formulated. Information of these plans can be
seen at the Park's Visitor Center during normal business hours. A brief item
of background information is also available on the Friends of Huntley Meadows
website - http://friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/ ;
Canada Goose 6
Mallard 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Killdeer 5
Mourning Dove 3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5
Chimney Swift 12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Acadian Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 4
Eastern Kingbird 2
White-eyed Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 6
Carolina Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 10
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 5
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Eastern Bluebird 4
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 10
Cedar Waxwing 1
Common Yellowthroat 5
Scarlet Tanager 1
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird 10
Orchard Oriole 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 30
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
