The six inches of rain in last week's wonderful relief restored much of the
water in the Huntley Meadows central wetlands, and no doubt triggered the
return of many birds to the Park. The 10 birders on this morning's walk
witnessed the appearance of the season's first Green-winged Teal, several
sparrow species, and the seasonally predictable huge flocks of foraging
Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds.
Those familiar with the Monday Morning walk know that it has long been our
custom to adjourn to a local restaurant after the walk to tally this list, have
a little breakfast, and enjoy freewheeling conversation. Occasionally, one of
our band will host this tradition in their homes, and this morning Arleen
Richman had us all over for a wonderful breakfast. The fare was lavish and
magnificent, the company inspiring, and the gesture most generous. Thank you,
Arleen.
Canada Goose 40
Wood Duck 3
Mallard 15
Green-winged Teal 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 10
Barred Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 15
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 20
American Crow 100
Fish Crow 8
Carolina Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 6
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Eastern Bluebird 12
American Robin 10
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
Palm Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 1
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 25
Swamp Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 10
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 100+
Rusty Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 200+
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 20
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. Readers are
encouraged to visit the Friends of Huntley Meadows Website for detailed Huntley
Meadows birding statistics information.
http://friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/index.html. For questions call the Park ;
during normal business hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
