VA BIRDers,
I used the opportunity for a mid-morning stroll at Julie Metz Wetlands
Mitigation Bank (on Neabsco Cr just east of Rt 1 and west of Leesylvania SP
on Neabsco Rd a bit south of Woodbridge) to help overcome the effects of
holiday feasting (not to mention getting gas at $1.999). The cold weather
has moved a few more sparrows into the various cells at Metz. It was
especially fine viewing of Swamp Sparrows of various ages - it's always a
pleasure for me to view the various plumages of this subtly colored bird.
Nothing too unusual found in this family - here are the estimated counts for
the various sparrow species I saw between 0930 and 1100:
American Tree Sparrow 1, quite lovely to see this species again after nearly
a year.
Field Sparrow 3
Fox Sparrow 1, brief song
Song Sparrow 65
Swamp Sparrow 40
White-throated Sparrow 110
Junco 6
I also came upon a Gray Catbird in the easternmost cell. A few
Yellow-rumps, a calling Hermit Thrush, two Bald Eagles and a Red-tailed Hawk
rounded out the notables seen from the trails. As I got back to my car I
was surprised to see a Brown Thrasher in the parking lot. Now I know that
my southern Virginia cousins have oodles of Brown Thrashers, even as feeder
birds (along with a fine list of warblers like Orange-crowned, Black & White
and Wilson's) but up here in Northern Virginia Brown Thrashers after
Thanksgiving are a bit tough to come by. I know a few people who find them,
but I think I have recorded only one after Thanksgiving and that was in
December. Anyway, it was great to see this little fellow as he/she foraged
along the gravel lot.
Before leaving the area, I took a look at the creek near the marina. No
unusual gulls but then it was really the wrong time of day - early and late
in the day, esp. on low tides is the best time. The typical 4 gulls were
there along with 3 Forster's Terns. I suppose this cold weather will drive
these terns south soon; some years this species can be found along the
Potomac in Stafford County in mid-December, but otherwise they are well to
our south.
The Julie Metz and Neabsco Creek area is one of the key locations of the
Fort Belvoir CBC, scheduled for Saturday Dec 31, 2005. If you have interest
in helping out in this area drop me or Marc Ribaudo a note (moribaudo at
verizon.net). Thanks!
Kurt Gaskill
