[va-bird] Lunch-break birding, Ft. Smith Park, Arlington

With the little recirculating stream bubbling away on my arrival, the little 
pond area was full of American goldfinches. While watching the water activity, 
I suddenly spotted an adult bald eagle circling overhead among several turkey 
vultures. There is a great deal of American robin activity, chipping sparrows 
and song sparrows are singing. A white-eyed vireo arrived and sang briefly at 
near eye-level in the shrubs. 

Of note, just about noon, the running water turned OFF and was still off when 
I'd circled the park and returned to the pond near 1 PM. It seems to be on a 
timed cycle?

After walking the trail circle (and adding house wren, Carolina wren, 
red-bellied woodpecker, fish crow, blue jay and other park regulars), a short 
stay 
back by the water rewarded me with a male orchard oriole and a male purple 
finch. White throats are lingering, but I saw not a single junco today.

Leni Friedman
Arlington

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