12 September
Nighthawk migration is winding down at Van Dyke Park. I had only 9
birds this evening and it's past the time I've recorded any significant
flights the past 5 years. I checked the nocturnal feeding area at Tyson's
Corner and saw only one nighthawk briefly. Highlight of the watch was 2-3
Cooper's Hawks.
Most interesting behavior today was a group of 20 or so starlings
which
flew out over the field, circled, glided and occasionally fluttered. They
continued this for several
minutes. I assume they were trying to catch insects in mid-air.
I stopped a little early so I could see if any swifts were
going to roost in chimney next to the field. In early August up to 50 birds
were
roosting there every night, but since I started my nighthawk watch they have
been
absent. Tonight it looked like up to 20 or so were investigating the
chimney, but only
four entered.
Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA 22032
grackling@xxxxxxx
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