I am curious to see if AOL garbles this one, too!
VA BIRDers,
Based upon the weakly high counts we collect at Dyke Marsh, it appears there
has been a slight change in resident population numbers. The biggest
difference is the decrease in Mockingbirds by about a factor of 2, but then
Dyke has never been a stronghold for that species. The woodpeckers,
Chickadees, Titmice, Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals, House Finches and Am.
Goldfinch are essentially unchanged comparing averages before and after the
hurricane.
In terms of migratory songbirds, its been about average with typical warbler
showings this season (incl Orange-crowned and Wilson's), typical vireo showings
(Philly V), flycatchers seem to be off(several Trail's but no E. Phoebes), a
fine wren season (3 weeks of Marsh, House, and Winter at this point), and a
better than average thrush season (Gray-cheeked, Swainson's, and Hermit in the
last 2 weeks).
Ducks and other waterfowl are thin, but that die was cast last spring with the
high waters (and cold water temperatures) impeding submerged aquatic vegetation
growth on the tidal Potomac in No. Virginia, i.e., the habitat has greatly
changed impacting foraging for the dabblers.
With regard to crows, I should point out the the population decrease noted by
many cannot be blamed entirely on West Nile Virus. Fairfax Co. has been
carrying out a pogrom on these species for 2 years now and should be commended
on their relative success. (This was also discussed in an essay in the
Washington Post's Sunday magazine a couple months back.) For example, Fish
Crow numbers at Dyke Marsh have been reduced by at least 1/3 averaged over the
last 20 weeks - this appears to be a significant change from prior years
although more analysis is warrented. If this bothers you, please alert your
Fairfax Co. representative otherwise, I fear, the pogrom will continue.
Kurt Gaskill
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