Hello Vabirders,
Taking a break from errands today, I stopped at Burke Lake, off Route 123
in Fairfax County to try my luck at finding the Red-necked Grebe. Shortly
after noontime it was hanging close to some Ruddy Ducks near the marina, to
the right of the dock on the right side of the marina building. I walked
down the trail that starts to the right of the dumpster that sits at the
lakeside end of the marina parking lot and was able to get close to shore
without spooking the birds.
I got super scope looks at that nifty bird and watched it for about 15
minutes while it preened itself in the sunlight. It preened, stretched its
wings, "stood up" from the water, yawned, clapped its bill, and sort of
wiggle-waggled all over the place. I chortled as it arched its head
backwards to rub its back with the top of its head! What a charmer, and
what an enchanting little nature respite from our human hubbub.
Other birds on the water, C. Goose, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck,
Bufflehead, Pied-billed Grebe, Mallard, and Ring-billed Gull. There may
have been some Canvasbacks on the far side of the lake, for I thought I saw
red on some heads, but it was a tad too far for my little scope to confirm.
Another treat for me today, I finally got Black Vulture as a yardbird!!!
Yeehah!
Lori Markoff
Vienna
Fairfax County
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