Hello VA-Birders,
I made a few stops this morning before noon to shake out some year birds with
some success, coming across 105 species total. I started in Nokesville for the
off chance of a Henslow's Sparrow but none showed, of course. From there I
went to the sod farms along Bristow Road hoping for the chance shorebird, then
on to Possum Point, then to Julie Metz (skipping Leesylvania) and heading for
Occoquan and Belmont Bay.
Nokesville was interesting as usual. Before arriving there, I made a stop at a
pull-off along 234 and amazingly heard a PINE WARBLER calling loudly. I found
several GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS on Hazelwood Road, along with a couple PEWEES, two
YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS and other migrants.
On to Bristow Road, I found a single HORNED LARK in one of the fields, as well
as a few more Grasshopper Sparrows (another spot!). No shorebirds were present.
Possum Point was somewhat slow, though i was able to find an amazingly late
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK in the ash pond hanging out with male and female Mallards.
I ran into Marc Ribaudo who mentioned seeing a CANADA WABLER and a KENTUCKY
WARBLER and I was able to find both. Other migrants include both ORIOLES, both
TANAGERS, a prominently perched CHAT, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and a
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER silently moving through the branches. Total warbler
species here were just 16, with 18 total for the day. The peak is past!
Finally present in the small pond opposite Quantico Creek was a GREEN HERON
perched on a snag. I figured one would show up eventually...
Next was Julie Metz Wetlands, where the real fun began. I was walking along
the "boardwalk" to the duck blind and ran into an Empidonax perched on a
leafless twig. I felt comfortable with what it was, but I did wait for it to
give a confirmatory call, ID-ing it as a WILLOW FLYCATCHER. Also presnet were
two (presumably breeding) PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER calling
overhead, the resident WARBLING VIREO, and a R-T HUMMER.
Walking along the trail closest to the marina, I stumbled upon the spot where
the KING RAIL apparently lives. I was able to get close views of this
spectacular bird, observing it walking back and forth among the marsh grasses.
At one point I had an unobstructed view of it kek-ing and was surprised to see
that their beaks are bright neon red inside. I moved away without it seeing
me, as I wouldn't want to startle it or make it nervous in any way.
That's all for now,
Jay Keller,
Arlington
P.S. I heard a NASHVILLE WARBLER at Fort CF Smith Park Friday morning in the
trees opposite the bird stream.
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