On Sunday, February 15, 2004, I took a quick walk along Woodglen Lake in
Fairfax County (ADC Northern Virginia Map page 20, H5). Most of the lake was
frozen, but there was a small group of Canada Geese ( 12) and Mallards (18)
where Sideburn Branch enters the lake. A Great-blue Heron fished nearby. A
Red-tail Hawk was chased by two crows, before landing in a tree beside the
lake. Also spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk, confirmed breeder here for at least
the past 4 years. Normal winter mix of Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and
White-breasted Nuthatches called from the trees. Mourning Doves, Carolina
Wren, Cardinals, White-throated Sparrows and Song Sparrows were also singing.
Pileated, Red-bellied, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers were around. Did not spot
the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker I saw last week. Saw lots of Goldfinches and some
House Finches. Nothing rare, but a lot of activity on a cold day. Though I
didn't see them this time, I know there are Gray Fox and Red Fox. Did see lots
of squirrels. Beaver lodge looks well-maintained. Saw deer tracks and fresh
scat.
If you have never heard of Woodglen Lake Park, you're not alone. It is owned
by the Fairfax County Park Authority and up to now has been undeveloped. The
narrow margin of park land around this small flood-control lake contains good
habitat with a nice diversity of native plants. The habitat may change soon,
though, as the Park Authority is going to develop a master plan for the tiny
park this year. Neighbors are talking about a nice, wide all-season trail
around the lake with picnic tables and some kind of a pavillion. I imagine
that will lead to neighbors out for a stroll, but also lots of bicyclists,
joggers and dog-walkers like I see around nearby Lake Royal. Trails will also
require cutting down the standing deadwood to make the forest safer for people,
but less friendly for woodpeckers and cavity-nesting birds and animals. A
parking lot will require cutting down more trees, or sacrificing the
weed-filled enclosure along the access road that is such good sparrow habitat.
I received a notice last week that the Park Authority is holding a public
planning workshop on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bonnie Brae
Elementary School Cafeteria. The notice states: "We will be looking at site
background information and issues for how the park can best meet community
needs for the future." I will attend to ask the Park Authority to leave the
park for the wildlife. That's the part of the community that has no voice, but
whose needs are the greatest. There is little enough habitat left in Fairfax,
so every couple of acres matters. If you have visited the area in the past
(perhaps on the winter waterfowl survey) or can do so soon enough to add your
comments, please speak up. Every voice matters, especially if you have
actually been there.
Public access is currently along an unmarked access road at 10617 Zion Drive,
which turns into a dirt path along the east side of the lake. Best place to
park is on nearby Kipp Court. Additional public access is from either side of
the dam --unmarked asphalt paths from Goldeneye Lane or Fireside Court. There
is an unmarked dirt path to the beaver lodge on the west side of the lake at
the bottom of Landmark Place. There is no established trail along the west
side of the lake, but that is the side that has better habitat. We wear boots
and walk along the animal paths. For now my 7-year-old can pretend he's
exploring a real jungle...especially when the elderberries and joe-pye weed are
at their peak in the summer.
Happy birding,
Sarah Mayhew
Fairfax, Va.
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