[va-bird] dusk at huntley meadows, fairfax co

I was out with about 1/2 my ornithology class,
(some of whom were not properly clad for the
wind-chill when the sun went down) on 2/22 from
about 4 to 6:30 on the S Kings Highway side of
the park.  All the water was open.  Though the
thermometer read 40 as we left, the wind chill
made it feel much colder. Highlights were as
follows:
1. 7 woodcocks: we had 2 displaying (and one
flushed) in the west field closest to the marsh,
(I think Fred Bogar had more here after we left),
3 in the next field back, and one in the last
field before exiting.  The first peent was heard
at 6:10.

2. Superb scope-views in excellent golden-evening
light of green-winged teals and pintails. Both
were lifers for my most avid student; he was very
psyched.

3. 3 fox sparrows.  I called to one as he perched
out in the first field.  He responded with a
beautiful song. 

4. The views of displaying male red-winged
blackbirds in the scope elicited many wows among
the students, despite their shivering bodies.

5. We also saw 6 perched rusty blackbirds and 22
flying wood ducks near the observation platform.

6. We had hoped to hear barred owls, but we
didn't, so as we neared the parking lot on the
exit road I hollered out a few imitations.  By
the time we reached the minibus, one was calling
from back in the red maples near Telegraph Rd.

7.  At about 4, hundreds of fish and american
crows were back in the swampy woods on the ground
drinking, bathing, and seemingly eating.  It was
quite a social scene and they made quite a
ruckus.

All the best
Fred

=====
Frederick D. Atwood     fredatwood@xxxxxxxxx
Flint Hill School, 10409 Academic Dr, Oakton, VA 22124
703-242-1675     
http://www.agpix.com/fredatwood
http://www.flinthill.org

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