[va-richmond-general] Dutch Gap Tuesday

At Dutch Gap yesterday we took the main trail along the flyash pond starting 
around 8 a.m. when the birds were still fairly active. They quieted down 
considerably by about 9:30. The slope leading to the pond has not been cut this 
year, and there was quite a bit of activity on the chain link fence and in the 
weeds. There were several 1st year female Dickcissals on the fence, one or two 
very active female Orchard Orioles feeding on the grasses, juvenile Eastern 
Bluebirds, Green Herons flying overhead, several juvenile Northern Mockingbirds 
plying for attention from the adults, who were trying to ignore them, and 
Juvenile Tree Swallows soaring around along with the adults. A few bright male 
goldfinches were also there.
Also several Eastern Kingbirds perching and flycatching on/from the fence, and 
a couple of female Brown-headed Cowbirds. We saw one Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. At 
least two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were heard, one near the first turnout  and one 
on the trail through the woods, but they were not is a good position to be 
seen. We flushed at least two Great Blue Herons, and saw one Great Egret and 
one Wood Duck in the lagoon. Ospreys were cruising overhead. We got a glimpse 
of a turkey. A Pine Warbler was singing in the tops of a pine tree in the 
parking area near the Visitor Center when we left. Lots of doves and grackles, 
of course. There were at least 5 species of dragonflies buzzing around, and 
several zebra swallowtail butterflies. By about 10:00 it was very hot - Al 
dropped 4 pounds in 2 hours. Great way to loose weight and see birds at the 
same time. Go early!

Al and Linda Warfield

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