While wrapping up the June Northern Virginia Bird Survey at Riverbend
I had '11' 1st year Common Mergansers in one group, all appeared nearly
full grown. Common Mergansers have bred along this portion of the Potomac
for the past 6 years I believe. I had to get to my furthest upriver point in
the survey of Riverbend to find them.
They prefer the area above the "rapids" up to Violettes Lock on the
Maryland side.
I also added my second Prothonotary nest sight on the Virginia shoreline
and I'm certain more breeding spots are out on the Potomac Islands.
First bird of the day was a Great Egret and the second were Wood Ducks.
It was a nice morning to be out and to conclude the project.
Dave Young
Reston, Virginia
