I visited the marsh overlooks at Dutch Gap in Chesterfield County last night
and tonight. Last night the highlight was two Great Horned Owls; one ID'd
through a scope, the other sitting quietly on a snag nearby, allowing for
this photo:
http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/rlechols/Birds/Birds%20of%20Prey/?act
ion=view
<http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/rlechols/Birds/Birds%20of%20Prey/?ac
tion=view¤t=D80_2007-08-27_134.jpg> ¤t=D80_2007-08-27_134.jpg
It was very dark; the exposure time was 2 sec with a high ISO.
Other birds of interest last night: a mature bald eagle, the calls of
several Barred Owls, wood ducks, and green herons. I also spotted two bucks
with handsome antlers, walking in the marsh.
Tonight I heard owls calling, but didn't spot any. The highlight for
tonight was a female American Kestrel. Also spotted were Great Egrets, wood
ducks, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallows, Green Heron, and Carolina Wren.
Rachel Echols
Chester, VA
