VA BIRDers,
About 10 people gathered in the picnic area for the regular 8 AM Sunday Field
Trip at Dyke Marsh, sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh and free to all.
Highlight of the trip for all observers were several Tree Swallows cruising the
marina. We also noted 3 pairs of Osprey at nest sites. One Osprey took
umbrage of an adult Bald Eagle passing over the marsh edge, and dived upon it
several times. This eagle likely is associated with the Bald Eagle nest next
to the Wilson Bridge (Maryland side) - we could scope another white-headed
eagle on the nest from the picnic area.
Migration was apparent for several other species. We found many Song Sparrows
in the picnic area and along the Haul Rd trail. A few Double-crested
Cormorants were in Hunting Cr. Bay. Two largish groups of Red-winged
Blackbirds flew northward past our view along the shoreline. Turkey Vultures
made a fine appearance, one even dipped down to cruise the marsh edge. Two
Red-tailed Hawks were spotted in the thermals near a couple of Turkey Vultures.
Canada Geese were present in much reduced numbers from just a few weeks ago
and so it appears the majority of the migratory population has left. The same
holds true for the gulls, the typical 3 being present but in smaller numbers
than last month.
The following are the statistics of Sunday's discovery, augmented by a few
observations I made earlier in the morning from other Dyke Marsh vantage points.
Kurt Gaskill
DC Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 4
Turkey Vulture 3
C. Goose 25
Wood Duck 2
Am. Black Duck 8
Mallard 10
Green-winged Teal 6
Bufflehead 2
Common Merganser 4
Osprey 6
Bald Eagle 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Ring-billed Gull 12
Herring Gull 2
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 4
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied WP 6
Downy WP 4
Hairy WP 1
No. Flicker 4
Blue Jay 6
Am. Crow 3
Fish Crow 2
Tree Swallow 3
C. Chickadee 11
T. Titmouse 4
C. Wren 5
RC Kinglet 1
Am. Robin 10
No. Mockingbird 2
E. Starling 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
E. Towhee 1
Song Sp 25
White-throated Sp. 12
No. Cardinal 16
Red-winged Blackbird 140
Common Grackle 12
Am. Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 7
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