Good morning all,
Before weeks of insane travel, I took a brief morning trip to Ellanor C.
Lawrence Park, which is located off Route 28, in Centreville. (08:00-09:00)
From Route 66, take the Rte 28 North exit as if going to Dulles Airport
and the first right turn onto Walney Road. The park and the mill, plus the Big
Rocky Run trail, are about one quarter mile down and parking is available.
From Route 50, head south on 28 and turn left into Walney Road just before
the signs for 66. Trail circles around the Main park headquarters and across a
stream, and the pond usually has lots of activity. Redwing blackbirds,
Canadas, and large sunning turtles were running the rather subdued show. The
sounds all around, however, gave the impression of great enthusiasm.
With an ear out for early indigo buntings, I started on the Cabell's Mill
side of the road. The usual and expected robins and cardinals, chickadees,
mockingbirds, and tree and song sparrows were in good attendance.
At the area of the new bioretention pond near the large parking lot, I was
waiting for something to happen and suddenly a group of 60-70 tundra swans
passed loudly overhead on their way north. It was a glorious sight. Not long
after, when I was headed home, a huge group of possibly 200+ Canadas made a big
splash for all to see.
No beaver activity at the big pond today.
Ellen ODonohue
kelpgullsays@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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