VA BIRDers,
A lazy day just before the holiday season begins. I stretched my legs down
the main trail at Huntley Meadows after 2pm (most of the rains had ended,
yet a few sprinkles were encountered time-to-time). The water levels of the
pond near the boardwalk are quite high (probably due to the rain) and the
dabblers were fairly strong - Gadwall, Am. Wigeon, Am. Black Duck, Mallard,
No. Pintail and Green-winged Teal. I would not be surprised if a
Blue-winged Teal appears! Also notable was a E. Phoebe.
I visited Jackson Abbott Refuge to finalize the dabbler tally for the day -
there were 4 Wood Duck and a few Hooded Mergansers. Curious how Wood Duck
really like this place.
Last stop was the Dyke Marsh picnic area near sunset. The tide was low and
Canada Geese were out in full - plus 2 Cackling Geese! The other waterfowl
seen were Mallards, some Canvasback and Lesser Scaup and the continuing
large raft of Ruddy Ducks. Oh, and 2 Eastern Bluebirds were working the
picnic area - very unusual for Dyke as they do not breed here.
Kurt Gaskill
