Monticello Birders,
I was glad to learn today that the city of Alexandria has agreed to
postpone the Monticello invasive plant/tree project. I understand this
project has been put off until June. If you were one of the individuals who
contacted the city in this regard, thank you.
But, I believe there is a little more work to be done in connection
with this matter. It's nice to know that the remainder of the Monticello
understory will survive this spring migration. But, I would like to be able
to bird Monticello next spring and for years to come. This might be difficult
to do if much of the understory is removed from park in June. I was in the
park the other afternoon when the city crew was removing the understory.
Among other things they were discussing their plans to remove almost all of
the understory along the creek at the bottom of the park.
I've heard many of the theories as to what makes Monticello such a
great "migrant trap." I don't know which, if any, of these is correct, but
it's pretty clear to me that three things contribute to making Monticello a
great place to bird spring migration. These are high canapies, the creek, and
the understory. I worry that removing large amounts of understory from the
banks of the creek will have a material effect on the quality of the birding
in the park going forward.
The city may indeed have good reasons for wanting to remove the
invasive plants and trees in the park. But, I think it will be helpful going
forward if the people doing this work understand that that the understory
ought not to be cut down and thrown into the creek as was done the other day.
I also think it would be very, very helpful if the city would agree to
replace some of the understory it intends to remove in June.
I can think of lots of reasons why something should be done make sure
the Monticello understory is handled carefully. And, not all of these involve
great looks at birds. For instance: I remember one day watching three
generations of women from the same family walk into Monticello arm in arm on
Mother's Day, just to bird the park together. I think this is one reason why
the understory at Monticello should be preserved as much as possible.
Then, there was an elderly couple I met in the park. Years ago they
used to bird Monticello when they lived here in the area. And, they had just
come from California to bird Monticello. He was in his 90's, and the couple
wanted to get across the bridge to bird the bend in the creek together one
last time. The problem was the couple wasn't able to negotiate the large tree
that is blocking the path on the near side of the creek. And, they also
didn't want to use the path on the far side of the creek to get to the bend
because the path on that side of the creek is a little more difficult to
navigate than the path on the creek's near side. So, I stood nearby and
watched this incredible couple bird Monticello from the bridge for the better
part of 20 minutes. They picked up a couple of birds, and I helped them out
the park. I definitelty think this is reason enough to ensure the city of
Alexandria understands that Monticello is a pretty special place.
And, just today there was the woman who picked up a black-throated
green in the understory. It was a life bird for her, and she was beyond
thrilled. This reminded of the first black-throated green I ever saw in
Monticello. He was bouncing around in one of the pieces of understory that
was removed yesterday.
And, as for today's birds, there were parula, chestnut-sided,
magnolia, blk-throated blue, blk-throated green, palm, black and white,
redstart. worm eating, and ovenbird. With the exception of the overnbird,
every one of these birds used the understory to get close to or into and out
of the creek. So perhaps this is another reason to be concerned about the
quality of the understory in Monticello.
So, I am glad to hear that the invasive plant/tree project has been
put off until June, but based on the way this project has proceeded to date,
I think we all should be concerned about how the city might finish this
project in June. I think Monticello is an extraordinary park. I don't believe
the understory should be cut down and thrown into the creek. And, I do
believe it will be helpful if the city would agree to replace some of the
understory it plans to remove. If you ever had a special moment in
Monticello, if you believe there is a connection between the quality of the
understory and the quality of the birding in the park, please think about
contacting the city of Aleaandria to let officials know how you feel about
the understory in Monticello.
Thanx
Paul Kane
Falls Church
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