Sorry about this being a bit late, but the faithful on the weekly Monday
Morning Birdwalk at Huntley Meadows yesterday were treated to an encouraging
sight: two pied-bill grebes were spotted among the teals, pintails, mallards,
shovlers, gulls, and Canadensis in the main wetland. These birds were seen
Sunday as well, we are told.
As those who are familiar with Huntley Meadows know, the past year or two have
been marked by a large scale drawdown of the impoundment of the main wetland
because the generations of beavers who had been maintaining the dam for 25
years have moved on. It appears, now, that a colony of beavers has returned as
one or two lodges are reoccupied and the dam is being maintained. With this,
the pond has returned, there are many waterfowl in residence, and the grebes -
a species not seen there for nearly 10 years I am told - have reappeared.
Perhaps a small lesson in the rejuvenating quality of nature . . .perhaps a
passing coincidence.
The Monday Morning Huntley Meadows birdwalk is free of charge, open to all, and
requires no reservation. Huntley Meadows is a Fairfax County Park located at
3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
