There were 14 birders on this morning's Huntley Meadows walk, and they tallied
51 species. Warm, humid and overcast weather was not oppressive, but clearly
summer is coming. There were several highlights this morning. We were treated
to a wonderful view of a Wood Thrush working the leaves and underbrush near the
intersection of the Cedar and Heron trails. A second later observation
included a fledgling. These birds seemed oblivious to our presence, and the
adult presented several superb relatively close views. I have a particular
affinity to Wood Thrushes, and found the experience exhilarating. Another
highlight was the appearance of the Yellow-breasted Chat that we probably only
heard last week. This bird perched prominently on some elderberry flowers for
long stretches of time along the south edge of the beaver dam in the main
wetland, and offered clear views.
Canada Goose 8
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 60
Great Blue Heron 2
Green Heron 4
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Killdeer 3
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 4
Chimney Swift 11
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 3
Acadian Flycatcher 5
Eastern Phoebe 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
White-eyed Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 10
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Fish Crow 1
Tree Swallow 3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 25
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 20
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Carolina Wren 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Eastern Bluebird 3
Wood Thrush 4
American Robin 60
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
Brown Thrasher 5
Common Yellowthroat 4
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 12
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird 27
Common Grackle 55
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Orchard Oriole 1
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 25
House Sparrow 1
The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge,
requires no reservation, and is open to all. Birders meet in the parking lot
at the Park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For questions
call the Park during normal business hours at (703) 768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
