It was an exquisitely beautiful morning as 23 birders gathered for today's
Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk. We were able to tally 50 species,
with highlights including a rare Swamp sparrow, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
seeming to gather in what looked like pre-migration feeding groups; several
Red-shouldered and one Red-tailed Hawks circling as if "kettling"; and a very
cooperative Brown Thrasher showing off in the understory in front of the tower.
I have been curious why our group seems to have grown over the past month or
so, when I was reminded of federal furloughs. We sympathize with our friends,
and hope that a couple of hours at Huntley on Monday morning can at least let
them forget their plight temporarily.
Canada Goose 25
Mallard 4
Great Blue Heron 3
Great Egret 7
Green Heron 5
Red-shouldered Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Mourning Dove 3
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2
Barred Owl 1
Chimney Swift 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 9
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 5
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
Eastern Wood-Pewee 3
Acadian Flycatcher 5
Eastern Phoebe 2
Red-eyed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
crow sp. 1
Purple Martin 2
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 15
Carolina Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 8
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Carolina Wren 7
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Eastern Bluebird 4
American Robin 20
Gray Catbird 9
Northern Mockingbird 3
Brown Thrasher 1
Common Yellowthroat 15
Chipping Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 9
Indigo Bunting 3
Red-winged Blackbird 20
Common Grackle 22
Orchard Oriole 2
House Finch 9
American Goldfinch 12
House Sparrow 8
The Monday Morning Birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7AM (8AM from November
through March), 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. Questions should be directed to Park staff during normal
business hours at (703)768-2525.
Harry Glasgow
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
