I've heard it called stagnant, or inert, or torpid, or just the doldrums, but
whatever it is, today we had it by the bucketful. One of the worst Monday
Mornings in memory. Seven birders could only tally 22 species. Perhaps this
calamity could have been softened if there were spectacular birds in the 22,
but such was not the case. Not only were there no spectacular sightings, there
were few ordinary ones: no Canada Geese, no Red-bellied Woodpecker, no
Bluebirds, no Phoebes, etc. By comparison, on August 21 last year we tallied
42 species, including a Short-billed Dowitcher, and half a dozen other shore
bird species.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 5
Chimney Swift 5
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Red-eyed Vireo 5
American Crow 1
Barn Swallow 2
Carolina Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
American Robin 6
Gray Catbird 4
Common Yellowthroat 5
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 1
Indigo Bunting 3
Common Grackle 1
American Goldfinch 12
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
