One of the notable drawbacks to winter birding at Huntley Meadows occurs when
the central wetlands freeze. There are no ducks. They might do a fly-over,
but are not likely to land. So, 17 birders who turned up for today's Huntley
Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk were disappointed at finding few waterfowl.
Nevertheless, some of our highlights included a couple of American Tree
Sparrows, three Red-headed Woodpeckers, a Merlin flying over the wetland, and a
Winter Wren seen near the tower.
Canada Goose 60
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 12
Northern Pintail 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 5
Ring-billed Gull 4
Barred Owl 1
Red-headed Woodpecker 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 10
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 5
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Merlin 1
Blue Jay 11
American Crow 10
crow sp. 32
Carolina Chickadee 40
Tufted Titmouse 37
White-breasted Nuthatch 6
Winter Wren 2
Carolina Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 8
American Tree Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 23
Swamp Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 15
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 50
Rusty Blackbird 10
Common Grackle 11
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4
The Monday Morning Birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since
1985. It takes place every week, rain or shine (except during electrical
storms, strong winds, or icy trails), at 8AM (7AM from March through October),
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
