It was Great Blue Heron Day at the Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk this
morning. As we stepped onto the boardwalk, we were treated to a flock of Great
Blues flying in a rough formation. As the GBH flotilla descended and soared
just overhead, we were treated to flight antics that reminded this writer of
scenes from Jurassic Park style movies. Twenty-nine birders watched with awe
all morning as the Herons flew around the central wetland, and sustained
harassment by Red-winged Blackbirds who seem to have no fear. Green Herons
added to the scene as they darted around the Great Blues. Quite a scene. For
the third week in a row, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron was in residence. This
bird doesn't seem injured, so we can't figure why it hangs around. Our final
total was 51 species.
Canada Goose 3
Wood Duck 12
Great Blue Heron 10
Great Egret 3
Green Heron 12
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1
Osprey 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 5
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 3
Barred Owl 1
Chimney Swift 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4
Belted Kingfisher 2
Red-headed Woodpecker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 4
Acadian Flycatcher 8
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 3
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 5
Fish Crow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2
Purple Martin 1
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 12
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 8
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 25
Gray Catbird 4
Prothonotary Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 3
Northern Cardinal 8
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird 29
Common Grackle 4
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 9
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 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 GlasgowFriends of Huntley Meadows Park
