I decided to take advantage of the weather this morning, so I headed out to
Huntley Meadows. The usual waterfowl were there: NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN
SHOVELER, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK (m), lots of Canada Geese and
some Mallards. Sparrow activity was high, but I didn't ID any; however,
there was a female RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD in the reeds. The most unusual thing
was the raptor I flushed off the boardwalk on the way in, It was either a
Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk. Also, on the way out, there was a flock of
about 40 Robins.
After leaving Huntley, I decided to stop at Kingstowne Lake where I it
teeming with Canada Geese and Ring-billed Gulls, but closer inspection
showed three male LESSER SCAUP, a female HOODED MERGANSER, a male
BUFFLEHEAD, and just as I was getting ready to leave, I spotted a pair of
male COMMON MERGANSERS. I had left my camera in the car because it was quite
windy but I eventually felt it was worthwhile to go get it. Upion returning,
I witnessed a flock of crows harassing a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK overhead. When
I got back to the mergansers, I saw a female COMMON MERGANSER, too.
Lastly, I checked out the lake at Ben Brenman Park where I found six male
LESSER SCAUP diving for food.
Photos eventually will follow, but I don't have time at the moment.
Cliff Otto
Alexandria
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