VA-Birders,
Parked at Julie J. Metz at 0730 and hiked East amongst the frozen ponds on the
boardwalks enjoying the woodpeckers and Red-winged Blackbirds. The Potomac
Heritage Trail (PHT) now parallels Neabsco Road so when I reached the Eastern
end of the wetlands, I followed the PHT until it crosses over the road and
uphill into Leesylvania State Park. Halfway up the hill allowed for great views
of the scant open water on Neabsco Creek and great numbers of American Black
Duck, Mallards, and Canada Geese, and a few Hooded Mergansers, Gadwall, Ruddy
Duck, gulls and American Coot. Continued thru Leesylvania as the clear, calm
day warmed to where the PHT shares the same track as the Powell's Creek trail.
There are stands of holly trees that were great for birds including a Hermit
Thrush, Hairy Woodpecker, a Yellow-rumped Warbler, and an Eastern Phoebe.
Reached a still frozen Powell's Creek and saw a few American Eagles perched and
overflying geese. Retraced hike and by mid-day there was much more water and
many more birds on Neabsco Creek. Highlights were Red-breasted Merganser (inc.
1 male), Northern Pintail, a Horned Grebe, a couple Bufflehead, and as the
mudflats were exposed by the receding tide- a Killdeer and 2 Wilson's Snipe.
There were also nearly 30 Great Blue Heron on the North shoreline of Neabsco
Creek. Observed 52 species in all!
Phil Silas
Woodbridge, VA
