Dyke Marsh (along the Potomac south of Alexandria), like Neabsco Creek, is also
a wonderful place to view Least Bitterns. The best place is the area called the
"Big Gut," which stretches from the Boardwalk south of Tulane Drive, to its
opening at Pipeline Bay, which is part of the overlook along the GW Parkway
north of Morningside Lane. The best way to see them is by canoe. We saw or
heard at least 3 this past Sunday, and in past years Kurt Gaskill has seen as
many as three family groups in July. These canoe trips are part of the
breeding bird survey conducted yearly. We also routinely see Prothonotary
Warblers, Baltimore and Orchard, and sometimes a representative of the small,
but unfortunately, declining population of Marsh Wrens. If you don't have a
canoe, consider joining our survey group. We have one route in the north marsh
in which you paddle yourself and the Big Gut route in which a volunteer couple
do all the paddling while you look for birds. Contact me directly if
participation in our survey appeals to you.
Larry Cartwright
prowarbler@xxxxxxxxx
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