I spent two very pleasant mornings at Occoquan Bay NWR today (4/10) and
yesterday. Lots of bird song and lots of bird activity. Highlights included
four warbler species (palm, pine, yellow-rump, and c. yellowthroat); both
kinglets w/ the ruby crowns being particularly vocal, lots of blue gray
gnatcatchers, and lots of flight activity by the refuge's several ospreys
and eagles. Had an opportunity this morning to hear two singing hermit
thrush. I don't often have a chance to hear these birds actually sing, It
seems that off of their nesting territory, these little thrushes sing
"pianissimo" as if they were simply tuning up for the events ahead of them.
Nevertheless, is a beautiful song at any amplitude.
I re-found the Lincoln's sparrow at Deep Hole Point first reported by Marc
Ribaudo a few months back, and the red headed woodpeckers continue in and
around the viewing platform overlooking Marumsco Creek. Waterfowl were
scarce, but Marumsco Bay had a rather sizeable flock of Bonaparte's gulls
enjoying a morning bob on the water.
Looking forward to even better days ahead..
Ron Vogel
Annandale, VA
