What a difference a week makes. Last weekend was windy and chilly. Today was
calm and warm. Aslo, some birds have arrived in a big way. Last weekend I saw
1 osprey huddled on a dock. Today I saw a dozen, mostly in pairs working on
nests in the refuge and on the river. Tree swallows made their first
appearance (for me), and I saw at least 8 in the refuge. Two pairs of phoebes
were also new (and yes, they were singing).
There was an excellent variety of waterfowl on display, with 18 species
tallied. The highlight was 4 goldeneye, with two females at Taylor Point and
one drake and one female at Deephole Pt. The large scaup flock between
Deephole Pt. and the gazebo harbored both scaup species, as well as canvasback,
redhead, ring-necked duck, and ruddy duck. All three merganser species were at
Taylor Pt., along with lots of bufflehead. The marsh along Charlie Rd. held
green-winged teal, gadwall, am. wigeon, black duck, mallard, and wood duck. In
the marsh along Deephole Pt. Rd. were 8 snipe. Other notables were a northern
harrier and an eastern meadlowlark.
Marc Ribaudo
Woodbridge, VA
