Hotline: Voice of the Naturalist
Date: 4/11/2006
Coverage: MD/DC/VA/DE
Telephone: 301-652-1088 option 1
Reports (voice): 301-652-1088 option 2
(email): voice@AudubonNaturalist.org
(deadline): midnight Mondays
Compiler: Lydia Schindler
Sponsor: Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central
Atlantic States (independent of NAS!)
Transcriber: Steve Cordle (scordle@capaccess.org)
Please consider joining ANS, especially if you are a regular user of
the Voice (Individual $40; Family $50; Nature Steward $75; Audubon
Advocate $150). The membership number is 301-652-9188 option 12, the
address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, and the web
site is http://www.AudubonNaturalist.org.
This is the Voice of the Naturalist, a service of the Audubon
Naturalist Society. This report was compiled Tuesday, April 11, at
noon.
Top birds this week are AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, ANHINGA, MISSISSIPPI
KITE, and SANDHILL CRANE, all in VA.
Other birds of interest include LONG-TAILED DUCK, WILD TURKEY,
NORTHERN BOBWHITE, COMMON LOON, grebes, NORTHERN GANNET, AMERICAN and
LEAST BITTERNS, herons, GLOSSY IBIS, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, TURKEY
VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, rails, WILSON'S SNIPE, gulls, CASPIAN TERN,
WHIP-POOR-WILL, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER,
WHITE-EYED and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, swallows, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH,
WOOD THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER, AMERICAN PIPIT, warblers, sparrows,
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, PURPLE FINCH, and PINE
SISKIN.
Four AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS on April 8 were a second-ever record for
South Holston Lake in southern Washington Co, VA.
Four ANHINGAS were spotted on the morning of April 10 as they flew
over the Dulles access road (Rte 267) in northern VA, heading north
toward Montgomery Co, MD.
A MISSISSIPPI KITE provided wonderful looks as it soared low over the
Stonewall section of Appomattox Co, VA, near the James river, on April
9.
On April 5, a SANDHILL CRANE circled over Middlebrook Rd, at its
junction with Mt Tabor Rd, in southern Augusta Co, VA.
The LONG-TAILED DUCK on the Potomac River in Montgomery Co was seen
again April 8, at the head of the rapids at Violette's Lock.
A WILD TURKEY put on a full display at Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax
Co, VA, on the morning of April 8; it strutted in front of the
maintenance building. A WILD TURKEY burst across River Rd near
Pennyfield Lock Rd, Montgomery Co, on April 10.
Two NORTHERN BOBWHITE were found at Irish Grove, Somerset Co, MD, on
April 10--as were 8 CLAPPER and 2 VIRGINIA RAILS.
COMMON LOONS were on the move this week. In the District, two flew
over 20th and L Sts, NW, on April 4, while another was seen over
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, NE DC, on April 9. They were also noted in
VA at Belmont Bay April 8 and Sky Meadows SP, Fauquier Co, VA, April
10, and in MD at Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore Co, April 9, and
Black Hill Regional Park, Montgomery Co, April 10. Many northbound
COMMON LOONS were observed April 8 off Chincoteague NWR, Accomack Co,
VA, as were NORTHERN GANNETS.
Some 15 to 20 PIED-BILLED GREBES congregated at Violette's Lock on
April 7. HORNED GREBES, many in breeding plumage, were noted at
several locations, including the Belle Haven picnic area, Fairfax Co,
and Black Hill as well as Violette's. An EARED GREBE showed up at
Violette's Lock on April 10.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was found at Occoquan Bay NWR, Prince William Co,
VA, on April 7; it was in the wetlands along Charlie Rd. On April 9,
an AMERICAN BITTERN landed in grasses near the tower at Huntley
Meadows.
A LEAST BITTERN was seen at Hughes Hollow, Montgomery Co, April 7.
Beautifully plumaged GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS arrived at Jug Bay, near
Croom, Prince George's Co, MD, April 7. On April 9, Kenilworth Aquatic
Gardens featured both egrets as well as WILSON'S SNIPE.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was found at Huntley Meadows April 7, and a
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON April 9. Three LITTLE BLUE HERONS were
present at Fort Smallwood, Anne Arundel Co, MD, along with a GREAT
EGRET, on April 10. A GREEN HERON was reported to our south, at First
Landing SP in VA Beach, on April 10.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were reported from Ben Brenman Park,
Alexandria, on April 5, and Riley's Lock on the C&O Canal, Montgomery
Co, April 9.
On April 9, a GLOSSY IBIS flew over Easy Rd at Occoquan Bay NWR.
A single BROAD-WINGED HAWK was seen April 7 at Riley's Lock, and
another April 9 over the old landfill in Bowie, Prince George's Co,
MD. The hawk watch at Fort Smallwood tallied a sprinkling of
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS during the week. Early in the week, good numbers of
accipiters passed through; a count of 329 on April 7 was dominated by
TURKEY VULTURES.
On April 9, a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Monterey, Highland Co, VA; it
was heading south over VA 644 near VA 643.
Irish Grove hosted CLAPPER and VIRGINIA RAILS--and just possibly a
BLACK RAIL--on April 8. KING RAILS were found at Occoquan Bay NWR
April 8 and 9, along Charlie Rd and in the marsh off Easy Rd.
WILSON'S SNIPE were plentiful at Huntley Meadows and at Hughes Hollow.
Some 700-750 BONAPARTE'S GULLS flocked over Back River, Baltimore, on
April 6. Violette's Lock also drew BONAPARTE'S GULLS; approximately 40
were present on the afternoon of April 7, and by evening their number
swelled into the hundreds; the next morning, though, there were none
to be found.
An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was seen April 7 at the Ocean City Inlet,
Worcester Co, MD.
CASPIAN TERNS appeared at Patterson Park, Baltimore, on April 5;
Berwyn Heights, Prince George's Co, MD, and Centennial Lake, Howard
Co, MD, April 8; and Mason Neck SP, Fairfax Co, April 7.
A WHIP-POOR-WILL made a first-ever appearance at a Worcester Co yard
on April 9.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD showed up earlier than ever, on April 8, at
a yard in St. Mary's Co, MD.
RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were noted at Jug Bay April 9 and Fort
Smallwood Park, as well as at Sky Meadows.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen April 9 at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO appeared near Ft Bayard Park, NW DC, April 6;
Purcellville, VA, April 7. and, on April 9, at Great Falls NP, Fairfax
Co, and Sky Meadows.
PURPLE MARTINS were noted at Violette's Lock April 7, along with TREE
and BARN SWALLOWS. On April 6, 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS
perched in the area. A BANK SWALLOW appeared at Violette's Lock April
10. A BANK SWALLOW was also reported from Anacostia Park, NE DC, on
April 9.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continue to be seen.
A WOOD THRUSH was singing at Huntley Meadows on April 9.
Half a dozen BROWN THRASHERS were noted at Baltimore's Patterson Park
April 5, and an AMERICAN PIPIT was discovered there April 10.
Warbler sightings included NORTHERN PARULA April 9 at Occoquan Bay,
along with YELLOW-THROATED (also seen there April 8) and a possible
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. YELLOW-THROATED was seen at Jug Bay, Anne Arundel
Co, April 9, and PARULA at Schoolhouse Pond, Prince George's Co, April
10. On April 8, Pokomoke SF, Worcester Co, held numerous OVENBIRDS and
a PRAIRIE WARBLER. A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was singing at Huntley
Meadows April 9.
Eight CHIPPING SPARROWS were one of 8 sparrow species found at Paint
Branch Stream Valley Park in College Park, MD, on April 10. A VESPER
SPARROW was seen at Occoquan April 7. VESPER SPARROW was one of 7
species found on a trip to Central Farm, Howard Co, April 9; the tally
also included hundreds of SAVANNAH SPARROWS. A SALT-MARSH SHARP-TAILED
SPARROW was found at Irish Grove April 10.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited a feeder in California, MD, April 7.
Flocks of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS frequented several locations, including the
Henryton section of Patapsco Valley SP, Howard Co, April 6, and
Huntley Meadows on April 8 and 9.
PURPLE FINCHES lingered; 20 or more gathered in a yard in Darnestown,
Montgomery Co, on April 8.
A single PINE SISKIN visited a niger feeder in St. Louis, southwest
Loudoun Co, VA, on April 8.
Some of this week's reports have been gleaned from the MDOSPREY and
VA-Bird list servers.
Finding Birds in the National Capital Area by Claudia Wilds is an
excellent source of directions to many birding sites. The ANS
Bookstore (301-652-3606 or
www.audubonnaturalist.org/cgi-bin/mesh/store) is an excellent source
for this and many other nature-related titles.
To report bird sightings, e-mail your report to
voice@AudubonNaturalist.org. But no big photo files, please. You may
also report by calling 301-652-1088 and selecting menu option 2.
Please post reports before midnight Monday, identify the county as
well as
state, and include your name and a Tuesday morning contact, either
e-mail or phone.
Thank you for calling, and GOOD BIRDING.
Date: 4/11/2006
Coverage: MD/DC/VA/DE
Telephone: 301-652-1088 option 1
Reports (voice): 301-652-1088 option 2
(email): voice@AudubonNaturalist.org
(deadline): midnight Mondays
Compiler: Lydia Schindler
Sponsor: Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central
Atlantic States (independent of NAS!)
Transcriber: Steve Cordle (scordle@capaccess.org)
Please consider joining ANS, especially if you are a regular user of
the Voice (Individual $40; Family $50; Nature Steward $75; Audubon
Advocate $150). The membership number is 301-652-9188 option 12, the
address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, and the web
site is http://www.AudubonNaturalist.org.
This is the Voice of the Naturalist, a service of the Audubon
Naturalist Society. This report was compiled Tuesday, April 11, at
noon.
Top birds this week are AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, ANHINGA, MISSISSIPPI
KITE, and SANDHILL CRANE, all in VA.
Other birds of interest include LONG-TAILED DUCK, WILD TURKEY,
NORTHERN BOBWHITE, COMMON LOON, grebes, NORTHERN GANNET, AMERICAN and
LEAST BITTERNS, herons, GLOSSY IBIS, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, TURKEY
VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, rails, WILSON'S SNIPE, gulls, CASPIAN TERN,
WHIP-POOR-WILL, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER,
WHITE-EYED and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, swallows, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH,
WOOD THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER, AMERICAN PIPIT, warblers, sparrows,
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, PURPLE FINCH, and PINE
SISKIN.
Four AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS on April 8 were a second-ever record for
South Holston Lake in southern Washington Co, VA.
Four ANHINGAS were spotted on the morning of April 10 as they flew
over the Dulles access road (Rte 267) in northern VA, heading north
toward Montgomery Co, MD.
A MISSISSIPPI KITE provided wonderful looks as it soared low over the
Stonewall section of Appomattox Co, VA, near the James river, on April
9.
On April 5, a SANDHILL CRANE circled over Middlebrook Rd, at its
junction with Mt Tabor Rd, in southern Augusta Co, VA.
The LONG-TAILED DUCK on the Potomac River in Montgomery Co was seen
again April 8, at the head of the rapids at Violette's Lock.
A WILD TURKEY put on a full display at Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax
Co, VA, on the morning of April 8; it strutted in front of the
maintenance building. A WILD TURKEY burst across River Rd near
Pennyfield Lock Rd, Montgomery Co, on April 10.
Two NORTHERN BOBWHITE were found at Irish Grove, Somerset Co, MD, on
April 10--as were 8 CLAPPER and 2 VIRGINIA RAILS.
COMMON LOONS were on the move this week. In the District, two flew
over 20th and L Sts, NW, on April 4, while another was seen over
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, NE DC, on April 9. They were also noted in
VA at Belmont Bay April 8 and Sky Meadows SP, Fauquier Co, VA, April
10, and in MD at Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore Co, April 9, and
Black Hill Regional Park, Montgomery Co, April 10. Many northbound
COMMON LOONS were observed April 8 off Chincoteague NWR, Accomack Co,
VA, as were NORTHERN GANNETS.
Some 15 to 20 PIED-BILLED GREBES congregated at Violette's Lock on
April 7. HORNED GREBES, many in breeding plumage, were noted at
several locations, including the Belle Haven picnic area, Fairfax Co,
and Black Hill as well as Violette's. An EARED GREBE showed up at
Violette's Lock on April 10.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was found at Occoquan Bay NWR, Prince William Co,
VA, on April 7; it was in the wetlands along Charlie Rd. On April 9,
an AMERICAN BITTERN landed in grasses near the tower at Huntley
Meadows.
A LEAST BITTERN was seen at Hughes Hollow, Montgomery Co, April 7.
Beautifully plumaged GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS arrived at Jug Bay, near
Croom, Prince George's Co, MD, April 7. On April 9, Kenilworth Aquatic
Gardens featured both egrets as well as WILSON'S SNIPE.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was found at Huntley Meadows April 7, and a
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON April 9. Three LITTLE BLUE HERONS were
present at Fort Smallwood, Anne Arundel Co, MD, along with a GREAT
EGRET, on April 10. A GREEN HERON was reported to our south, at First
Landing SP in VA Beach, on April 10.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were reported from Ben Brenman Park,
Alexandria, on April 5, and Riley's Lock on the C&O Canal, Montgomery
Co, April 9.
On April 9, a GLOSSY IBIS flew over Easy Rd at Occoquan Bay NWR.
A single BROAD-WINGED HAWK was seen April 7 at Riley's Lock, and
another April 9 over the old landfill in Bowie, Prince George's Co,
MD. The hawk watch at Fort Smallwood tallied a sprinkling of
BROAD-WINGED HAWKS during the week. Early in the week, good numbers of
accipiters passed through; a count of 329 on April 7 was dominated by
TURKEY VULTURES.
On April 9, a GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Monterey, Highland Co, VA; it
was heading south over VA 644 near VA 643.
Irish Grove hosted CLAPPER and VIRGINIA RAILS--and just possibly a
BLACK RAIL--on April 8. KING RAILS were found at Occoquan Bay NWR
April 8 and 9, along Charlie Rd and in the marsh off Easy Rd.
WILSON'S SNIPE were plentiful at Huntley Meadows and at Hughes Hollow.
Some 700-750 BONAPARTE'S GULLS flocked over Back River, Baltimore, on
April 6. Violette's Lock also drew BONAPARTE'S GULLS; approximately 40
were present on the afternoon of April 7, and by evening their number
swelled into the hundreds; the next morning, though, there were none
to be found.
An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was seen April 7 at the Ocean City Inlet,
Worcester Co, MD.
CASPIAN TERNS appeared at Patterson Park, Baltimore, on April 5;
Berwyn Heights, Prince George's Co, MD, and Centennial Lake, Howard
Co, MD, April 8; and Mason Neck SP, Fairfax Co, April 7.
A WHIP-POOR-WILL made a first-ever appearance at a Worcester Co yard
on April 9.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD showed up earlier than ever, on April 8, at
a yard in St. Mary's Co, MD.
RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were noted at Jug Bay April 9 and Fort
Smallwood Park, as well as at Sky Meadows.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen April 9 at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.
BLUE-HEADED VIREO appeared near Ft Bayard Park, NW DC, April 6;
Purcellville, VA, April 7. and, on April 9, at Great Falls NP, Fairfax
Co, and Sky Meadows.
PURPLE MARTINS were noted at Violette's Lock April 7, along with TREE
and BARN SWALLOWS. On April 6, 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS
perched in the area. A BANK SWALLOW appeared at Violette's Lock April
10. A BANK SWALLOW was also reported from Anacostia Park, NE DC, on
April 9.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continue to be seen.
A WOOD THRUSH was singing at Huntley Meadows on April 9.
Half a dozen BROWN THRASHERS were noted at Baltimore's Patterson Park
April 5, and an AMERICAN PIPIT was discovered there April 10.
Warbler sightings included NORTHERN PARULA April 9 at Occoquan Bay,
along with YELLOW-THROATED (also seen there April 8) and a possible
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. YELLOW-THROATED was seen at Jug Bay, Anne Arundel
Co, April 9, and PARULA at Schoolhouse Pond, Prince George's Co, April
10. On April 8, Pokomoke SF, Worcester Co, held numerous OVENBIRDS and
a PRAIRIE WARBLER. A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was singing at Huntley
Meadows April 9.
Eight CHIPPING SPARROWS were one of 8 sparrow species found at Paint
Branch Stream Valley Park in College Park, MD, on April 10. A VESPER
SPARROW was seen at Occoquan April 7. VESPER SPARROW was one of 7
species found on a trip to Central Farm, Howard Co, April 9; the tally
also included hundreds of SAVANNAH SPARROWS. A SALT-MARSH SHARP-TAILED
SPARROW was found at Irish Grove April 10.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visited a feeder in California, MD, April 7.
Flocks of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS frequented several locations, including the
Henryton section of Patapsco Valley SP, Howard Co, April 6, and
Huntley Meadows on April 8 and 9.
PURPLE FINCHES lingered; 20 or more gathered in a yard in Darnestown,
Montgomery Co, on April 8.
A single PINE SISKIN visited a niger feeder in St. Louis, southwest
Loudoun Co, VA, on April 8.
Some of this week's reports have been gleaned from the MDOSPREY and
VA-Bird list servers.
Finding Birds in the National Capital Area by Claudia Wilds is an
excellent source of directions to many birding sites. The ANS
Bookstore (301-652-3606 or
www.audubonnaturalist.org/cgi-bin/mesh/store) is an excellent source
for this and many other nature-related titles.
To report bird sightings, e-mail your report to
voice@AudubonNaturalist.org. But no big photo files, please. You may
also report by calling 301-652-1088 and selecting menu option 2.
Please post reports before midnight Monday, identify the county as
well as
state, and include your name and a Tuesday morning contact, either
e-mail or phone.
Thank you for calling, and GOOD BIRDING.