Took a walk on the C&O canal with my friends Bill and Jane yesterday afternoon, down river from Pennyfield Lock to the WSSC bridge, almost to Swains Lock.
We had a soaring imm. Bald eagle in the parking lot and another (hatching year) Bald eagle on the snag above the nest on the Virginia side of the river, as seen from the tow path at the 18.3 mile mark.
On the river was a large group of 17 Common Mergansers ( all females and immatures), numerous cormorants and Great Blue herons, and a fly by Great Egret.
Down by the WSSC bridge we had four Wood Ducks ( an adult female and three immature males) in the canal. Otherwise, two Yellow-billed cuckoos ( seen), lots of Great Crested flycatchers, King Birds, Phoebes, and a singing (but not seen) Scarlet tanager.
We also saw lots of Blue Gill in the canal, many males defending their nesting areas.
Always a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. -- Donald Sweig Falls Church, Va.
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