Hi all,
Barry and I visited Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (KAG) this morning, but did not go over to the adjacent Kenilworth Park because of time constraints. A lovely sunny day, warm, no wind and the big old cherry trees at the entrance to KAG are in full cry -- very spectacular. We had hoped to run into the recently reported Purple Finches (which are fairly regular in spring there, along the River Trail, feeding in young red maple buds). Unfortunately they seemed to be "missing in action" but we were very pleased with several Firsts of Season for us, as well as a number of nice butterflies to round out the action. Best birds were 10 (yellow) PALM WARBLERS (most along the River Trail), a single PINE WARBLER (same location), and two MYRTLE WARBLERS in trees across the inlet from the boardwalk. Also FOS were BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, 8 at least. all along the River Trail. We saw at least 6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in the same area, in the vernal pools along the trail, two BROWN THRASHERS and were pleased to see the Barn Swallows back at the Metro Bridge over the Anacostia. No Fox Sparrows or Juncos seen, but quite a few more Towhees in as well as more Swamp and Field Sparrows. Waterbirds were a bit disappointing, with a single Greater Yellowlegs, and several flocks of Green-winged Teal and Wood Duck. The tide however was very high. The ponds at KAG look great for shorebirds but they were birdless.
On the lep front, we enjoyed at least 10 FALCATE ORANGE TIPS (most male) as well as a Mourning Cloak, a FOS Tiger Swallowtail, Spring Azures, and a Comma as well as the usual Cabbage Whites and Clouded Sulphurs.
Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD
Birds of interest:
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens - Kenilworth Park, District of Columbia, US-DC
Apr 11, 2013 7:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: Birded KAG only; warm, sunny, no wind; several firsts for year.
44 species (+1 other taxa)
Wood Duck 11 (8 were fly-overs)
Green-winged Teal 7
Osprey 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Northern Flicker 4
Eastern Phoebe 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Tree Swallow 4
Barn Swallow 8 nesting under Metro bridge over Anacostia R.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8 first of season; very vocal, all seen along River Trail
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 2 at nest in natural cavity
Brown Thrasher 2
Palm Warbler 10 most along River Trail
Pine Warbler 1 first of season for us, along River Trail
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 first of season for us
Eastern Towhee 8
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 4
Rusty Blackbird 6 continuing, at vernal pools along River Trail
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