Birding at Winkler Botanical Preserve
Dex Hinckley (dhinckley@igc.apc.org)
Fri, 11 Sep 1998 11:27:53 -0700 (PDT)
In my spare time, I am starting to keep records of birds seen
at the Winkler Botanical Preserve. This is between Shirley Hwy.
(aka 395) and Beauregard St., just south of the Radisson Hotel
at Mark Center in Alexandria, Va. It is accessible from Mark
Center or Roanoke Ave.
Between 9 & 10:45 this morning, I saw 20 species. The most
interesting were 2 Black-throated Blue Warblers. First, I
saw the female and had no idea who she was. Then, the male
showed up and I had a positive identification. I like to
think that they are a mated pair on the way to spend their
winter in the West Indies. However, these days, who knows how
long they have known each other?
The only other warblers were the Northern Parula (near the
"Hidden Pond") and a Common Yellowthroat male (near the large
pond). A Kingfisher was also at the Hidden Pond and Hummingbird
females were feeding around the large pond. Both Carolina and
House Wrens were seen.
If anyone else goes birding at Winkler, please post your
observations on MDOsprey. A new nature center will be opening
at Winkler and I hope to help by giving bird talks and walks.
For more information about Winkler and its planned programs,
call Jodie Smolik, the Executive Director, at 703-578-9109.