Re: Saturday at Riverbend Park, VA
KurtCapt87@aol.com
Mon, 28 Sep 1998 12:51:33 EDT
Ralph and others listening in,
The birding is all done in the meadow area, about 15 acres I would guess,
though a few species can be spotted from the parking lot. You must get there
early, about sunrise (just like DC Rock Creek Park picnic area 17!). Once the
birds disperse by about 830 that's it for the majority, though Flycatchers
that like the open/edges will stick around often throughout the day. Do the
upper meadow (west end) first (all Philly Vireos this year have been spotted
at that end), moving east as the sun rises. Of course, the path you come in
on is on the east end and often gets a few birds early in the morning -
sometimes within 20 feet of you.
As its Fall migration, most of the birds are spotted by movement, occasionally
chip notes grap your attention such as when Common Yellowthroats "snap" for
attention and are quickly counted (seen or not). (And the high-pitched
squeeks of Red-breasted Grosbeaks are audible for quite a distance.) As most
probably know, if it gets a bit slow then look for some Chicadee/Titmouse
action on edges with at least some sunlight and watch that area, if still
nothing is happening try some pishing. Aggravated Titmice and Deedees are the
best attracters of warblers and vireos that I know. (This works quite well
just about anywhere; I submit a Nashville stain on my sweatshirt obtained
last August on the narrow trail at Jefferson Notch, NH as evidence!) The next
best are aggravated Kinglets, esp. Ruby-crowns.
The thrush and Conn. and Mourning Warblers are typically found on the south
side of the meadow (a bit shady) where the thickets and second growth occur.
Wrens are at all the edges, Indigoes in the center, flycatchers usually mid to
high on edges. Most warblers are found along the west and north edges, late
in the morning a few will be on the east side in the "lower meadow" in the
second growth trees you passed as you walked in.
Kurt Gaskill