Northwest Branch Park today, 10/6
GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Tue, 6 Oct 98 22:07:12 EDT
Barry went down to Rock Creek this morning, and found it slow as expected,
as migration conditions have been mediocre the last few days. He did see
Palm Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo and a few other warbler species.
Later in the day we both decided to take the dogs for a walk in Northwest
Branch Park, which runs close to our house. Frankly, we have never found this
section of NW Branch very good for birds (north of Randolph Rd.); the sections
between Randolph and Rt. 29 and north of Bonifant are much better. Maybe it
is because it is mainly large trees with little "edge."
However, today was definitely one to remember. I was glad we had both decided
to carry bins. Almost the first bird we saw entering the park was a very
nice ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER which gave us excellent views as it foraged low
in some brush -- very gray head, olive back, rather yellow underneath but
the undertail coverts were the brightest yellow. Close enough to easily see
the thin, broken eye ring. The next bird was an equally considerate GRAY-
CHEEKED THRUSH, cold brown so definite G-C. Several small flocks of birds
yielded PALM, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, MAGNOLIA and "MYRTLE" WARBLERS, as well
as RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS.
When we reached the stream, there was a large area of tangle covered with some
thorny vine with blue berries. This was alive with birds, the best an
immature (prob. male) MOURNING WARBLER on a fallen log across the stream!
Loads of Black-throated Blues and Yellowthroats were also feasting on the
berries, as well as BROWN THRASHERS and various sparrows, including a large
flock of WHITE-THROATEDS.
Total counts for migrants: BT-Blue (~15), Yellowthroat (~10), Magnolia (2),
Palm (1), "Myrtle" (!2), Mourning (1), Orange-crowned (1), R-C Kinglet (6),
Gray-cheeked Thrush (1), Brown Thrasher (2), W-T Sparrow (~20).
Not bad for a walk in midafternoon (with impatient dogs)! Bet we'll check
this area out again tomorrow...
Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
gail@umdd.umd.edu