[MDOsprey] DC shorebirds spots

Robert (robert@csa.com)
Mon, 19 Jul 1999 14:52:08 -0400


Hi, forwarded to the list by Ottavio Janni's request.  Rob Hilton

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To add to the discussion on the condition of shorebird spots in MD, the
hydrilla mats on the Potomac north of Wilson Bridge (all in MD - PG county-
and DC waters) are now about as extensive as I have ever seen them
(presumably due to low river flow and high water temperatures), and should
be worth checking for shorebirds from now through the end of the fall.
Though I did not see any shorebirds on a brief visit last evening, this area
usually gets better for shorebirds later in the fall, and September is often
the month with the most variety and numbers.

This area is best checked from either Jones Point or Founders Park (off
Oronco Street), both in Alexandria, VA.  A powerful scope is necessary as
the birds are *very* distant, and evening light is best.  This is not a
place to enjoy close looks at shorebirds, and in fact there are many days
where shorebirds are absent (nearby Hunting Creek, in Virginia, usually has
more birds and they are much closer).  However, over the last decade it has
attracted an excellent variety of shorebirds, about 26 species in all.
Among the scarce DC/PG county birds that are annual here are Sanderling,
American Golden Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, and Dunlin.  Local rarities
such as Ruddy Turnstone, Stilt Sandpiper, Willet, and Wilson's Phalorope
have turned up a number of times, and other rarities such as Red and
Red-necked Phalorope, American Avocet and Hudsonian Godwit have also made
single appearances.  Another nearby area worth checking is the mouth of Four
Mile Run at the Washington Sailing Marina, accessed from the GW Parkway 
[also in Virginia; north of Alexandria City and south of National Airport].
There are usually fewer birds than off Jones Point (sometimes none), but
they are somewhat closer, and good birds have shown up here as well.  The
hydrilla here is entirely within DC waters.  [There was a Willet and a
Franklin's Gull in August 1991, for instance--Rob]

The best recent years for shorebirds, 1991 and 1993, were also years in
which the river was low and warm and the hydrilla beds were extensive, so
there may be reason to hope for a good fall this year.

Ottavio Janni