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Subject:

DC Nighthawks, "Newrocentrism"

From:

Jason Waanders

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Thu, 9 Sep 2004 09:13:29 -0400

Given the number of Common Nighthawk sightings elsewhere, I've been surprised not to have any in NW DC so far this fall.  On an evening walk last night (Wed.) I finally got a few, with 2 over Cleveland Park and one more flying low and close over the Conn. Ave. bridge over Rock Creek.

The discussion on "Newrocentrism" has been interesting.  While I don't disagree with the basic points, I think some perspective is helpful.  Birding in the mid-Atlantic region may be less (over?) exposed/publicized than the Northeast, but it's still probably the second most-exposed/publicized region for birding in the entire country.  Though I became a serious birder here, I grew up in San Diego and still bird there a few times a year.  San Diego is (at least arguably) the birdiest county in the country, with the largest species list and fairly decent numbers of rarities/vagrants.  It has a nice list-serv and a great group of local birders, but it's small and sleepy compared to the number of folks here.  The Union-Tribune did run one general article on birding in the county a few years back, but I can't imagine them, for example, running a piece on a specific rarity, like Post did with the Barnacle Goose.

On a final personal note, I'm moving this weekend and will probably not be offering many dispatches from Soapstone Valley anymore.  But I look forward to getting to know the avifauna of Fort Bayard Park, near Friendship Heights.

Jason Waanders
NW DC
jwaandersATstarpower.net