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 |