There were at least 3 Hooded Mergansers - 1 male and 2 females - on the ponds below Chain Bridge yesterday (Sunday), along with a few Mallards, Great Blue Herons, numerous Goldfinches, a Kingfisher & unidentified dickey birds.

The resident Red-shouldered Hawk was downstream, where I saw it take off from the towpath, then perch to eat it's catch.  Couldn't tell what the catch of the day was.  

Pretty quiet along the towpath.  I saw nary a woodpecker, and heard only 1 Downy & 1 Red-bellied.
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Carrol Cowan 
Washington DC 
arielamcATatt.net