The DC Audubon Society made its annual field trip to Hughes Hollow this 
morning. Despite occasionally strong winds, we had good weather 
conditions for viewing birds. We may have missed some birds because the 
area west of the impoundments was being used for dog training.

Waterbirds on the impoundments included: WOOD DUCK, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 
BLUE-WINGED TEAL, BLACK DUCK, NORTHERN SHOVELER, RING-NECKED DUCK, and a 
calling PIED-BILLED GREBE. A WILSON'S SNIPE was foraging among the 
scrubby vegetation in the eastern impoundment. Raptors included two 
subadult BALD EAGLES.

Along the dike that leads in from the parking lot, there was a flock of 
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS along with the more common red-winged blackbirds. Many 
TREE SWALLOWS were chasing insects over the water and posing on the nest 
boxes. At least one EASTERN PHOEBE was hunting from the brush along the 
dike.

Back in the woods, we had a flock of PURPLE FINCHES and several 
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS. At least two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were in 
the stand of conifers in the field just past the impoundments. Swamp 
Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers were seen throughout the area.

Good birding,

John Beetham

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John D. Beetham
Washington, DC

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