I birded several sites in DC this (Sat., 8/2) morning, with most of the
time spent at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (KAG).  The highlight was
seeing 5 different YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS - the most I've ever seen
in DC at one time (and the most I've seen together since the days of
camping under a colony at Toms Cove campground in Chincoteague many
moons ago).  One bird was the 2nd year bird that we saw there 2 weeks
ago.  The other 4 were all juveniles of varying degrees of
streaking/spotting.  There was one point when I could see all 4 juvs at
the same time, so I'm confident of the number.  The birds were quite
confiding and allowing very close approach by the numerous
photographers.

Considering that I've seen 2 adults there earlier in the year, this
brings the total number of Yellow-crowneds at KAG this year to 7!

I wonder where all these birds are coming from.  I suspect that some are
the result of successful breeding at KAG, though that was never
confirmed.  But all 4 juvs?  Plus this 2nd year bird - why did it just
show up in mid-July?

Other birds of note seen this morning included 5 LAUGHING GULLS and 4
FORSTER'S TERNS at various points along the Anacostia River.

Good birding,
Paul Pisano
Arlington, VA