As part of today's Central Loundon County, VA, Christmas Bird Count I birded along old River Road from White's Ferry most of the way to Edwards Ferry in Montgomery County (the count circle crosses the Potomac to pick up a small piece of Montgomery County). It was an interesting morning, and I had a good variety of birds despite the very strong wind gusts that began around 9:30. Most notable were three Bald Eagles (two in adult plumage and one non-adult--all three standing in a field together near White's Ferry), at least 500 Ring-billed Gulls in a field across the road from the Eagles, two Common Ravens, 8 Horned Larks at the Patton Turf Farm, 12 Purple Finch in two flocks, and two American Kestrel hunting fields near the Turf Farm. Forty species overall.
Jim Nelson
Bethesda |