My wife was in an all-day conference in DC on Saturday, giving me the
opportunity for some leisurely birdwatching on the Mall.  There was
plenty to see:

Tidal Basin:
   Lots of gulls on the water (mostly Ring-billed, some Herring, one or
two Greater Black-backed) and lots of Double-crested Cormorants (2
dozen, perhaps).  While I was eating my lunch a small flock of 6
Redheads flew in as well.  More notable were a single Northern
Rough-winged Swallow and two Barn Swallows flying over the water.

DC Veteran's Memorial:
   Many juncos, robins, grackles and starlings.  Also, a feeding flock
of titmice, Carolina Chickadees, a Downy Woodpecker, both kinglet
species, and a Brown Creeper.  South of the Capitol Police horse barns,
there was a Hermit Thrush.

Constitution Gardens:
   More juncos, many Song Sparrows, no notable ducks (except for the
pair of American Wigeons) as the ponds is being drained and cleaned.
Many Ring-billed Gulls, Mallards and Canada Geese.  Also, a
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the low trees south of the pond.

Capitol Reflecting Pool:
   A thermal was enjoyed by two Turkey Vultures, a Red-tailed Hawk and
an adult Bald Eagle.  

National Capitol Botanic Gardens (west garden):  A bunch of
Yellow-rumped Warblers.  

So there was plenty to see, and if you come down to see the cherry
blossoms (probably at peak late in the week and next weekend) keep a eye
out for the birds!

Jim

Jim Felley
Smithsonian Institution