What a place this is. This morning was my first visit (started late, little after 9) and got hit by warblers immediately--boom boom boom, overbird, parula, others. I wasn't completely sure where to go--I parked at Rock Run and Stafford and took Stafford left/north for most of my hike. (Later I went a little ways the other direction and then took the near path that climbs the hill.) I took part of the path that's in what looks like a long island that parallels the road, that I got to by walking across a bridge. Lots of activity. By far the best birding with the best singing and looks I've had this year.
Dueling songsters on the island: a warbling vireo and a prothonotory: a good battle. A similar good song show later btw a cerulean and a prothonotory a little ways up the road.
Warblers:
Parula (lots)
Yellow (1)
Chestnut-Sided (3)
Yellow-Rumped (lots)
Yellow-Throated (3+)
Black-and-White (2)
Prothonotary (4+)
Cerulean (5)
Ovenbird (6+)
Louisiana (1)
Common Yellowthroat (2)
Vireos:
Red-Eyed (a few)
Yellow-Throated (1)
White-Eyed (2)
Warbling (2)
Other nice birds:
Barred Owl
Osprey
Bald Eagle
B. Oriole (1)
Sc. Tanager (1)
Acadian Fly (1)
Great-Crested Fly (1)
Indigo Bunting (1)
Several catbirds. (Had my first hummer 2 days ago in Glen Arm.)
I can't wait to go back to this place. Tomorrow I hope to visit Rock Creek in DC for the first time--hope the rain stays away!
Tim Houghton
(Glen Arm) |