I've had few opportunities to get out in the mornings this fall, and even fewer birds at Ft. Bayard Park (corner of River and Western, NW DC) when I have gone. As is often the case, late fall is better than early at this park, and this weekend brought the two birdiest days so far.
Seeing a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH today was nice, especially since I had also heard a single faint call yesterday, but was reluctant to call it. Both kinglets and a creeper were also present, as were 3 Chipping Sparrows (a common spring bird in the park, but harder to find in the fall). A single Chimney Swift confirmed that they're still around. Warblers have been scarce here this fall, but I did have a Yellow-rumped today and a nice adult male Black-throated Blue yesterday.
But perhaps the most interesting sighting for me in the park today was a Green Mantidfly (slightly injured, perhaps by the green assassin bug I saw on the same fence pole), which counts as a life insect for me.
Jason Waanders
NW DC
jwaandersATstarpower.net |