An Abundance of Yellow-rumped Warblers at Algonkian Park

Belted Kingfisher.
Photo by Bryan Henson

Two dozen birders gathered on a gloomy Sunday morning with gusty wind at Algonkian Park on March 16.  Despite the weather, the group was able to find 42 species of birds.  Highlights of the walk were:  a Horned Grebe in the Potomac that gave us good views while searching for food; a Belted Kingfisher that flew past us multiple times and perched a handful of times; and many Yellow-rumped Warblers that foraged in the trees above our heads at several points throughout the walk.

We were able find several of our wintering favorites including White-throated Sparrows, Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets.  Double-crested Cormorants had made their return and perched on logs in the Potomac River.  Bald Eagles up and down the Potomac and both Turkey and Black Vultures appeared to be enjoying the gusty wind.  Not bad for a gloomy day.  The complete list of species can be viewed on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S218879520.