Sights and Sounds of 50 Species of Birds at Algonkian

Great Crested Flycatcher.
Photo by Bryan Henson

Twenty-two birders visited Algonkian Park on May 17 for one of the final Celebrate Birds walks.  With heavy rains in recent days, we found the trails muddy and the river a torrent carrying some large trees down the Potomac.  Despite these conditions, we found 50 different species of birds.  From the Mallard bathing in the puddle that formed in the grassy picnic area to a nest of Eastern Kingbirds, we found some pretty cool sights.

One of the highlights was a Common Yellowthroat that sang loudly in a fairly open spot, providing participants a good look at one of our local breeding warblers.  Unfortunately, the Prothonotary Warbler did not provide any visuals, but we were certainly able to hear it belt its song out for all to hear.  Great Crested Flycatchers and Indigo Buntings joined both species of local orioles in giving us opportunities to get more familiar with their beauty.  The full checklist of species can be found on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S239187112.