Fourteen excited participants showed up for the bird walk at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands on Sunday, Jan. 11. The group, led by Jane Yocom and Joe Coleman, was disappointed that the Bald Eagles are no longer using that specific location for nesting, and only one — flying high overhead — was seen. Nonetheless, several hundred Canada Geese and a nice assortment of other ducks (Green-winged Teal, American Black Ducks, American Wigeon, and Mallards) were seen on the wetlands.

Unfortunately, Loudoun’s continuing drought has resulted in a lot less water in the wetlands, with several areas dry. As a result, there were less signs of some of the more exciting mammals (beavers and otters) that we have found there in the past. Among the birds we did find were two Hermit Thrushes, three Swamp Sparrows, numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, and three Red-shouldered Hawks.

Even though the Wetlands was quieter than it has been the past few years, we still admired its beauty and serenity.

Submitted by Joe Coleman