A small army of twenty-two participants (!) met leader Paul DeAnna at the Nature Center on Glover Road for DC Audubon’s annual fall visit to Rock Creek Park. Fall migrants are always difficult: their cryptic coloration, quick movements, and quiet behavior multiply the usual difficulties of bird identification. For those who like a challenge, though, there is simply nothing like it, especially since they often move in mixed flocks and offer the birder lots of variety in a short space of time. The pace of the action might be a bit daunting for the beginner, but the only way to get good is to do it. Knowing what is distinctive for a particular group of birds, and what is not, is the key. Your field guide can be a big help if you consult it beforehand and review the features distinguishing similar species.

We began our tour by heading downhill toward a path behind the stables that parallels Glover road and leads to a large open picnic area. The “ridge” (otherwise known as picnic areas 17&18) is a good place to start because action here usually gets going at around 7 a.m. or even earlier. Before we could even arrive there, however, we were pleasantly diverted by a number of birds right near the stables area, including a striking Great-crested Flycatcher and a singing Scarlet Tanager; this, of course, after I had explained that fall migrants don’t sing. Perhaps he was mourning the loss of his scarlet feathers. Well, this is just another example of the unpredictable nature of fall birding.

After my rather dull scouting trip the day before, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of bird activity as we reached the ridge. All fall hotspots seem to have sharp ups and downs. On this day, however, we actually lingered longer than usual because the warblers were on the move in the sun-struck trees on the west side of the road. We had about ten species in under an hour, including Nashville, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, and Redstart. Also identified were two of the more confusing fall warblers: Blackpoll and Bay-breasted. Some were also able to get looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. We also viewed a cooperative Swainson’s Thrush, and got a glimpse of a Common Nighthawk overhead. We didn’t move down to area 19, or to the equitation field just beyond Ross Drive, but these areas can also be productive.

From the ridge, we retraced our steps uphill to the stables and down another bridle path to the “yard,” actually a waste area behind the official Maintenance Yard. Here one can see piles of ancient stones from the old west front of the U.S. Capitol; there are even a few old cannon barrels scattered around. This area isn’t prettified for the visitor by any means, and you need to watch your step, but it can be a great spot in migration and has produced a long string of rarities for D.C. over the years. Birding strategy here is fairly simple; move around the edges looking for activity, then stake out a likely spot and wait for the birds to come to you. After the neck-stretchers on the ridge, it is always a relief to see birds at eye-level, and the sloping southern edge of the yard is made for that. Here we caught up with a cooperative Worm-eating Warbler visiting the Paulownia tree in the ravine area, and a Scarlet Tanager or two at equally close range. A Baltimore Oriole in dull orange fall plumage gave us a good comparison to the more olive yellow Tanager; of course, the oriole is also distinguished by prominent wing bars (good example of a key field mark). We also picked out a Broad-winged Hawk passing overhead, as well as a coasting Sharp-shin. The resident Red-shouldered Hawk, meanwhile, lurked in the background, giving only fleeting glimpses.

Returning to the parking lot, we wrapped up our visit on the trails behind the Nature Center. It was quiet this time, but often the birds drop in at mid-morning. Watch for warblers and others coming to drink at the little pond, or feeding on tiny berries on the nearby Devil’s Walking-stick plants.

In addition to reinforcing the importance of a good location, our results (over 50 species) prove the adage that more eyes equals more birds. Thanks to everyone; looks like you’re all ready to return on your own (and don’t forget to stop by in the spring, when the migrants return in brighter colors).