The diversity and number of ducks at HH were the greatest I've ever seen  
there: lots of Ring Neck, American Widgeon, GW Teal and Hooded Merganser, and  
smaller numbers of Canvasback, Pintail, Mallard and Gadwall.  They  were 
primarily in the large impoundment, way at the back, best observed from  Hunting 
Quarter Road.  Add in the Redheads (two rafts, easily 50 total) and  Goldeneye 
(one pair) seen on the River at Riley's and that's 10 species -  without seeing 
the more predictable Bufflehead or Common  Merganser.  I also saw several 
Pied-billed Grebes and  a Horned Grebe at Riley's.
 
Birding out on the dikes and meadows was quieter than usual, probably  thanks 
to the strong winds, but the woods were full of birds.  For  example, all 
seven woodpeckers (that's including YB Sapsucker) showed  up. RS and RT Hawks 
were very active, close by and eye-level.  Other  notable birds seen:  Hermit 
Thrush, Winter Wren, RC Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing  and YR Warbler.  Total species:  
52.
 
Stephen Jones
Bethesda, MD



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