Photo: A beautiful Palm Warbler look at the camera at LBJ Memorial Grove
Periodically throughout the year, Cornell Labs (makers of eBird) do global counting events. President’s Day Weekend is “The Great Backyard Bird Count”, or GBBC. The ask is to go birding for at least 15 minutes from 16-19 February and submit observations.
I decided I wanted to participate in the GBBC by doing a Big 4-Day Weekend, with a goal of seeing at least 50 species and photographing as many as possible! Mr. Chripy was out of town so it was just me on this adventure.
First, I created a Trip Report in eBird. Any checklist submitted during the dates specified in the Trip Report are automatically added to it. It’s an easy way to track species seen during a specified time frame.
My first day, I went to Dumbarton Oaks Park, Constitution Gardens and Heritage Island in the Anacostia River. I had to get immunotherapy that day too but I didn’t let it slow me down. There was a report of a rare sighting of a Marsh Wren at Heritage Island, and thanks to the help of some fellow birders, I was able to see it! Unfortunately, I did not get a photograph because it was shy and it was fast. After day 1 was complete, I was already at 27 species!
A Cedar Waxwing rests on a branch at Dumbarton Oaks Park
On Day 2 I walked to my favorite spot in D.C., the U.S. Botanic Garden. Since it’s my “patch” I knew where I could see a Yellow-Rumped Warbler and an Eastern Towhee which can sometimes be hard to spot. I saw the Warblers but the Towhee was hiding. Afterwards I headed to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, one of my favorite places in D.C., and birded for nearly 3 hours. Maybe I have a problem? By the end of day 2, I was already at 44 species—only 6 more species and 2 days to meet my goal.
An immature and an adult bald eagle soar above Roosevelt Island
On Day 3, I hit up LBJ Memorial Grove, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and a quick swing by Georgetown Reservoir. I saw some incredible sights including an adorable Palm Warbler playing in the ivy at LBJ. I also saw an adult and an immature Bald Eagle chasing each other for a fish at Roosevelt Island! I exceeded my goal and was at 53 species on Day 3. That made Day 4 all just for fun.
An American Coot swims in the Anacostia River near the Wharf
I started my last day of my Big Weekend at the Wharf, where I was able to see a couple American Coot. Next, I went back to the Botanic Garden, where this time the Towhee showed himself. After that I went to East Potomac Park where I finally saw a Grackle. My last two stops of the day were LBJ Memorial Grove and the Tidal Basin. I didn’t see any new species, but I got a few more photographs.
At the completion of my weekend I saw 59 species, photographed 53 of them, and went to 11 different eBird hotspots around D.C.! I birded for hours and hours, met tons of birders in the area, and had a great time being in nature. I love this hobby.
