Altona Marsh Birding

I spent two hours this morning (7-9 AM) hiking the railroad tracks at Altona Marsh, Jefferson County, West Virginia, my first visit to the area since last fall. It was nice to see an abundance of water after last year's drought conditions.

Highlights: Pine Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird.

The full list: Canada Goose (208, including at least a dozen pairs acting territorial), American Black Duck (2), Mallard (8), Wood Duck (4), Green-winged Teal (2), Killdeer (1), Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse (1), Blue Jay (4), Carolina Wren (1), American Robin (a few 10’s), European Starling (many 10’s), PINE WARBLER (1), Northern Cardinal, SWAMP SPARROW (2), Song Sparrow (several 10’s singing on territory), RUSTY BLACKBIRD (12), Common Grackle (a few 100’s), Red-winged Blackbird (several 100,s), American Goldfinch. Total species: 23.