Washington Monument State Park (2020-12)
While there were ice covered trees, the effect was often not as noticeable as what we saw in Monocacy. Sun angle and arriving before the sun has had a chance to melt much of the ice seems to make a big difference!
The monument is located at the top of a small mountain, or perhaps better described as a tall hill. It definitely snowed more here than the locations we visited earlier in the day. Looking at some of the snow covered trees reminded us of Colorado! Especially the pine trees with their branches bent downwards!
Unfortunately, the entrance to the stairs to the top of the monument was padlocked. It looked like it would have been perfectly safe! We did walk around to the back where there is an overlook with a great view of the land below.
As we neared the parking lot, we saw some birds foraging for food in the snow. They were White-Throated Sparrows! We watched them for a bit as they darted here and there, occasionally picking something up from the ground and eating it!
We also saw a Carolina Wren under a pile of leaves next to a picnic shelter. We initially heard the leaves rustle and saw them being tossed around. It was awhile before we actually saw and identified the bird!
We also saw what was likely a Red-Shouldered Hawk fly by.Washington Monument State ParkWhiteThroated Sparrowbirdplacesparrow
