Hi all,
I did an Amherst Co breeding bird Big Day yesterday. Final talley was 108
species. Best bird was a Barn Owl heard "screeching" as it hunted over the
fields near the the big silo on Galt's Mill Rd.Other highlights included a
Hooded Merganser pair at the Mill Creek bridge, the continuing Black-billed
Cuckoo on the road between Hog Camp and Salt Log gaps, and a Ruffed Grouse
drumming near Salt Log Gap. I also found and photographed a Least Flycatcher's
nest in area where at least 6 birds were calling.
I found 20 species of warblers, 5 vireo species, 6 flycatchers, and 5 swallow
species. Logged 214 miles and 14 hrs of continuous birding. Saw or heard 94% of
the regularly occurring breeding season birds. Big misses were Wild Turkey and
American Kestrel.
Mark Johnson joined me for the afternoon. All in all a great day!
Cheers,
Mike
Michael R. Boatwright
Amherst, VA
