9 participants - 47 species (2 warblers - COYE and NAWA) -
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49158199
On a day that started with 50 degrees and light rain, 9 birders came
together at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve and found 47 species. New FOS
species included Dark-eyed Junco and Winter Wren. Relatively close views
of Cooper's Hawks chasing in the tops of mostly bare trees provided much
amusement and delight. Merlin, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk and
Sharp-shinned Hawk fill out the raptor list. Large groups of cowbirds and
blackbirds crossed the sky several times without much luck at ID in
relatively dim light. By the end of the walk, the sun came out and the rain
had stopped. Several flocks of White-throated Sparrows and a handful of
Chipping and Song Sparrows chipped and hid from our view.
The 2nd Saturday of the month Banshee Reeks walk is free and open to
anyone. It is sponsored by the Friends of Banshee Reeks
<https://bansheereeksnp.org/> and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
<https://loudounwildlife.org/>. For more information on events sponsored
or hosted by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, see the events calendar at
https://loudounwildlife.org/events/
Thanks,
Bryan Henson
Sterling, VA
