My friend Harry and I drove out to Thompson WMA this morning to see what was
there. We had excellent looks at a couple of singing Worm-eating
warblers,and excellent looks at a some singing Cerulean warblers as well.
The Ceruleans were down low enough that we had good looks at the wing bars
and the blue on the back and head. . Lots of singing Scarlet Tanagers,
Redstarts, and Towhees. Also a singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and few Wood
Thrushes. We missed both Hooded and Kentucky warblers at Thompson, but i
hope to get them next time. We looked for and did not find the Yellow
Warblers at Leeds Manor Rd. and I-66, but found a bunch of very active
Bobolinks on Leeds Manor Rd. ( Rt. 688) just South of Rt.17. They were
actively flying around and in the trees and well as the grass. At the
parking lot to the bridle trail at Sky Meadows, we were surprised by a
beautiful male Blue Grosbeak on the fence, and a couple of breeding plumage
White -crown Sparrows as well. On the way home, we got off of I-66 at Rt. 17
south and soon took the left turn onto Belvoir road. There are Purple
Martin houses in the back yard of the house on the corner; we had excellent
views of both male and female Martins. A few yards down Belvoir Rd. two male
Baltimore Orioles were actively flying around and singing, right next to the
road, often right over our parked car. Their brilliant orange color was
striking in the sun. Finally, on Harrison Rd., just south of Rt. 245 the
fields were full of Bobolinks, flying around, sitting on the fence, and
making the wonderful noise the do. I estimate there were 70 to100 birds this
afternoon. Just a another great day in the country.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
