Hello all
I know that everyone has had their share of Dickcessel's this Summer but for
us here in Augusta County we have had them in several out of the range
places this year .Our usual places are in the New Hope area & some times in
the Swoope area .This year I will give an account in all the places where
they were found .
First place was on Rt. 608 north of New Hope . This morning in the fog I
heard at least 6 males still singing . Hope the last field will not get cut
. This place has at least two females that were seen . Fingers are crossed .
Second place at the intersection of Rts. 775 & 778 . These fields got cut .
Did not hear any Dickcessel's today . at the peak there were at least 4
birds .
Third place was on Rt. 796 Cattleman Rd. Swoope area . Today most of the
fields have been cut but at least 4 of the male Dickcessel's have relocated
across the road to the uncut fields & at least one of the birds has
relocated across the road close to Smith's pond . This bird is about 150ish
feet from North River .
Fourth place was 2 locations along Livick Rd Rt. 707 Swoope area . These
fields have been cut so the Dickcessel's have moved on . Total count there
was at least 8
Fifth place was on Gunthrie Rd. Rt 652 . One Dickcessel's was hear & seen
but today this was my second trip with no Dickcessel but I did have a family
of Horned Larks of 2 adults & 4 hatch year .
Sixth place was a single male bird over at Quillen's pond in the Lyndhurst
area . Today this bird must of sensed that the fields are being cut . No
Dickcessel
Seventh place was on Tuesday on Rt 640 Old White Bridge Rd. on the borders
of Fishersville area & Waynesboro . Today I could not refine this bird but
the fields are uncut & the temps were climbing when I went thru late morning
.
Over on Hestons pond yesterday afternoon was a female Ruddy Duck .
Happy " hot " birding to all
Allen Larner
Staunton
