I spent a couple of hours this morning birding the large scrubby field adjacent
to South County Secondary School (& the under construction Middle School). This
field is now a part of Laurel Hill Park, which is apparently pretty much all of
the land that used to be Lorton Prison which has not been developed. I have
birded this field only during the last 3 Ft. Belvoir CBCs and have been
impressed with the variety of species we see there in January (top birds in
Januarys past have been Brown Thrasher, Turkey, WC Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow,
Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow). This field is extremely brushy with very little in
the way of trails. There is a water main right of way once over the fence, but
even it is grown over. High boots and brush pants are a must. Walking through
this field reminded me of walking to Huntley Meadows in the 2 feet of snow a
couple of years ago. I was exhausted after the 2 hours I spent there today! I
accessed the field from Laurel Crest Dr., just past the newly constructed
school. From there I walked northeast toward Silverbrook Rd., the other edge of
this field.
Almost immediately upon entering the field (not yet in the heavy brush) I
flushed a single Eastern Meadowlark, pretty uncommon for Fairfax Co., unless
you have access to Lorton Landfill. It perched nicely for a good view and
chattered at me a bit. Not far from that spot a beautiful Lincoln Sparrow flew
onto a low branch of a scrubby tree and gave me good looks. Many WT & Song
Sparrows were present. I did find 2 Chippies across the road along the golf
course, but sparrow diversity was not as good as some of my January ventures
(notable misses were Swamp & Field). I did count 7 Towhees. Palm Warblers (6 –
all yellow) were the only warbler found. No less that 6 RC Kinglets were seen
and one lone GC Kinglet.
There is a small pond, only accessible from Silverbrook. Best to park at the
small park on the other side of the road or a the United Methodist Church if
lot is empty. Walk across Silverbrook and look for the access road (between
park & church). It is directly behind the new school under construction. The
pond held a GB Heron and a Belted Kingfisher.
I did go to Winkler Botanical Preserve to check on Steve’s Clay-colored
Sparrow, but I did not find it this afternoon. Other sparrows were very active,
so I may try again in the morning.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
