VA BIRDers,
Russ Taylor and I headed to Sky Meadows SP - we hoped the recent cold front
brought in goodies but it was a mixed bag. On the way out, we stoped first
at Belvoir Rd pond. Highlight was a Black-billed Cuckoo. In addition there
was Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Wood Duck.
We continued to Sky Meadows, doing the Bridle Trail as Shearman's Trail was
closed (most unfortunate!) - we met and joined up with Elton Morel.
Highlights were few as it was not very birdy. We noted a very weak sparrow
movement as evidenced by a single Savannah Sparrow - the Field and Songs
(here and there - spread out) seemed to be locals although a few migrants
could have been present - no other hoped-for species were found. The raptor
show was good as we noted Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered, two kettles of
Broad-wingeds, Red-tailed and Am. Kestrels. Other highlights were Barn Owl,
E. Screech Owls, Belted Kingfisher, E. Wood Pewees, a good count of 21
Eastern Phoebes, White-eyed Vireos, Common Ravens, nearly a dozen Tree
Swallows, a good showing of 13 House Wrens, many, many Eastern Bluebirds,
almost two-dozen Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Tennessee, Magnolias,
Black-throated Greens, 3 western Palm Warblers, at least 26 Common
Yellowthroats, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 Blue Grosbeaks
(juvies), nearly 3 dozen Indigo Buntings, a calling Bobolink, a wonderful
group of 200+ Red-winged Blackbirds moving south early in the morning and
some Brown-headed Cowbirds in a tree.
Russ and I took Carr Rd back to Rectorstown Rd and then headed south to
I-66. Highlights were few - 4 Red-headed WPs on Carr, 7 more Eastern
Phoebes (we tallied 28 in Fauquier for the day, plus 4 more in Loudoun
during lunch break), Warbling Vireo at the bridge (singing!), and
Chestnut-sided and another Scarlet Tanager on Carr.
Kurt Gaskill
