Has anyone tried to search for the Sedge Wren? I have heard of one negative
thirdhand report from Monday. I doubt that I can get out to Sky Meadows this
weekend.
Scott
--- On Sun, 8/10/08, Scott Baron <brnpelican@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: Scott Baron <brnpelican@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Sedge Wren at Sky Meadows State Park, Fauquier Co., Va. - Aug. 10,
2008
To: "Virginia Birding" <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 3:34 PM
It was a good day of birding and butterflying at Sky Meadows
today. I arrived at 5:30, which proved to be too late to
catch the meteor shower, as it was already getting light in
the East.
I heard a SEDGE WREN singing at dawn. The bird was distant
so I didn't recognize the song as that species at first.
Later as I walked down the section of the Gap Run Trail
that is known as the Boston Mill Rd., I heard the bird again
and he was much closer. From 6:30 - 7:30am I obtained brief
views of him singing in the tall grass and Wingstem as well
as views of him in flight. I saw him carry a dead grass
stalk a few times, so I hope a female is around. I had to
move on to continue my survey. When I returned at noon I
did not here him. Second park record, first in summer.
From the Vis. Center, take the Gap Run Trail south. This
first section is known as the Boston Mill Rd. It eventually
heads downhill. On the left side, look for a small tree
that has fallen onto the fence. A large Locust tree with a
big dead vine grows near it. The wren was in the field
behind this area. The field there is not wet area but
rather it's a dry hillside. Maybe
this guy will stick around for a while.
Other nice birds: a displaying AMERICAN WOODCOCK at 5:45am
in the Visitor Center area. Really late in the year! Also
late are the BARN SWALLOWS that continue to raise young on
the back porch of the Mt. Bleak House. I was told that a
Black Rat Snake got one of them recently but there are still
3 nestlings left. The ever present RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
were around. I saw a WARBLING VIREO in a flock of songbirds
and INDIGO BUNTINGS must still have young in the nest
because 2 pairs scolded me today. At least 6 or 7 PURPLE
MARTINS are present, mostly near the Visitor Center.
The butterflies were abundant, esp. the swallowtails, which
were active by 6:15am - 20 min. before sunrise!
I have to run. See ya,
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
