Over the Christmas weekend, we found some E. Meadowlarks, as well as a small
flock of Horned Larks in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
On 12/26, while scouting in the fog, we found a flock of 45-50 Horned Larks in
NW Clarke Co. (Fishpaw/Carter Rd - some of these had been seen there a week or
so before).
On 12/27, while hunting for more Horned Larks (Longspurs would also be
Welcome!) in Shenandoah Co., we found 12+ Eastern Meadowlarks.
We later found another flock of 15 E. Meadowlarks in Frederick Co., while
waiting in vain at our spot for Short-eared Owls, SW of Middletown (the
shortly-mowed habitat is bad this year).
SE Owls or not, it was a good day. LOTS of Robins, as well as many Bluebirds.
The robins were always near or within the abundant cedar stands in the area.
Raptors: Surprisingly, the totals of RTHA & AMKE were equal: 18 each. We were
having fun all-day comparing the 2 totals: earlier, the Kestrels were Way ahead
of the Red-tails; but later in the day, as the sun went down & the buteos were
facing into it to warm their pretty little bellies, the Red-tails caught up.
All-in-all, another FUN weekend!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO Y'ALL!
Jon & BJ Little
Winchester
