What a great weekend for birding. Not that I visited many places, but
the bird were on the move.
Last Saturday I tallied 52 species in the yard. A new record! Highlights
included Worm-eating Warbler (new for the yard), Blackburnian Warbler,
Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart (3), Norther Parula, Common
Raven, Common Night hawk, Cedar Waxwings (finally), and Swainson's
Thrush. Interestingly this weekend twice we saw Wood Ducks flying over.
I am used to the Canada Geese, but ducks are not frequently seen. The
Common Nighthawks were seen late afternoon just before the thunderstorm
hit. Seeing Common Ravens north of Leesburg isn't that unusual this time
of the year. I suspect that a pair breeds nearby along the ridge
somewhere. It was interesting that I did not see Brown Trasher, Gray
Catbird or Northern Mockingbird that day. They are around, but only the
Gray Catbird is a frequent visitor to the yard. The Mockingbird is seen
typically in the winter.
Many of the resident birds are busy breeding. The White-breasted
Nuthatch is making frequent flights from is nest cavity in a dead tree
to the feeder platform for a few sunflower seeds, the Eastern Bluebirds
have left their nest, Cardinals are chasing and courting, and
unfortunately a nest of Carolina Chickadees was raider by a raccoon :(
Must remember to build a better baffle to keep the birds save.
The aforementioned Northern Parula was seen collecting dandelion seeds.
Initially I thought it was eating them, but having several in its beak,
it was suggested, that he was using it for lining it nest.
A single Pine Siskin is still around. Except for days that I was away I
have recorded a Pine Siskin at the feeder every single day since March.
I wonder how much longer this bird will stay around.
Today while driving back from town, I encountered a group of 30-40
Bobolinks along Loyalty Rd. After stopping and checking the pasture
where the birds landed all I saw was one single male and all other birds
were quiet. That was unexpected. So much for a good Bobolink show.
Happy birding.
Gerco
Leesburg, VA.
