While doing a point count survey for Audubon Society of Northern Virginia in
Difficult Run Stream Valley park (Miller Heights to Samaga Rd section) this
morning (June 2) I heard and saw a handsome male Canada Warbler singing as it
foraged among the leaves of a tulip poplar. I also heard, but did not see, a
Northern Waterthrush singing from 5 spots as it moved through the area during
one of the 5 minute point counts.
Both birds are a little late but within the extreme dates for the piedmont in
the Goldbook.
I have not yet tallied the results of the 13 points I covered this morning but
there was nothing unexpected. Barred Owl fledglings were in two separate
sections of the route. Northern Parulas were heard at two of the usual sites
where they have been for years but seemed to be absent from a couple others.
Louisiana waterthrushes were at two sites, far enough apart so I think they
were probably representatives of two pairs. Also found were 2 wood thrushes, a
red-shouldered hawk, several acadian flycatchers, pewees, crested flycatchers,
red-eyed vireos, and a yellow-throated vireo.
All the best
Fred Atwood
