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.
