I swept through parts of the Swoope area in western Augusta County this sunny
afternoon. Highlights included a Loggerhead Shrinke near the intersection of
Livick and Cattleman Road. It was perched on a fence post. This remains one
of the few places in Augusta County where this species can be regualarly seen,
winter or summer. About 1/2 mile from this intersection on Livick road a
Peregrine Falcon was swiflty flying low over the pasture and out of sight over
a hillock, perhaps persuing one of the hundreds of Mourning Doves that
populated the immediate area. I saw the Pergerine again (presumably the same
bird) near the interesection of Cattleman and Trible's Mill road, less than 1
direct mile from the other sighting, about 20 minutes later. There has been at
least one other winter report of a peregrine so far, in Rockingham County, I
believe. Keep a watch out for these large falcon and please report all
sightings.
The area was otherwise replete with Red-tailed Hawks (at least a dozen), some
of which seemed to be paired up. Also quite a few kestrels. Surprisingly I
saw not a single Northern Harrier, usually easy to find here!
John Spahr
