Report for Saturday & Sunday, April 4-5, 2009 - Stuarts Draft, Augusta
County
After a labor intensive weekend devoted to major landscaping projects, I can
finally take a break to send a report.
Saturday:
Top bird for the weekend has to be the COMMON NIGHTHAWK that flew low over
our house heading from the SE (Blue Ridge Mountains) to the NE. I was
taking a short break on the deck with spouse enjoying a "cat nap" soaking in
the late morning sunshine. My first thought, small falcon-like, but it
just wouldn't fit the mold. Then I noted the wrist bands. Upon recognition
I excitedly shouted "nighthawk", breaking the "quiet" moment for my snoozing
spouse.
Later in the afternoon a BALD EAGLE flew overhead heading southward.
Season's first EASTERN TOWHEE was heard about mid-morning. Later in the
evening it appeared briefly within the canopy of conifers along back of
property.
About 20 PINE SISKEN singing, feeding and bathing throughout the day.
Another pleasant surprise was the discovery of a 2' Garter Snake by my
husband as he raked leaves along back fence. It has been basking on top of
a very large (and extremely heavy) landscape timber.
Sunday:
Several woodpecker species, including Pileated and Red-bellied, joined by a
brightly plumaged YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. A lovely surprise was a small
group of PURPLE FINCH that included three females and a stunning adult male
which I did manage to photograph which I hope to post in next day or two.
I confirmed Carolina Chickadees have constructed a nest in the new
"bluebird" box.
Later in the afternoon while taking a much needed break, I was watching
several vultures when a very small bird swooped down on one. A CHIMNEY
SWIFT, my official harbinger of Spring. (And to think snow showers are in
tomorrow's forecast.)
Also today was my first dragonfly for the year. Several butterfly species
included Tiger Swallowtail and a Question Mark.
Brenda Tekin - <http://www.birdsofvirginia.com/> www.birdsofvirginia.com
Brenda's Nature Photography, including Birds of Virginia
<BLOCKED::mailto:bt8x@xxxxxxxxxxxx> brenda@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx / Cell:
(434) 962-4936
"Leave behind what you find; if you must take something, take pictures."
