Jacob/All
I don't know of any Bachman's Warbler habitat anywhere near Fort
Belvoir, though I am hardly an expert on the species. Do you have a
copy of the Virginia Gold Book? Here in Virginia's Coastal Plain, the
Gold Book discusses a couple of Bachman's records near Fort Belvoir,
going back to the 1950s. As you may know, the Department of the
Interior listed the species as being endangered in 1967. Today, the
United Nations Conservation Monitoring Center lists the species as
being "critically endangered." So far as I am aware, the last U.S.
record for the species was recorded in South Carolina in 1962.
Supposedly, in 1982, a candidate for a wintering Bachman's was spotted
in Cuba. The reality is that today the species is presumed to be
extinct, mostly the result of habitat destruction.
If the species is not extinct, some believe Bachman's Warbler might
still be present in South Carolina. Based on reliable reports from a
birder, the USFWS and USFS surveyed the Congaree Swamp National
Monument for Bachman's Warbler in 2002. Here is a link to this survey
report: http://www.acjv.org/pdf_files/Bachmans%20Survey.pdf
This survey report discusses "taping," saying: "Observers noted that
playback of the Bachman's Warbler song, both on CD & Cassette player,
did not appear to stimulate response by many birds... Observers also
noted that playback of the Bachman's Warbler tape often resulted in
reduced vocalization by singing birds or vocalizations that ceased
entirely."
I always enjoy your VA Bird posts. And, you are correct, many public
land venues prohibit "taping" without benefit of a special use or
research permit, something the Virginia Society Of Ornithology
continues to be unwilling or unable to tell its membership and others.
I applaud your willingness to apply for a permit prior to "taping."
Good luck with your survey.
Regards,
Paul Kane
Falls Church, VA
On May 13, 2010, at 6:30 AM, jacob barkett wrote:
To all,
I hope to be able to conduct a search for the Bachman's Warbler in a couple of weeks. I am going to try to get a permit for playing the recordings. What I first need to know is what locations are accessible and likely habitat for a BAWA around Ft. Belvior that is on or neat the Pohick Creek. If anyone knows please let me know.
Thank you,
Jacob Barkett,
Woodbridge, VA
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