All --
Thanks, Scott, for giving me a name for this gas line cut through the woods
crossing Pleasant Valley Drive. I have birded there several times but did not
have a handle for it. I checked Google Maps, and 6002 is right where I've been
going.
The trail to the west eventually reaches a series of wide-open fields
surrounded by the edges of woods. There is some sort of commercial or
industrial installation on the northeast corner of the fields, with all-night
lighting. I hiked out there last Christmas eve hoping for owls.
Not knowing much about owls, I'm wondering if this rural field / wood edges
habitat should be good owl territory?
- Steve Johnson
Fairfax, VA
From: Scott Baron <brnpelican@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: 2008/05/26 Mon PM 01:11:02 CDT
To: Virginia Birding <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Va-bird] Elklick Woodlands, Fairfax Co.; May 26
A Happy Memorial Day to all our veterans.
I hiked the gas line right of way that runs through Elklick Woodlands. Top
bird was a SUMMER TANAGER calling at 11am. This is just my second one for No.
Va., the first being a month ago. I assume that we are past the "safe date"
for this species.
Elklick Woodlands is located along Pleasant Valley Rd. in western Fairfax Co.
It is a little south of the Hunter-Hacor tract. To hike EW, park at the dirt
pull-off with a big gate marked "6002 Pleasant Valley Rd.," walk around the
fence and hike down the right of way. The tanager was on the north side of the
woods across from pole number 2008-25.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW sang from the grassy field a little farther to the west.
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
