I just invented a new bird species: "Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers". This
should be Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Duh!
From: va-bird-bounces+gercoh=verizon.net@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:va-bird-bounces+gercoh=verizon.net@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Gerco
Hoogeweg
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 5:30 PM
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Va-bird] NVBC Trip to Sky Meadows
12 windproof and hardy birders from the Northern Virginia Birding Club
enjoyed a breezy morning at Sky Meadows SP. In spite of the strong winds we
did see many great species. Red-headed woodpeckers were everywhere, a pair
of Pilated Woodpeckers were observed, and several Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers
were still present. Unfortunately we did not get 7 woodpecker day. Mr. or
Mrs. Hairy Woodpecker was nowhere to be found. All the raptors we saw, were
struggling in the wind. Highlights were a nearly adult Bald Eagle (the tail
was getting white) and an unexpected Osprey. A late Brown Creeper was seen
as well. The Field Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks were very active and we
heard many singing. A sure sign of spring. Along the Bridal Trail we found 2
Vesper Sparrows. A lifer for some of the participants on the trip!
Altogether we saw 38 species (see list below). Big misses were some common
birds like grackles and finches.
For those who use eBird and visit Sky Meadows the following shared locations
exist:
1 - Sky Meadows SP (main area near the visitors center)
2 - Sky Meadows SP-Bridal trail (the "horse trail")
3 - Sky Meadows SP --Shearman's Mill Loop (the trail that goes along the
creeks and start at the Bridal Trail parking lot)
Gerco
Vienna, VA
Canada Goose
2
Black Vulture
7
Turkey Vulture
12
Osprey
1
Bald Eagle
2
Red-shouldered Hawk
1
Red-tailed Hawk
2
Mourning Dove
7
Red-headed Woodpecker
16
Red-bellied Woodpecker
4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
2
Downy Woodpecker
2
Northern Flicker
3
Pileated Woodpecker
2
Blue Jay
7
American Crow
2
Tree Swallow
5
Carolina Chickadee
7
Tufted Titmouse
5
White-breasted Nuthatch
2
Brown Creeper
1
Carolina Wren
2
Eastern Bluebird
10
American Robin
13
Northern Mockingbird
2
Brown Thrasher
2
European Starling
19
Eastern Towhee
3
Field Sparrow
10
Vesper Sparrow
2
Song Sparrow
17
White-throated Sparrow
5
Dark-eyed Junco
3
Northern Cardinal
2
Eastern Meadowlark
6
Brown-headed Cowbird
1
Purple Finch
1
House Sparrow
1
