The perched (juvenile) Broad-winged Hawk was my best bird photo from yesterday.
It can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28499865@N07/5982131001/. I did ;
not get a photos of both Hawks together, as they never sat side by side. Our
guess is that the second one was an adult tending the young bird. Lots of
scenery, butterflies, and yes the promised biker dog can also be seen on the
same set at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28499865@N07/sets/72157627296109312/.
Dave
From: Dave Boltz
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:04 PM
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Skyline Drive (northern end)
Larry Meade & I spent a lovely day birding Skyline Drive, from the northern
entrance at Front Royal down to Big Meadows. My car thermometer never exceeded
81 degrees, although it was 91 when we arrived in Sperryville on our return
trip.
Within a mile of the Front Royal entrance we were treated to a pair of perched
Broad-winged Hawks, one of which even gave a nice “p-tee” for us. We made stops
at many of the pull-offs and looked for birds. One stop had 2 male Scarlet
Tanagers, one of which was still singing. Indigo buntings were singing
everywhere along the drive. A Common Raven was seen sitting roadside and
croaked for us as it flew off.
The highlight area of the day was our walk around Limberlost Trail, near the
Skyland area. Although things seemed very quiet when we started out, we hit
pockets of good activity, usually noted by chip/call notes as there was not too
much singing. The most activity was seen where the Whiteoak Canyon Trail
crossed Limberlost, near the end of the loop (we walked the trail
counterclockwise, starting out to the right). 7 species of Warblers were
tallied on this trail, including several young birds being fed by parents. They
were: Black-throated Green, Blackburnian (m,f, young), Black & White, Am.
Redstart, Ovenbird, Hooded, and Canada. Notable miss in this group was
Chestnut-sided. We saw only 1 or 2 Blue-headed Vireos, usually more plentiful
when I’ve been there earlier other summers. We neither saw nor heard any
Thrushes (except Robin).
We took a lunch break in the picnic area at Big Meadows. Besides the Chipping
Sparrows & Dark-eyed Juncos, a pleasant surprise was a male Blackburnian
Warbler in the picnic area. Non-birding highlights in the Big Meadows area was
the pet rabbit on a leash eating lunch next to us, and a motorcycle riding
Chihuahua wearing a pink motorcycle helmet and matching sunglasses (honest, I
couldn’t make this up).
We ventured down the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, but other than Cedar Waxwings and
a few Redstarts, things were pretty quiet there. We worked our way back
stopping at several more overlooks, photographing scenery and some good
butterflies. Bird activity was pretty diminished by mid-afternoon.
We ended the day with 46 species. It was a very enjoyable way to get away from
the hustle, bustle and heat of the D.C. area. I took what I hope are some good
photos of the Broad-winged Hawk and a cooperative Hooded Warbler (and the
motorcycle dog). I hope to get to these tomorrow and I will post if there are
any worth seeing.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
