I visited the Sky Meadows area for yesterday's annual Fourth of July Butterfly
Count (Sky Meadows/Thompson circle). While talking w/ park staff I was told
that the 2 Mute Swans that have been seen in the area were introduced by a
local
resident. Apparently this person has a pond on their property. Sigh.
So if anyone is keeping track, these birds are not established - yet.
The butterfly survey was successful. We saw a decent variety of species and
the
sun was out for much of the day.
No unusual birds were found. In four miles of walking plus another mile of
driving on the west side of the park the most numerous bird was Canada Goose
(23) followed by Indigo Bunting (22), E. Towhee (15), R.e. Vireo (13) and
Scarlet Tanager (11).
Scott Baron
Vienna, Va.
