This evening Greg Moyers came over and we slipped out to listen for the CWW.
We walked a trail into the woods to a clearing near where we regularly hear
the birds. About nine o'clock before full darkness set in, Shaphan spotted
a bird silhouette on a branch. We knew by its shape and large size that it
was very likely a CWW.
Wanting to know if this bird was a CWW or whip, I very briefly played the
CWW song to see if it might start the bird singing. Immediately the bird
flew straight for us, passing over our heads and landing in a tree behind
us. While we did not hear that bird sing, we feel certain it was a CWW.
Next, another CWW began to sing for us. By 9:15, the singing had stopped.
We didn't stay longer, but last evening we listened between 9:30 and 10:00
without hearing any birds. This suggests to me that anyone wishing to try
for these birds may want to be here before full dark.
The end of June is when we typically quit hearing the birds. We've said
before that it is in part because the crickets have become so noisy around
our house that listening for distant birds is too difficult. While there is
truth to this, I'm sure the birds are wrapping up their singing for the
season too.
There was an osprey at the Union Springs Dam this evening too.
Kevin Shank
Union Springs
Rockingham County
