I took my AP Biology and Biological Research classes to Blandy Experimental
Farm today (Nov 15) to learn about conducting various types of ecological
research. Our focus today wasn't birding but for the first hour or so we were
out in the field where the Loggerhead Shrike has been seen and all 21 of us got
very good looks in the spotting scope. The best part, however, was surveying
the tasty food tidbits impaled on thorns in the trees/shrubs along the path by
the shrike. Most common were the grasshoppers, followed by woolly bear
caterpillars. There were also a large wolf spider, a large red and black
burying beetle, and a shrew. Tai Roulston also showed us photos of a
white-crowned sparrow and praying mantis that had been impaled there earlier in
the week but were gone today.
This field also had 2 or 3 yellow palm warblers.
When we returned to the buildings for our fascinating sessions, one of the
students noticed a bright yellow bird fluttering against a screen trying to get
out of a partially enclosed corridor. I was surprised to see a late magnolia
warbler. I gently captured it in my hand in a bander's grip and quickly
released it after students got a brief but enthralling view.
I kept my ears peeled for grosbeaks and crossbills calling in flight whenever
we were outside between sessions and while tree-planting, but heard none.
All the best
Fred
Frederick D. Atwood fredatwood@xxxxxxxxx
Flint Hill School, 10409 Academic Dr, Oakton, VA 22124
703-242-1675
http://www.agpix.com/fredatwood
http://www.flinthill.org
http://tea.armadaproject.org/tea_atwoodfrontpage.html
