Spring Ligi, our Loudoun County Bird Atlas Coordinator, just sent over some great highlights from the data that rolled in from our atlas volunteers through June. We’re getting some really exciting information on birds that we didn’t realize nest here.
So far, 28 enthusiastic atlasers have spent 634 hours in the field documenting 7,539 sightings and have recorded 177 species, with 74 of these species having a confirmed nesting status.
If you’d like to join in this important citizen science project, we could certainly use your help! More information can be found on our Bird Atlas Page. Every bit of data – from backyards to large untouched areas is important to this project.
June Highlights
• Little Blue Heron – observed a Little Blue Heron, a Species of Special Interest, at the Dulles Wetlands.
• Cerulean Warblers – heard 3 singing male Cerulean Warblers, another Species of Special Interest, singing from the same point in the Ashby Gap area and then heard another one nearby.
• Black-billed Cuckoo – documented this species as a Possible Breeder in separate parts of the county (Unison and Ashburn areas, respectively) – this species is not previously thought to nest in Loudoun County!
• Dickcissel – documented this species as a Possible Breeder in the Arcola area. This is most likely the first reported Dickcissel in Loudoun County this year!
• Red-headed Woodpecker – observed a pair flycatching and then returning to a nest cavity in the Bluemont area to feed young.
• Screech Owlets – observed 2 curious owlets nesting in a cavity in a Black Locust tree on property in the Bluemont area.