Spring just sent over the latest bird atlas tips so I wanted to share some snipits here:
Congratulations to all our volunteers on completing our third breeding season for the atlas, bringing us past the half way mark of this exciting 5-year project! As fall approaches, we can shift our focus to the migrants passing through our area. Earthquakes…hurricanes…anything is possible!
August Highlights
1. Swallow-tailed Kite observed in the Lincoln 4 block.
2. The Poolesville area continues to be productive with reports of Pectoral Sandpiper, Horned Lark, Cliff Swallow, Yellow-throated Warbler, as well as Turkey, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Dickcissel fledglings. A Dickcissel was also reported in the Waterford 3 block.
3. Loggerhead Shrike observed on top of a roof in the Purcellville 4 block.
4. Broad-wing Hawks observed passing over Snickers Gap Hawkwatch (Bluemont 1).
Atlas Progress
71 atlasers have spent 3,085 hours in the field documenting 34,550 sightings. You have recorded 233 species, with 100 of these species having a confirmed nesting status. Field cards have been reported for 46 blocks and 4 blocks are considered “complete”.
Interesting in the Loudoun County Bird Atlas Project? Read more about it here and sign up with our coordinator, Spring Ligi.