September 2012
Loudoun County Atlasers,
We’ve made it through our fourth breeding season – only one more to go! Thanks to your dedication we’ve collected valuable data, which will enable Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to establish a comprehensive list of birds in Loudoun County and identify important bird areas to enhance and protect. Let’s keep the momentum rolling this fall and winter!
August Highlights
1. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and a surprising Brown Creeper at the Blue Ridge Center in Harpers Ferry 5. Brown Creepers have been reported as occasionally nesting in Maryland, not far from Loudoun County. Wouldn’t it be exciting to confirm breeding for this species in Loudoun County during the atlas!
2. Semipalmated Plover, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Great Egret, and Blue Grosbeak reported for Arcola 1.
3. Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Raven, Common Nighthawk, and Cliff Swallow at Snickers Gap Hawkwatch in Bluemont 1.
4. Juvenile White Ibis along Goose Creek in Leesburg 2.
Odds and Ends
1. Plan to atlas at least once a month throughout the fall and winter to document any migrant and wintering birds you encounter. Please check the block status map on the atlas website for blocks that still need coverage.
2. Falling behind on data entry? Atlasing slows a bit this time of year, providing a great opportunity to catch up. Remember to check for any warning flags before finalizing your field cards.
3. Once the majority of 2012 data is entered, I plan to update the current block status map so we can pinpoint blocks that still need significant coverage. I’ll include the updated map in the October or November tips – please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with your regional coordinator or myself.
4. As in years past, I’ll feature a “Species of the Month” for the fall and winter atlas emails. Please let me know if there is a particular species you would like to learn more about or if you have any stories you would like to share with the other atlasers.
Upcoming Events
1. Bring the birds to you! There will be a Native Plant Sale at the Rust Nature Sanctuary (802 Children’s Center Rd, Leesburg) on Sept 15 from 9-4. The sale will include a pollinator garden display, Monarch butterfly resources, native bee houses, a used environmental book sale, live music, and more. For more information contact Ann Garvey at ahgarvey@aol.com.
2. The Snickers Gap Hawkwatch, located on the Clarke and Loudoun County line, is looking for volunteers this fall. Both volunteers with experience and those willing to learn are welcome. Please contact Joan Boudreau or Bob Abrams at icepeep@aol.com if you have any questions or are interested in participating with the count.
Atlas Progress
78 enthusiastic atlasers have spent 4,335 hours in the field documenting 49,035 sightings. You have recorded 240 species, with 103 of these species having a confirmed nesting status. An updated block status map will be available on the atlas website this fall.
Happy Fall Y’all!
Spring
Spring Ligi
Loudoun County Bird Atlas Coordinator
sligi@loudounwildlife.org