September 2013
Loudoun County Atlasers,
Grab a frosty beverage of your choice and pat yourself on the back for a job well done this summer. Then grab your trusty binoculars and start documenting those migrants passing through our area! There are 20 atlas blocks that could benefit from additional migratory and winter bird coverage (see attached Atlas Progress spreadsheet) and of course, sightings can always be added to other blocks. If you have any sightings that still need to be entered please do so at your earliest convenience or let me know and we can make arrangements to ensure your data is included for the atlas. It’s hard to believe we are coming down the home stretch!
August Highlights
1. Blue-winged Warbler observed in an atlaser’s backyard in Point of Rocks 5, along with Common Nighthawks.
2. Bobwhite heard calling at Willowsford Farm in Arcola 2.
3. Osprey reported at Beavercreek Reservoir in Leesburg 6 by a creative atlaser who surveyed by kayak.
4. Mississippi Kite observed in Round Hill 2 during the last few days of July.
5. After thorough review, the sighting of a Swainson’s Warbler in Harpers Ferry 4 this June has been included for the Bird Atlas. What a rare and wonderful treat for Loudoun County!
Blockbusting Tips
The following blocks need additional migrants (refer to attached Atlas Progress spreadsheet for details):
- Region 1 – Charles Town 6, Round Hill 2 and 5
- Region 2 – Purcellville 1
- Region 3 – Harpers Ferry 6, Point of Rocks 3
- Region 5 – Ashby Gap 4, 5, and 6, Middleburg 1, 2, 3, and 4
Please consider conducting a survey this month in a block listed above. Maps and current species lists for each block can be found on the atlas website. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
Reminders and Miscellaneous
1. Please check your “My Atlas View” screen (the screen that appears after you log in) for any open field cards. The “Report” column will let you know if a card is open or needs to be completed. Please look over any open cards and either finalize them or let me know if they can be deleted.
2. 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.
3. The Snickers Gap Hawkwatch, located on the Clarke and Loudoun County line, is looking for volunteers this fall. Please contact Joan Boudreau or Bob Abrams at 703-734-1238 or icepeep@aol.com if you have any questions or are interested in helping with the count.
Atlas Progress
85 enthusiastic atlasers have spent 5,475 hours in the field documenting 61,140 sightings. Because of your effort and skill we have recorded 253 species, with 102 of these species having a confirmed nesting status. 48 blocks are considered complete (though sightings can still be reported). Let’s have a strong finish this fall and winter!
Happy Blockbusting,
Spring
Spring Ligi
Loudoun County Bird Atlas Coordinator
sligi@loudounwildlife.org