Broad-winged Hawk
Photo by Michael Myers
A Broad-winged Hawk flying overhead, seven vocalizing Yellow-billed Cuckoos, a Red-headed Woodpecker and a number of other species were the highlights of the regular monthly bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship on Saturday, June 22. It was a beautiful, almost cool, summer morning for a walk, led by Bryan Henson and Joe Coleman, and as a result the 11 of us walked over three miles exploring the southern portion of the center.
We were also excited to observe an Acadian Flycatcher flying back and forth to its nest, three well-seen Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers flying by us while we waited in the parking lot for the walk to start. There also were approximately 16 Acadian Flycatchers and 15 Indigo Buntings, a Willow Flycatcher, three White-eyed Vireos and two Yellow-throated Vireos, a Common Raven, a well-seen Yellow-breasted Chat, and five different warbler species. The Broad-winged Hawk was photographed and well-seen by all of us as it flew overhead.
The complete lists can be seen at:
https://ebird.org/view/
https://ebird.org/view/
https://ebird.org/view/
Cobra Clubtail Dragonfly on Cabbage White Butterfly
Photo by Michael Myers
A number of different butterfly species were also seen, especially in the field immediately to the west of the Sawmill Road parking area where there were masses of Common Milkweed along with both Butterfly Weed and Swamp Milkweed. At Sweet Run we observed a dragonfly catch and then begin devouring a Cabbage White butterfly.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy schedules two regular bird walks every month, one at the Blue Ridge Center every fourth Saturday of the month, and one at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve every second Saturday of the month. Everyone is welcome at these walks.
For more information on the Blue Ridge Center see http://www.blueridgecenter.org
Joe Coleman