Tree Swallow.
Photo by Michael Sciortino
The threat of rain and cool temperature (47 degrees) kept many of those who had signed up for the walk from coming out on April 27. Led by Joe Coleman, Michael Sciortino, John Denice and Carol Sottili, the group of 12 birders had a productive and pleasant morning, especially since the rain held off until after the walk. We were delighted to have Rodney and Martha Orcutt join us on the walk. They are in the process of visiting all of Virginia’s State Parks and Sweet Run was their 41st.
We found 43 species, some of which were first-of-season (FOS) birds. Highlights of the walk included a Green Heron (FOS for many of us) on the small pond near the parking lot as well as the first of six vocal White-eyed Vireos and the first of 10 vocal and very active Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Two Louisiana Waterthrushes (FOS) were found along Piney Run. Six very vocal and active Common Yellowthroats, a Northern Parula, a Black-throated Green Warbler (FOS) and a Scarlet Tanager (FOS) were found in a variety of locations. Additionally, there were singing American Goldfinches and White-throated Sparrows everywhere we walked.
For a complete list of the birds observed, see below.
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as we Celebrate Birds from April 20 through May 19 with multiple walks, programs, a Big Sit and a Birdathon. You can see all of the events listed here: Celebrate Birds Events
Looking at a Louisiana Waterthrush. Photo by Joe Coleman
Species List:
Canada Goose 3
Mourning Dove 3
Green Heron 1
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
White-eyed Vireo 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10
House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 6
European Starling 2
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 2
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 1
American Goldfinch 12
Chipping Sparrow 4
Field Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 14
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 3
Common Raven 1
Carolina Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
Tree Swallow 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Song Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 3
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 1
Louisiana Waterthrush 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Northern Parula 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 9