First Bird Walk Held at Rockland Farm on May 18

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s first official bird walk at Rockland Farm was held on  May 18. The group of 15 eager participants spent 2 hours and 20 minutes exploring the area, covering over two miles. After a week of rain, conditions were perfect for the walk — mild at about 70 degrees with a light breeze. During the outing, a total of 55 different bird species were observed, making it a highly productive morning.

This walk celebrated the beginning of a new partnership between Rockland Farm and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. The collaboration will promote conservation, education and public engagement with nature at this historic property.

Among the highlights of the walk were notable sightings of a Bald Eagle (five individuals), including two baby eagles seen on a nest, an exciting moment for the entire group. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a single Prothonotary Warbler also made brief appearances. One of the most thrilling moments came when the group had clear, close-up views of a pair of Scarlet Tanagers perched just overhead, their brilliant plumage glowing in the morning light. The most numerous species observed were Cedar Waxwings, with 17 individuals recorded. Northern Cardinals were also well-represented, with eight individuals seen. Six each of Eastern Wood-Pewee, Carolina Chickadee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Gray Catbird added to the diversity of species.

A wide variety of woodpeckers were recorded as well, including Red-headed, Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy, Pileated, and Northern Flicker. Warblers, vireos, flycatchers and swallows rounded out the list.

The walk was lead by Mike Scott and Steve Makranczy. The complete list of species for the walk can be viewed on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S240306527.

Rockland Farm is steeped in American history. Situated north of Leesburg along Route 15, the property was originally acquired in 1817 by General George Rust from the heirs of Colonel Burgess Ball, an aide-de-camp to George Washington. In 1822, General Rust constructed the current federal-style brick mansion, incorporating an earlier frame house as a rear service wing. The estate, named for its prominent limestone outcroppings, spans approximately 600 acres and includes various outbuildings such as a brick overseer’s residence, smokehouse and barn. Rockland has remained in the Rust family for generations and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.