August 2010
Hi Loudoun County Atlasers,
The dog days of summer are here. I hope you all are finding a way to stay cool! Despite the heat, July brought some nice sightings for the atlas.
July Highlights
1. Birders on Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s monthly Blue Ridge Center walk were treated to observations of a Kentucky Warbler family with impatient young begging for food. A pair of Kentucky Warblers was also observed with their nest in the Bluemont area.
2. Yellow-throated Warbler reported as probable breeder in Algonkian Park This may be the first documentation of breeding for this species in Loudoun (breeding has been documented in neighboring Faquier and Fairfax counties).
3. Mute Swan observed in Algonkian Park swimming near a Great Egret. Great Egrets are uncommon in Loudoun much of the year, but as they start to disburse from their nest site they become increasingly more common by July and August.
4. Bobolink reported as probable breeder in the Bluemont area.
Updates
1. Linda Millington has graciously accepted the role of Regional Coordinator for Region 5 (Ashby Gap, Upperville, Rectortown, and Middleburg areas). If you have questions concerning a block in this area please contact Linda at millington.linda@gmail.com.
Reminders
1. If you completed a special survey during the 2010 season, please send me your data at your earliest convenience.
Tips
1. While atlasing, be on the lookout for fledglings and confirmations of breeding for late nesters. Also watch for early migrants. You never know what interesting sightings you may find!
2. Private properties can provide a wide range of habitats and species. If possible, obtain permission to atlas on private properties in your block and throughout the county. I’m happy to contact a landowner for you, upon request.
Atlas Progress
52 enthusiastic atlasers have spent 1,733 hours in the field documenting 19,660 sightings. You have recorded 213 species, with 97 of these species having a confirmed nesting status. Field cards have been reported for 36 blocks.
Happy Atlasing,
Spring
Spring Ligi Loudoun
County Bird Atlas Coordinator
sligi@loudounwildlife.org