Yesterday was the monthly bird walk at Banshee by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks. This lovely fall morning was enjoyed by 11 birders, led by Joe Coleman, Laura McGranaghan, and Mary Ann Good.
We got first-of-fall looks at a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Swamp and White-throated Sparrows.
We also spotted a couple of Bald Eagles, a No. Harrier, and a probable migrating family group of 4 Am. Kestrels. A lingering Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Gray Catbird, Palm Warbler, and Brown Thrasher were also seen. We were surprised to watch a begging young Am. Goldfinch being fed by its parent.
It was a beautiful crisp morning with dew covering beautiful spider webs that glistened in the sunlight. As the morning warmed, we were also delighted to see a variety of butterflies that included migrating Monarchs clearly on the move, Common Buckeyes, a Variegated Fritillary, Orange Sulphur and an Eastern-tailed Blue.
The complete list of birds follows:
Canada Goose, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle – 2, No. Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Am. Kestrel – 4, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, No. Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Am. Crow, Fish Crow, Car. Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, E. Bluebird, thrush sp. – 2, Am. Robin – hundreds, Gray Catbird, No. Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eur. Starling, Cedar Waxwing – 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, E. Towhee – 5, Field Sparrow – 4, Swamp Sparrow – 4, White-throated Sparrow, No. Cardinal, Am. Goldfinch