While cold (about 20 degrees) when we began Saturday morning’s bird walk, it was a pleasant winter morning for birding as there was no wind and good light. The 12 birders on the regular monthly Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve bird walk observed 33 species and a flock of unidentified blackbirds. The highlights of the walk […]
Thirteen people came out for an all-day field trip this past Sunday in Clarke County and close-by Lake Frederick meeting at Snicker’s Gap a little before 9 a.m. and returning there at about 4:40 p.m. While the Gap was thoroughly socked in with heavy fog, the Shenandoah Valley was bright and sunny especially when the […]
The five people on the regular monthly (every 2nd Saturday) bird walk at the Banshee Reeks only found 23 species, probably because of the high winds, but did get great views of a posing Hermit Thrush, and heard virtually every call and song that White-throated Sparrows do. We also got good looks at a Fox Sparrow. The […]
Volume 23 Issue 3, Fall 2018 by Randy Bowman Randy is a local high school student who enjoys researching nature and sharing his thoughts and observations. Birds are one of the most dominant classes of organisms on this planet. They can be found on all continents and in all environments. Why are birds so successful, […]
On a cold and rainy morning, 4 of us (a big thank you to our dedicated walk leaders!) ventured about the area by the visitor’s center at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) while trying to stay somewhat dry and keep out of the way of the Boy Scout leader training that was […]
New FOS species included Dark-eyed Junco and Winter Wren. Relatively close views of Cooper’s Hawks chasing in the tops of mostly bare trees provided much amusement and delight. Merlin, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk fill out the raptor list Large groups of cowbirds and blackbirds crossed the sky several times but we did not have much luck at […]
Photo by Allison Gallo Twelve birders met for the regular 4th Saturday of the month Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) walk. After gathering at the visitors center, the group drove down to the Sawmill Road/Butterfly Alley area. At the start of the walk, a light drizzle and overcast skies threatened, but the rain […]
On a lovely mid-September morning, 14 birders and nature lovers enjoyed a walk at Algonkian Regional Park. The weather was cool albeit a bit humid and the skies were overcast. Proceeding from the boat ramp east towards Sugarland Run, the group encountered a few warblers: Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Black-and-white, among the more numerous […]
Vol. 21 Issue 1, Spring 2016 By Emily Cook Reclusive and highly skilled in the art of camouflage, it is a true gift to see an American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) while out walking the marshes of Loudoun County. A member of the heron family, the bittern is a bird of medium, stocky build with an […]
Vol. 20 Issue 3, Fall 2015 By Larry Meade Woodpeckers are some of the most charismatic birds that we often see in our area. In any season of the year, if you are near a wooded area, you are likely to hear the ostentatious call or the vigorous drumming of a woodpecker. Red-bellied Woodpeckers and […]