FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Sparrow Day in Buchanan County

["Mayhorn" <mayhorn@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Area Birders,
Yesterday, 10/30/04, the Buchanan County Bird Club had its annual Sparrow Day, 
where members searched for the different species of sparrows as well as other 
migrants passing through the area. This count takes place on Guesses Fork near 
Hurley, VA where reclaimed strip mine land along the ridge tops makes excellent 
habitat for sparrows. Windy conditions kept many of the birds down in the 
brambles this year, but still 36 species were counted.
The day started with flocks of CEDAR WAXWINGS passing overhead every few 
minutes. It was difficult to tell which birds were new, and which ones had 
already been counted, as some of the flocks circled around us. Then RED-TAILED 
HAWKS, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, SHARP-SHINNEDS and a large COOPERS put on a show 
for us, as they either circled closely overhead or made diving runs over the 
flocks of waxwings and the large flocks of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES feeding on weed 
seeds. One Sharp-shinned caught a small bird near a farm pond.

 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS seemed to be everywhere with SONG SPARROWS being a 
close second . Only two FIELD SPARROWS were found, and one of those had a white 
forehead and a deformed, pointed head. Attempts to get a photo were 
unsuccessful. 3 SWAMP SPARROWS were observed near a small pond, and 3 VESPER 
SPARROWS were found feeding along the edge of the field nearby. Only 1 
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was located. It was an immature bird. Only 1 immature or 
female PURPLE FINCH was seen. 1 BROWN THRASHER  was seen, as was 1 MEADOWLARK, 
1 WOODCOCK and 1 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 1 WILD TURKEY was heard. 3 
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were observed feeding in the lower branches of  some 
small trees.

In the woodpecker family 2 PILEATEDS were heard in the nearby woods, a couple 
of NORTHERN FLICKERS flew by, and DOWNYS and RED-BELLIEDS were observed.

Noticeably absent were juncos. The large flocks may have not yet made it into 
the area. No Eastern Bluebirds were observed either. Possibly the windy 
conditions had driven them down to lower elevations.

In the early afternoon the birders gathered in a pasture blocked from the wind 
by Autum Olive bushes, and had their annual wiener roast and picnic, where they 
were joined by the property owners,  Billy Ray and Shirley Justus. The club 
owes thanks to them and to their daughter, Michelle Talbott for allowing us to 
bird and picnic on their property.

Enjoy the birds,

Roger Mayhorn
Grundy, VA
Buchanan County Bird Club

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