FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Dismal Swamp walk

["Robert Ake" <rake@xxxxxxx>]

   Today with the temperature near 64F and the skies nearly cloudless I was met 
around 7am at the Washington Ditch entrance parking lot by Peggy Waterfield, 
Elisa Enders, and Renee Hudgins.  I had been concerned that the wind would 
interfere with our birding, but we all enjoyed a very pleasant walk while 
recording 53 species of birds, which is above average, and 13 species of 
butterflies, one of which was new for me.
   Birds that were new for me for the swamp this year included Yellow-throated 
Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, 
Yellow-throated Vireo, Veery, and Acadian Flycatcher.  Several of these species 
are new to me only because this is my first visit this year to Washington Ditch 
where they have been reported earlier by others.
   I finally broke my string of three 12-warbler trips.  This morning we 
recorded 17 warbler species including: Louisiana Waterthrush (4), Prothonotary 
Warbler (27), Common Yellowthroat (9), Northern Parula (5), Worm-eating Warbler 
(2), Ovenbird (22), Prairie Warbler (5), Yellow-throated Warbler (2), Hooded 
Warbler (7), Black-throated Blue Warbler (1), Black-and-white Warbler (4), 
American Redstart (14), Yellow-rumped Warbler (25), Swainson's Warbler (3), 
Black-throated Green Warbler (1), Northern Waterthrush (1), and Pine Warbler 
(3).  Everyone got to see one of the Swainson's Warblers after Peggy pointed it 
out, sitting up and singing.  The bird was singing with great enthusiasm, even 
though it had no tail.  However, it was a lifer for two in the group, and they 
didn't mind that this individual was caudally challenged.  This bird was only 
1/2 mile down Washington Ditch on the north side of the road near a fluorescent 
orange strip attached to a no hunting sign.
   Other birds of interest seen today included a Turkey on the road, slowly 
walking and dust bathing; a pair of Barred Owls calling excitedly; a female 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird building its nest; and a couple of highly vocal 
Red-shouldered Hawks.
   Butterflies seen included Silver-spotted Skipper (2), E. Tiger Swallowtail 
(9), Question Mark (5), S. Pearly Eye (1), Palamedes Swallowtail (3), Pearl 
Crescent (42), American Snout (1), Spring Azure (1), Common Checkered-Skipper 
(1), Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper (1, new for me), Red Admiral (1), Carolina 
Satyr (2), and Cabbage White (2).
   It's interesting to compare this list with that from Jericho Ditch earlier 
in the week.  My next swamp walk will be next Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 am 
from the Jericho Ditch Lane parking lot.  Join me if you'd like.
   
Robert L. Ake
6603 Catherine Street
Norfolk VA 23505
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