FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Sky Meadows, Fauquier Co.; June 12

[Scott Baron <brnpelican@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello, birders.

I birded Sky Meadows today, walking from the Visitor
Center to the AT by way of the So. Ridge and No. Ridge
trails.  I got a really late start today.  Between
that and the hot weather I feel lucky to have found a
good variety of birds.  Lots of butterflies were
present, too.  In June, the park explodes with them. 
For those birders inclined to do some hiking, please
note that a portion of the Appalachian Trail has been
rerouted near the park.  This trail now runs a little
to the south of where it was before.  The old portion
of the Appalachian Trail is still open, it's now just
another park trail that meets up with the AT west of
Rte. 50.

A male SCARLET TANAGER near the AT had different
plumage.  It appeared normal except for white patches
on its belly and yellow on the underside of the tail. 
The wings may not have been as black as normal, but
I'm not sure.  I did not note the upperside of the
tail.  Interestingly, elsewhere in the park I saw a
male INDIGO BUNTING that had a white belly.

7 warbler sp. at Sky Meadows today incl. 3 Cerulean
males in their usual area.  I'm glad that they are
back after last year's apparent absence.  Other
warblers incl. HOODED (1m), CHAT (1m) and KENTUCKY
(3m).  All 6 woodpecker sp. were present, incl. 2
RED-HEADEDS at the beginning of the Gap Run Tr.
(Boston Mill Rd.)  A BROAD-WINGED HAWK called from
high above the forest, at the intersection of the No.
Ridge and So. Ridge trails.  I've only had one other
Broad-winged in the summer at Sky Meadows, a bird
calling while soaring at the exact same spot exactly
one year ago.  A female KESTREL, with prey, was being
harassed near the Visitor Center by a blackbird.
Finally, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK sang near the AT.  I
hear one at or near the ridgetop almost every summer.

Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
  

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