VA Birders,
Pat Blyer, Betty Kilgore, and I decided to go and look for the
Dickcissels reported in the Calverton area of Fauquier Co. on June 26 by Laura
Catterton
and on July 1 by Paula Sullivan. We were not disappointed, and thanks again
to both Laura and Paula for their reports and directions. When we arrived on
Old Weaversville Rd. (Rt. 618), we pulled up at a spot where traffic coming
from either direction could see us, and we heard what sounded like a Dickcissel
before we even got out of the car. As soon as we got out, a Dickcissel flew
into the tree right next to the car. Our view wasn't very good there, so the
bird flew to the next tree and perched on a bare branch, continued singing, and
gave us great front and back views. Rather than follow him and take a chance
on scaring him off, we set up my scope, and all 3 of us had fantastic views
of him! We also saw at least 1, and possibly 2 more Dickcissels along this
road. In fact, we could hear at least 1 Dickcissel singing most of the time we
were there (well over an hour)!
We also saw Willow Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, and Blue
Grosbeak, and we heard Northern Bobwhite, all reported on the earlier reports,
but we did not find a Yellow-breasted Chat, which actually was our other
target bird. However, it was a cool, pleasant morning, and everyone in the few
cars which we encountered on the road was very friendly.
The directions, again, for anyone who might want them and does not have
them, are: From I-66 westbound, take Exit 44 (the second Rt. 234 exit) and go
south on Rt. 234 to Rt. 28. Turn right on Rt. 28 and continue to Calverton.
Turn left on Rt. 616 (Bristerburg Rd.) and go south about 2/3 of a mile. Turn
left onto Rt. 618 (Old Weaversville Rd.), and follow this road, which turns
sharply right, about 1/4 mile; continue until you see 3 short, fat silos on the
left (east). Park along the road and look and listen for the Dickcissels.
Happily the fields in the area have not been cut, so hopefully the birds will
remain and perhaps even nest successfully here.
Val Kitchens
Arlington, VA
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