Hello, birders.
Like other birders in No. Virginia, I found the birds to be quite active
despite Saturday's cold weather. It was 15 F at Sky Meadows at 8:15 this
morning, warming up to the mid 30s. There was a snow cover of 2 or 3 inches
from Friday morning's storm.
The best bird was one that, unfortunately, I couldn't identify. A Snow
Bunting or Lapland Longspur flew overhead going SW. I couldn't actually find
the bird but it called often, giving a downslurred, loud, "chew" and also a
short rattle or trill. Either species would probably be a first park record.
Sparrows were very common in the woods and wood edges especially Song and
White-throated. Field, Towhee and Junco were also heard and/or seen. All 7
woodpecker species were seen. 4 Hermit Thrushes, a good number for the park,
called from a short stretch of the South Ridge Trail. Nearby, a flock of 8
dapper plumaged Cedar Waxwings fed in berry laden vines. One or two waxwings
had an orange tip to the yellow banded tail. The only raptors that I saw
during my hike were a couple of Red-tailed Hawks.
My walk took me from the Visitor Center to the AT by way of the South Ridge
Trail. Quite a few hikers were out in the cold today, which surprised me.
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
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