The following column by Yulee Larner was published in today's edition of the
Staunton newspaper, The Newsleader.
Foray finds 136 species
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More than 60 members and friends of the Virginia Society of
Ornithology (VSO) spent some time in Highland and Bath counties during the
period of June 7-15, conducting a breeding bird foray.
This was the 34th in a series of surveys that have been held
throughout Virginia since the first one at Mount Rogers in 1966. They are
designed to ascertain the status of each species and to provide a basis for
future studies. Previous forays were held in Highland in 1975 and 1985 and
in Bath in 1982.
With headquarters in Monterey and Warm Springs, birders -- in groups
of two to four -- drove and hiked through all sections of both counties on
assigned routes that were selected by John Spahr, local coordinator of the
event.
Members of the Bath-Highland Bird Club assisted in providing
publicity, participated in the field trips and contacted landowners to gain
access to private properties. Foray participants were most appreciative of
the delicious June 9 supper prepared by the club for the entire group.
The preliminary report indicates that 136 species of birds were
identified (123 in Highland and 124 in Bath) with 111 species found in both.
Highlights included the first breeding record of hooded merganser in the
Mountains and Valleys Region, fledged winter wrens, nesting loggerhead
shrike and a pair of dickcissels.
Observers identified species that practice "vertical migration."
Rather than fly to the spruce forests of northern United States or Canada,
they move up to elevations of 3,500 to 4,000 feet. These include northern
saw-whet owl, yellow-bellied sapsucker, least flycatcher, red-breasted
nuthatch, winter wren, golden-crowned kinglet, purple finch, hermit thrush,
dark-eyed junco and several warbler species.
The foray was more than just birdwatching. It was a time to visit old
friends; it was also a time to meet friendly local residents as we drove
along quiet country roads, where shale banks are covered with wildflowers
and meadows are carpeted with buttercups and bluets. Bright green ferns,
flame azalea and mountain laurel brightened the dark woodlands.
Rhododendrons, pale pink to darkest red, were blooming along the road to
Ingalls field. Sometimes, it seemed we were sitting on top of the world
looking across the peaceful valleys to distant ridges of the vast
Appalachians. I wish you could have been there!
For a complete list of birds identified on the foray, contact me at
886-7815 or by e-mail.
E-mail YuLee Larner at larnery@xxxxxxxxxx .
Originally published Wednesday, July 2, 2003
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