Encouraged by Jay Keller's post about the field of Dickcissels in Culpeper
Co., yesterday, I decided to drive out and look for them today. I found the
area from his post with little trouble. There was already a group of folks
from the No Va. bird club there. We saw two or three Dickcissels, though
they seemed a bit timid.
I stayed for about an hour after the club folks left and had better luck. I
saw at least 6, or more, singing males, sometimes quite close. Well worth
the drive. Also seen were a pair of orchard orioles, meadow larks, a few
indigo buntings , I and heard a couple of bobwhite quail. A very nice day
in the Virginia countryside. NOTE: The very large field behind the row of
cedars on which the Dickcissels were perching was being MOWED as we were
there. I assume this has destroyed any nests in that field. The field
across the road was still full of tall grass. It was, however, unclear
where the birds were nesting.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
