Hello, birders.
I birded the Bridle Trail at Sky Meadows on Sunday and
stopped by the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE area. I didn't
actually see any shrikes but I do believe I heard one,
a raspy jay-like call that I heard the shrike utter
the week before in the same area.
During my occasional visits over the past two months I
haven't seen any young shrikes. It's hard to see into
the nest but when I've tried the nest hasn't appeared
to contain any eggs. And the last time I definitely
saw the pair together was in mid-April, possibly in
early May.
If you want to try for the Shrikes, which may still be
in the area, the vicinity of the Meadow Trail across
from the duck ponds is the location where I've seen
them. This stretch of trail runs parallel to the
stream.
Several people have expressed confusion as to the
location of the Meadow Trail. It is not found on the
map on the Virginia State Park website, as that
version of the map is an old one. However, the park
does have the newest version of the trail map, which
is labeled with the newer trails. Also, the Meadow
Trail is/has been called by other names, such as
Rolling Meadow Trail. Like the Bridle Trail, it is
used by riders.
The Meadow Trail is located on the E side of the park,
next to the Bridle Trail. Park in the Bridle Trail
parking lot. Walk down the beginning of the Bridle
Trail. After 75 feet, there is an intersection. Most
birders hang right here, continuing on the Bridle
Trail. Heading left or straight takes you on the
Meadow Trail.
Going left, this trail zig zags through open country
and takes you to the far part of the Bridle Trail,
near the bench on the hillside which overlooks the
duck ponds. When I bird the Meadow Trail, however, I
typically head straight. This part of the trail forms
a giant "L." It follows a treeline for 1/4 mi., then
bends right at the stream, following the stream and
another treeline for another 1/3 mile or so, passing
the above mentioned duck ponds across the stream (only
occaisonally are any waterfowl present in these
artificial ponds but they are worth a look if you're
there), ending at the Bridle Trail. You can combine
this walk with the Bridle if you wish, making a nice
loop.
By the way, this area is officially for riders only,
but the park does allow birders to bird here. When
encountering horses, give them right of way. Don't
stand way off in the woods or brush as they get
nervous if they can't see you. Riders are generally
friendly.
I'm not sure how this is coming across but if it
sounds confusing, it really isn't. Happy birding and
good luck if you are looking for the shrikes, a rare
bird in the Northern Piedmont and declining big time
in much of the East. And watch out for ticks!
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
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