For at least the last few days, an adult Red-headed Woodpecker has been seen in
Reston in the Beaver Swamp area (directions are at the end of this e-mail). The
bird was seen excavating a nest cavity this weekend. I saw it this morning
(Tuesday) along with all 5 of our other "summer" woodpeckers. As far as I know,
only one bird has been seen- I'm curious to know if there is another one around.
Also, at Sunrise Valley Park this morning there were 2 adult Killdeer with at
least 4 chicks. They were all in the ditch in front of the smaller parking
garage.
Directions to Bright Pond Beaver Swamp from the Dulles Toll Road (267):
* Exit at Reston Parkway and head north for almost 3 miles.
* Just past the light at Wiehle Ave, make a right onto Bright Pond Lane.
* In 2/10 of a mile you'll come to a cul-de-sac. Park here. ***NOTE*** This is
a residential street, so please do not park anywhere else but the cul-de-sac,
and do not drive or walk along any road labeled as a "Private Drive" (there are
a couple of private drives at the cul-de-sac).
* The area where the bird has been seen is a short (approx.5 minute, maybe
less?) walk from where you'll park. Walk along the rightmost paved path, which
will take you down a hill, to your right, and then back up, to your left and
over the stream.
* Just before you get to the "T" in the path (you'll have to go left or right)
you'll see a bluebird box and a park sign down the hill on your left. They are
both located at the trailhead. Walk on the grass down the hill and start along
the (sometimes muddy and overgrown) trail.
* On the trail, you'll cross a wooden plank "bridge." Shortly after that, there
will be a lot of ferns on your left. Look for the opening in the trees on your
left in the midst of the fern area. The woodpecker has been seen here most
often.
For a printable checklist of Reston birds, including a map that indicates the
locations of both Bright Pond Beaver Swamp and Sunrise Valley Park, go to:
http://www.reston.org/parks_rec/BirdChecklist2003.pdf
Andy Rabin
Reston, VA
andyrabin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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