Date: 4/14/18 10:47 am From: Bryan Henson via VA-bird <va-bird...> Subject: [VA-bird] Banshee Reeks group walk results (Loudoun)
On a warm and clear skied Saturday where the forest was blanketed by Spring Beauties, a dozen folks participated in the monthly Banshee Reeks walk. We found the park full of Tree Swallows, White-throated sparrows and very active Eastern Towhees (sitting in the open singing!).
We found several first of season birds - Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, Broad-winged Hawks and a very cooperative Green Heron. Another highlight included a Great Horned Owl that flew in as I was dissecting an owl pellet we found on the trail.
Notable misses: Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, Northern Parula (heard the day before and by another birder today), Swamp sparrow, Mallard, Barn swallow and gulls.
*Non-avian sightings:* Coyote! running across the field on the other side of Goose Creek Butterflies - Spring/Summer Azure, Falcate Orangetip, Polygonia (Question Mark probably), Cabbage White, and a possible Red Admiral (which would be early I believe) Common Green Darner Garter snake
Thanks to Mary Anne Good and Hawkeye Andy for helping on the walk.
The regular monthly free bird walk (every 2nd Sat) at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy ( loudounwildlife.org) and Friends Of Banshee Reeks (bansheereeksnp.org).
