Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

On January 28th, 14 of us found 30 species on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s regular bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in northwestern Loudoun County near Harper’s Ferry. 

It was around freezing when we started and warmed up to the low 40′s by the time we finished.  We spent most of our time on the power cut with brief forays into the forest edge.

We got nice looks at two Hermit Thrushes, a Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker & Hairy Woodpecker fighting over a cavity. 

Other highlights included two Fox Sparrows, at least 6 Field Sparrows, no Juncos, a handful of hawks, and two flyover Ravens as we were tallying.  Surprising misses were the lack of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Pileated Woodpeckers.  Nonetheless all in all a nice walk on a pleasant winter day

Information on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship can be found at http://www.blueridgecenter.org.   Information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and its many free activities can be found at www.loudounwildlife.org.

Joe Coleman, near Bluemont, Loudoun Co

See below for complete list of bird species seen as reported to eBird:
Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship – MFF01, Loudoun, US-VA
Jan 28, 2012 8:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
30 species
Canada Goose  30,Mallard  18,Hooded Merganser  3,Turkey Vulture  6,Red-shouldered Hawk  2,Red-tailed Hawk  3,American Kestrel  1,Red-bellied Woodpecker,Downy Woodpecker,Hairy Woodpecker  1,Northern Flicker  2,Blue Jay,American Crow,Common Raven  2,Carolina Chickadee,Tufted Titmouse,White-breasted Nuthatch,Brown Creeper  1,Carolina Wren,Golden-crowned Kinglet  3,Eastern Bluebird,Hermit Thrush  1,Northern Mockingbird  3,European Starling,Field Sparrow  6,Fox Sparrow  2,Song Sparrow,White-throated Sparrow,Northern Cardinal  12,American Goldfinch.

Before the chill of winter rolls over the Catoctins and we settle in for winter, we need to do one last habitat restoration project – and we really need your help to get it completed.

We hope you can come out for this – and bring friends and family. It’s a great end-of-the year event:

Creating Meadow Habitat at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship ― Saturday, December 3, 1:00 p.m. 

In October over a dozen people began restoring two meadows, the most threatened habitat in the U.S., at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in northwestern Loudoun County near Harpers Ferry. 

To restore this habitat and the wildlife that depends on it we must first cut down all the Autumn Olive, a highly aggressive invasive alien shrub, and several other trees and shrubs which are rapidly taking over the two meadows. 

After the trees and shrubs are cut down we are using them to build brush piles which wildlife can use for shelter. While we accomplished a lot in October we didn’t finish. 

If you are a high school student or older and interested in helping contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwilldife.org or 540-554-2542.

Nine of us showed up for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s regular bird walk (every 4th Sat except Dec) at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in northwestern Loudoun County near Harper’s Ferry.  It was in the lower 30′s when we started and stayed surprisingly cool for awhile though it did finally warm up to almost 60.
 
One of our first birds occurred at the very beginning of the walk and alerted us to its presence with a thrush-like call that was similar to but not the chup of a Hermit Thrush but closer to the quip of a SWAINSON’S THRUSH. 

It was perched in a tree near the small farm pond which is close to the Education Center and stayed there long enough to for all of us to get great looks at it and for one person to take a photo which we haven’t rec’d yet.  All its diagnostics (distinct buffy eye ring, dull spotting on the chest & dull coloration on the back, & a total lack of tail-dipping the entire time we watched it) indicated a very late Swainson’s Thrush. 

To top it off, when it finally flew away we listened to dif. thrushes on BirdJam and when it flew back in, it responded to the call of a Swainson’s Thrush.  The late date for Swainson’s Thrush in the Maryland Yellow Book is Dec. 1; looking at Virginia’s Gold Book this may be a late record for VA.  Hope the photos turns out.  Interestingly enough we never found a Hermit Thrush in spite of being in pretty nice habitat for this species.
 
After watching the Swainson’s Thrush we crossed the berm next to the pond where there was lots of activity including our heard our first Brown Creeper of the walk(we saw three and heard at least that many in other locations),  one of several we heard and three. 

We also had several Golden-crowned Kinglets and at least two Ruby-crowned Kinglets.  Other highlights included two Fox Sparrows, at least 6 Field Sparrows (but no Am. Tree Sparrows), more Juncos than we wanted to count, and a handful of hawks.  Also surprising was the lack of any Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.  All in all a nice walk on a pleasant late fall day.
 
Information on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship can be found at http://www.blueridgecenter.org.   Information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and its many free activities can be found at www.loudounwildlife.org.

Joe Coleman, near Bluemont, Loudoun Co

See below for complete list of bird species seen:
Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship – MFF01, Loudoun, US-VA
Nov 26, 2011 7:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
31 species

Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch.

Eight birders spent a few hours birding the north side of the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship yesterday morning on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s regular monthly bird walk. 

The highlights of the walk were two SUMMER TANAGERS, five different warbler species, and a few flycatchers, the latter resulting in some int’g discussions since they did not identify themselves by vocalizing. For a complete list of the birds seen see the results below.
 
Because of the cloudy, damp conditions there wasn’t a lot of butterfly activity except for a few Monarchs until we were wrapping up.

The trails at BRCES are normally open to the public 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. Information on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship can be found at http://www.blueridgecenter.org.   Information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and its many free activities can be found at www.loudounwildlife.org.

Joe Coleman, near Bluemont, Loudoun Co

42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada GooseBlack Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill’s), Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

If you’ve never been to the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (or even if you have and already know how fantastic it is!) be sure to head over for the free picnic tomorrow.

Here’s a quick recap from the organizers:

We want to invite all the friends of the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) to join us for a free picnic celebration on Sunday, Sept 25 from 3 – 5 pm during which time the BRCES will be presented with the Annual Friend of the Mountain Award by the Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Those attending the picnic will also have the opportunity to take guided tours of our natural and historical resources.

Some interesting upcoming events at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, one of Loudoun’s Great Places:

Building and Using an Espalier Fence for Backyard Fruit
Instructor: Michael Judd
Saturday, September 17, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$40 Members, $50 Non-members

Wild Edible Plant Walk
Instructor: Tim MacWelch
Sunday, September 18, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$40 Members, $50 Non-members

Wild About Mushrooms
Instructor: Michael Judd
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$10 Materials Fee + Registration Fee ($30 Members,$40 Non-members)

Traditional Basketry
Instructor: Tim MacWelch
Sunday, September 25, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$40 Members, $50 Non-members

Raising Chickens 101
Instructor: Shawna DeWitt
Sunday, October 9, 2011, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
$10 Members, $20 Non-members

Joe led our bird walk this morning at the Blue Ridge Center.  Here is his report:

Nine of us showed up for the regular monthly bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center (BRCES) this morning.  While it wasn’t raining and only drizzled occasionally during the walk, the walk began in a heavy dripping fog, and even when that cleared the tropical humidity reminded all of us that something was brewing far to the southeast. 

It was really quiet and not overly birdy except for one or two mixed flocks until it got brighter about 11 pm and we began to see not only a lot of butterflies but lots of young birds foraging around Mountain View Farm which is on the north side of BRCES.

While we met at the Education Center on the north side we carpooled to Sawmill Rd on the south side and walked back to the Education Center on the north side; after the walk four of us drove down Arnold Rd where we found several more species including a Baltimore Oriole.  

The highlights of the walk included great looks at a Blue Grosbeak, several juvenile birds including Eastern Bluebirds, Chipping and Field Sparrows, and Indigo Buntings.  About 7:40 am Joe got to watch two juvenile Blue Grosbeaks in the same area where the adult was seen later in the day.  We didn’t find a single warbler – what a contrast from earlier walks this year.

The full list from today include:

Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill’s), Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Common Raven, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Nature Scavenger Hunt and Family Picnic!

Think you’re a great detective?  Test your skills on this family friendly competition!  We’ll split into teams and roam around the Blue Ridge Center, searching for items on the scavenger hunt list.  You just might win a prize! 

The picnic menu includes a make-your-own sandwich platter (featuring fresh-baked breads with deli meats and cheeses), potato salad, homemade cookies, and juice.

June 25th, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Adults: $15

Kids: $5 (5 and under free)

100% of revenue will support the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Register at the “Calendar & Events” link on our website: www.blueridgecenter.org

The Blue Ridge Center is located at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville VA 20132

The Blue Ridge Center is a nonprofit organization connecting the D.C. area with Loudoun county’s natural surroundings.

This fabulous 900-acre land preserve provides a unique venue to experience the environment and innovative stewardship approaches – it features hiking, camping, sustainable farming, and ruins from the pre-Civil War era.  It is open 365 days for the public.

When 35 people showed up the regular Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy monthly bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship yesterday morning, we split into two groups. 

One led, by Jon Little, took the Arnold Rd Trail to Sweet Run & then the Power Cut (Butterfly Alley); the other, led by Joe Coleman & Larry Meade, group birded around the Visitor Ctr and then walked the Farmstead Loop & Piney Run Spur. 

The highlights of the two walks included 10 warbler species, all presumably nesting at BRCES, including CERULEAN, BLUE-WINGED, WORM-EATING including one carrying food, KENTUCKY and YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS in numerous locations. 

It was also nice, esp. this year, to hear and see a few YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS.  As the last of us were heading for the cars we watched two BALD EAGLES interacting right over our heads and earlier two BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flying together. There was also one GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, 2 BLUE GROSBEAKS,and for the first time ever, two PURPLE MARTINS were using the martin house.

Number of species:     72!
 
For a complete list of the birds seen see the results below.

The trails at BRCES are normally open to the public 7 days a week from dawn to dusk.

Information on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship can be found at http://www.blueridgecenter.org.   Information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and its many free activities can be found at www.loudounwildlife.org.

Joe Coleman, near Bluemont, Loudoun Co
 
Canada Goosem Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted), Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Cerulean Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

The seven people at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship found a total of 63 species on Saturday, which was an absolutely beautiful spring day. 

The highlights of the walk included a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, rare for the Blue Ridge Center, great looks at BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS and YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS (photo shown here), several heard KENTUCKY WARBLERS (not one seen), and at least five GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS in a variety of different locations.

We had a BALTIMORE ORIOLE perched high in a tree with the morning sun shining on it vibrant colors.

A handful of EASTERN MEADOWLARKS also were a deliht to see.

Here is the complete list of species seen:

Canada Goose, Wood Duck 2, Mallard 2, Great Blue Heron 1, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk 1, American Kestrel 1, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Red-headed Woodpecker 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher 8, Eastern Phoebe 2, Great Crested Flycatcher 10, Eastern Kingbird 4, White-eyed Vireo 4, Red-eyed Vireo 15, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow 2, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 20, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush 6, American, Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher 1, European Starling, Blue-winged Warbler 4, Yellow Warbler 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle), American Redstart 1, Ovenbird 6, Louisiana Waterthrush 1, Kentucky Warbler 4, Common Yellowthroat 6, Yellow-breasted Chat 5, Eastern Towhee 8, Chipping Sparrow 15, Field Sparrow 12, Grasshopper Sparrow 5, Song Sparrow 2, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting 20, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark 5, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole 1, Baltimore Oriole 1, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow.