Photo by Leena McCluney

Eastern Meadowlark.
Photo by Pat Whittle

In weather that felt more like March than May, a group of 13 hardy birders were fortunate to avoid rain showers that bookended the day to traverse nearly 2.5 miles of meadows and trails at the Goodstone Inn set on 265 acres outside Middleburg. Led by Mary Ann Good and Joe Coleman on May 3, participants were able to view 46 species (plus one mystery raptor) of migrants and residents during the two-and-a-half-hour walk.

With temperatures starting in the 40s accompanied by a brisk breeze, warblers were in short supply, with a few Common Yellowthroats acting as the lone representatives. But other birds, some associated more with winter, picked up the slack. Highlights included an unexpected Cliff Swallow cruising the field with Barn Swallows, good looks at several White-crowned Sparrows, a singing male Indigo Bunting, a soaring Broad-winged Hawk, and two hovering American Kestrels. Many birds were in full territorial mode, letting us know that despite the contrary weather, spring was in full swing. Male Red-winged Blackbirds and Downy Woodpeckers argued amongst themselves while Eastern Meadowlarks in full throat vied for the highest spots to stake their claims and attract mates.

Special thanks to Mary Ann Good for arranging the hike with the private landowners and the Goodstone Inn for allowing our group to enjoy their lovely grounds.

For the complete species list, see below or view on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S135913903

White-crowned Sparrow.
Photo by Jim McDaniels

Species List
Canada Goose 3
Mourning Dove 6
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 8
Bald Eagle 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Buteo sp. 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 6
Fish Crow 3
Common Raven 1
Carolina Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 4
Barn Swallow 15
Cliff Swallow 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 5
European Starling 16
Gray Catbird 3
Northern Mockingbird 7
Eastern Bluebird 7
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 8
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 10
Chipping Sparrow 2
Field Sparrow 4
White-crowned Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Towhee 2
Eastern Meadowlark 9
Baltimore Oriole 1
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Yellowthroat 2
Northern Cardinal 6
Indigo Bunting 1

The post Cliff Swallow Puts in Unexpected Appearance During Goodstone Inn Walk appeared first on Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.