Trumpeter Swans.
Photo by Al Lewis

Ten birders joined leaders Mary Ann Good and Jane Yocom for an early evening bird walk at the Dulles Greenway Wetlands south of Leesburg on May 7. We were greeted by the call-and-answers of a pair of Barred Owls close to the entrance. Once at the marsh, we were unable to see the Bald Eagle nest which has become hidden by foliage, but in the main water body we were all startled to see a pair of swans: Trumpeters. These large birds, which typically breed in the upper Midwest and are rare any time in the East, have become established in very small numbers in the area. We also were thrilled to hear, but weren’t lucky enough to see, not one but two Prothonotary Warblers. It is a much-sought species that typically doesn’t show up this far west in the county or area. Maybe this year they will breed here, as they prefer to reside near water.

Prairie Warblers were very vocal and quite numerous, as were Common Yellowthroats. One of each gave us quick looks. Unseen were a Yellow Warbler and a Northern Parula, but a silent Northern Waterthrush obliged us by hopping around in a shrub overhanging the still water. The calls of the Gray Tree Frogs became louder as dusk settled over the marsh.

The complete list of 38 species can be viewed on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S172729378.

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