Whiskey Drinking Warbler Watchers Achieve 107 Species

Wilson’s Warbler.
Photo by Scott Harris

The Whiskey Drinking Warbler Watchers concluded another fine weekend of birding for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Birdathon. The team, comprised of Linda Millington, Peter Lyttle, Robert Justin and Scott Harris, set out on a spectacularly beautiful Mother’s Day weekend. The skies were clear blue with a few clouds, no precipitation (unlike previous years), and the birds were out and singing! Overall, the team surpassed their goal and former record, achieving 107 species including a few rarities.

On Saturday we focused our efforts in northern Loudoun County, starting the morning at sunrise at Algonkian Park. Algonkian is always a great place to start and we found 63 species in just the first two hours, including Double-crested Cormorants, all the possible woodpecker species and a pair of Wood Ducks. Moving from Algonkian, the team headed to Thunder Road, where we were delighted by an abundance of Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks and a surprise flock of about 20 Bobolinks. Later, at Meadowbrook Farms Ponds, we scored a single Killdeer, with two Ruddy Ducks and a Pied-billed Grebe. The day wrapped up at Sweet Run State Park, where we got our first Yellow-breasted Chat and Ovenbird.

Trumpeter Swan on nest.
Photo by Scott Harris

On Sunday, the team canvassed southern Loudoun County, visiting mostly private properties where we had permission to bird. Among the great finds were three Wilson’s Warblers, Tennessee Warblers, Black-throated Blue warblers and a plethora of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. The final treat of the day was to see a mated pair of Trumpeter Swans, the female of whom was sitting on her nest.

Thus far, the team has raised over $3,200 for Loudoun Wildlife and had a spectacular time birding. You can see our complete list of birds on eBird at: https://ebird.org/tripreport/229270.