Pileated Woodpecker.
Photo by Michael Myers

On a chilly January morning, an impressively large and hardy gaggle of 41 birders braved the elements to identify birds (and one Fox Squirrel) during the monthly Banshee Reeks bird walk.  Breaking into three groups allowed us to cover more ground and get good looks for everyone when something interesting popped into view.  Though the overcast and blustery conditions were not ideal, the birding was steady and satisfying.

Things began with a pair of Tundra Swans spotted in flight right before the 8:00 am start to the walk, and ended with an immature White-crowned Sparrow visiting the Visitor Center’s feeders.  In between were flyovers by various waterfowl, crows, eagles and hawks; and appearances by White-throated, Song and Field Sparrows, Carolina and Winter Wrens, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, and six species of woodpecker. They kept everyone’s attention focused on their binoculars instead of the biting wind.   The final combined total of 44 species was a pleasant surprise and a good tally for a mid-winter day in Loudoun.