Blue Heron Cult. Photo by Jess Unger

On May 17 Blue Heron Cult (Elizabeth and Greg Scheib, and Jess E. and Jess B. Unger) gathered in the drizzle at the Algonkian Park boat ramp to start counting the first of 61 species for the day.

The drizzle soon gave way to clear skies and a Baltimore Oriole that announced his presence right over our heads. Algonkian lived up to its reputation by producing a Warbling Vireo that was a first sighting for Elizabeth and a Mississippi Kite over the Maryland shore that was a lifer for several of us. We also got a nice long look at a Red-bellied Woodpecker that actually lived up to its name.

Red-headed Woodpecker.
Photo by Gregory Scheib

After crossing paths with a friendly group of birders on the regular Loudoun Wildlife Algonkian bird walk, we headed for Broad Run Stream Valley Park by way of Starbucks. En route, a Great Blue Heron auspiciously flew into view. Although the park yielded 34 species (including sandpipers, Killdeer and a terrific look at a Red-headed Woodpecker), we were disappointed to find that many of the expected warblers had moved on or were laying low.

The group took a break at this point, having commitments, unbelievably, to things other than birding. However, Greg and Jess B. were able to meet again for some evening birding at Banshee Reeks. Things heated up even before we left the parking lot when Greg spotted the first of 12 Prairie Warblers. (So this is where they went!) Two more hours of birding yielded a nice assortment of flycatchers, warblers, vireos and a friendly Yellow-breasted chat near the equipment sheds.

The team’s complete list of species can be viewed on eBird at: https://ebird.org/tripreport/374443.

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