It was a bitterly cold Saturday morning when we set out at Sweet Run State Park on January 25 for the monthly bird walk hosted by Loudoun Wildlife. The weather was calm and still, but temperatures were between 12 and 19 degrees, and six inches or more of snow still lay on the ground.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Photo by Michael Sciortino

The paths in the park were well trodden with evidence of previous hikers and skiers.  However, there was no ice or slipping around so we were able to travel safely.

Three intrepid birders, along with the three leaders (Michael Sciortino, Carol Sotilli and Scott Harris), started out in the meadows and then finished up on the Farmstead Loop. In the end, it was a productive morning considering the conditions. We saw a grand total of 24 species. The highlight was seeing several active Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and four Hermit Thrushes. We recorded all the woodpeckers that can be found here, except for the Red-headed Woodpecker, as many were active during the walk. We were also delighted with a rather boisterous Common Raven croaking as we concluded the walk.

It just goes to show that even during frigid conditions, the birds are still out there looking for food and doing their thing. For a complete list of the birds observed on the walk see the list below or view on eBird at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210635692.

Carolina Chickadees.
Photo by Michael Sciortino

Species List:
Turkey Vulture 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Northern Flicker 1
American Crow 6
Common Raven 1
Carolina Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 8
Hermit Thrush 4
American Robin 7
Dark-eyed Junco 1
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 7

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