The post Raptors and Sparrows at Banshee Reeks Walk appeared first on Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

The day started damp and overcast for the 17 birders who joined Larry Meade and Jane Yocom for the October Bird Walk at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. However, we were off to a great start seeing an American Kestrel on the wire and a Sharp-shined Hawk across the meadow perched in a snag. The Sharpie took off and chased the Kestrel and a second Kestrel popped up as well. Those who stayed at the back of the group were treated to seeing an additional two Kestrels join the others.

Things got pretty quiet after that with only a few recently migrated sparrows: a Swamp Sparrow and a couple of White-throated Sparrows along the Goose Creek Trail. A Belted Kingfisher was our lone find down by the Goose.

As we returned by the Old Field Loop and Beaver Pond Trail the sun finally made an appearance along with the birds. Those at the front of the group saw a Hermit Thrush perched right by the side of the trail. As he flew across the trail he was quickly joined by two others. A small flock of Cedar Waxwings sat overhead feasting on grapes at the top of a small tree. As we watched several other species flew into the nearby trees including a Swainson’s Thrush and several Ruby-crowned Kinglets. A Magnolia Warbler and a Black-throated Blue were spotted in the area as we stayed to watch the Waxwings but they were not seen by the group.

All told, we identified 41 different species plus one unknown duck species and one unknown warbler species.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy schedules three regular bird walks most months, one at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship on the fourth Saturday of the month except in December, one at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on the second Saturday of the month, and one at Bles Park on the third Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome at these walks.