August 2014

The SISKIN
Newsletter of the Northern Virginia Bird Club
Vol. 59, No. 3
August 2014
Inside
Reports and photos from NVBC’s 2014 spring weekend trips
Calendar of NVBC field trips, August 16 – November 8, 2014
Report on bird banding

Birds of the Season
Americans use the summer season for vacations, and so do birds. Millions of birds make the journey south during the fall migration. The fall’s bird walk schedule is designed to allow birders the chance to see a good selection of birds as they journey south.
The X-trip to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on August 16 is timed for the height of shorebird migration. Last year’s trip was very productive with a Hudsonian Godwit, a Long-billed Dowitcher, White-rumped, Stilt and Western Sandpipers. An unexpected immature male King Eider was found at the DuPont Nature Center, but don’t expect that one again!
The Route 234 Wetland Mitigation Area near the Manassas Regional Airport is a new venue this fall (Aug 23). During the joint walk with the Prince William Conservation Alliance, we will have special access to the wetlands area and hope to find a good selection of shorebirds. If that doesn’t work, we can always take a quick look for “grasspipers” at the nearby sod farms on Bristow Road.
We have had good luck at Huntley Meadows in late August for shorebirds as well. Last year a rare Wood Stork made a guest appearance. In addition to shorebirds, warbler migration begins in earnest in late August and early September. Our schedule includes many walks at local hotspots like Rock Creek Park, Dyke Marsh, Monticello Park, and Banshee Reeks to look for these colorful jewels.
— Elton Morel

NVBC GENERAL MEETING—WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 8 PM
Birding in Ghana
Speaker Larry Meade
Join the Northern Virginia Bird Club for our first meeting of the season featuring Larry Meade’s presentation on birding in Ghana. Located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Ghana is one of the most stable and friendly countries on the continent. It also offers a fantastic variety of birdlife, from the elusive White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes) to the colorful Bee-eaters and Kingfishers of the savanna. Larry visited Ghana in early 2014 and will share his photographs and stories of the birds, mammals, and landscapes of this remarkable country.
Larry Meade is the President of the Northern Virginia Bird Club and an avid nature photographer. He has traveled to many parts of the world in pursuit of birds and has a particular interest in the wildlife of Africa.
Early bird refreshments start at 7:30 pm. Any contributions of food or beverage will be most gratefully received. There will be a drawing for door prizes. Northern Virginia Bird Club pins will be available for members who would like to buy them ($5 each).

NEW MEETING PLACE: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, 22207.

Presidential Peentings
One of the best things about birding is the community. Whether it’s a Saturday morning walk at a local park or a weekend trip to a distant refuge, the shared experience of finding and identifying birds is what makes our club special. We have a dedicated group of walk leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to help others see birds. If you’ve been on a walk lately, please take a moment to thank your leader.
We are also looking for ways to improve our communication with members. Our website and this newsletter are our primary tools, but we also have an email exchange group for last-minute updates and rare bird sightings. If you haven’t joined yet, I encourage you to do so. Information on how to join is on the back page. I look forward to seeing you in the field or at one of our upcoming meetings!
— Larry Meade

Spring Chincoteague Weekend Trip Report
Twenty-eight NVBC members participated in the May 16-18 trip to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. We had a very successful weekend, tallying 116 species. The weather was excellent, and the birds were cooperative.
The highlight of the trip occurred on Friday evening. While searching for Chuck-will’s-widows near the refuge entrance, we not only heard several birds but also had a stunning look at one perched on a low branch right next to the road. This was a life bird for several participants.
Saturday was spent exploring the various impoundments and trails of the refuge. Shorebirds were present in good numbers, including many Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and both Yellowlegs. We found several Piping Plovers near the beach and had great looks at Gull-billed Terns. land birding was also productive, with sightings of Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and Brown-headed Nuthatch.
Sunday morning found us at Saxis Wildlife Management Area, where we added Seaside Sparrow and Marsh Wren to our list. We also observed a pair of Peregrine Falcons at their nest tower. It was a wonderful weekend of birding with a great group of people.
— Elton Morel

Highland County Weekend Trip Report
Our June 6-8 trip to Highland County was enjoyed by 16 members. Highland County is often called “Virginia’s Little Switzerland,” and the scenery did not disappoint. We found several of our target species, including Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, and Brewster’s Warbler (the hybrid).
Other highlights included excellent looks at Bobolinks in the Blue Grass Valley, Vesper Sparrows, and several Least Flycatchers. We also found a variety of other warblers, such as Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, and Canada Warblers. The hospitality at the Highland Inn was, as always, top-notch.
— Marv Rubin

Occoquan Bay Bird Banding Report
During the spring of 2014, bird banding operations continued at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Banding provides valuable data on bird populations, migration timing, and longevity. This spring, several interesting species were captured and banded, including a Prothonotary Warbler and several Kentucky Warblers.
Banding is a great way to see birds up close and learn about their anatomy and molt patterns. If you are interested in visiting the banding station, keep an eye on the club’s trip schedule for upcoming opportunities.
— Joanna Taylor

Club Announcements
NVBC eMail Exchange: To receive email notices, join the NVBC eMail Exchange. Send an email to nvbc-exchange-subscribe@googlegroups.com.
General Meeting Dates: September 24 and November 19, 2014.
Next Board Meeting: Thursday, September 4, 2014, 7:30 PM, at Diane Marton’s home. All club members are welcome at board meetings.
Deadline for next issue of The Siskin: The November issue will include activities through January 2015. Please send items for publication by October 1, 2014 to the editors at siskineditor@verizon.net.
CLUB CONTACTS

President: Larry Meade, 703-206-9030
Vice President, Programs: Joanna Taylor, 703-243-5989
Vice President, Field Activities: Elton Morel, 703-553,4860
Secretary: Diane Marton, 703-527-7360
Treasurer: Jean Tatalias, 703-281-6099
Immediate Past President: Paul Mocko, 703-243-4987
Directors: Steve Bruck, 703-425-8584; Emily Caven, 703-592-6522; Catherine Kubo, 703-352-1238