It is still hot here, but the humidity has dropped making it more comfortable to go birding. I hiked a bit here in Old Trail, and ended up with 26 avain species, including a few neat sightings. I started off along Western Park where I heard a Common Yellowthroat and saw two Yellow Warblers in the trees between the plateau and the soccer field. I had been seeing only one male Yellow Warbler there during the past few weeks, and could not confirm that the second one was a female, although it most likely was, and I am hoping to see litte ones. One of our recently fledged Red-shouldered Hawks was out, and crying for mama to chase away the crows that kept harassing it.
Yellow Warbler
Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk
Chipping Sparrow
Gray Catbird
Female Northern Flicker
My next stop was at the golf course pond along hole #1. I was really surprised to see a male Ruddy Duck in full breeding plumage. The Virginia "Goldbook" lists only four summer records in the Virginia Piedmont.
Male Ruddy Duck
Male Ruddy Duck
Male Ruddy Duck
Male Ruddy Duck
My last stop was the trail along Slabtown Branch Creek near my house. A female Wood Duck was in the small pond between the creek and the hills going up to the schools.
Female Wood Duck
I also saw a deer, rabbit, and a groundhog, as well as lots of butterfly, dragonfly, and grasshopper species. Eastern Cicada Killers (Ground Hornets) are now out in full force. They are big and look dangerous, but they won't sting a person unless you try to catch or hurt one.
Cicada
Eastern Cicada Killer