11 birders walked the perimeter and woods at Murphy Farm, part of Harpers Ferry Nat’l Historical Park, on this beautiful morning. We started with temps hovering at 48 degrees, but started shedding clothes when we emerged from the woods and the sun had warmed things up to about 60. Thanks to Teri Holland for her patience & diligence in finding us the BLUE-HEADED VIREO; we also came away with one each RED-EYED VIREO and GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, 2 EASTERN KINGBIRDS, one WORM-EATING WARBLER (heard in the woods), and several LOUSIANA WATERTHRUSH singing. About 15 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS circled above the fields in waves on their way migrating north. Hordes of BLUEJAYS flew over – and kept coming. We figured their numbers reached 400 or so.

Kathy Bilton shared her knowledge of local wildflowers by pointing out the various species present in the fields and woods of Murphy Farm as we walked. Her list appears below. Continue reading →

Follow