Photo: Tree Swallow, David Boltz/Audubon Photography Awards
Deidra Bryant
Winter has a way of making you long for warm days, blooming flowers, cheery birdsongs, and colorful butterflies. We had a pretty snow-less winter this year, but it was still cold, wet, and dreary. Once spring (and the birds) finally arrive, I feel nothing but gratitude. Every spring, warblers and other neotropical songbirds journey north from South and Central America and fly through Virginia via the Atlantic Flyway. Observing their spring migration presents an incredible opportunity to experience the colors and sounds of the season in northern Virginia.
When looking for warblers, remember that they are very tiny birds, so look for quick movement in forest edges and between forest layers in wooded areas using a set of good binoculars or a scope. Also listen for a sweet quality with high and low pitches, or an insect-like trill or buzz around you. They are very colorful birds so a good tip to use is to listen first, pinpoint the sound, and then look for flashes of color in the trees.
Another bird to keep an eye out for is the Tree Swallow. They're long-distance migrants. To avoid northern winters, they will travel during the day along the Atlantic coast to Florida and Central America. During late March, these birds are among the first to fly north to return to their nesting grounds. You can track the relative abundance of the birds on their migration path using this eBird link. These swallows have beautiful, deep-blue, iridescent feathers that contrast against their white plumage that runs from just under their beaks and down along the chest. They are also master aerialists, as you’ll see them twist and turn very quickly in the air when chasing and feeding on flying insects.
Tree Swallows, Jerry Ende/Audubon Photography Awards
So, to celebrate spring, take more walks and visit a botanical garden or arboretum (or several of each!) to see more species of birds. Along with the National Arboretum and Virginia State Arboretum , I recommend NOVA Parks’ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Great Falls Park. These places are great because they not only provide good cover for migrating birds to rest, but also are abundant in insects, a critically nutritious food source for the birds’ journey north.
For the best chance to see the birds, wake up before sunrise and make the birding trip early in the morning. And don’t let the rain stop you from driving to your site, because post-rain, damp days are the best days to see birds. You’ll find them splashing around in puddles, or looking for insects and seeds that come to the surface after rainfall. You’ll also hear them singing very loudly in the trees. Bird walks are great exercise (especially for your arms if you’re holding up binoculars for long periods of time). Just remember to think small, look for movement, and check forest edges. If your job keeps you busy, try to take at least a few days off so you don’t miss the vibrant colors in the sky, in the trees and shrubs, and along the ground during this magical time of year.