Surprise Encounter at Chilton Woods

I love to look closely at small things in the natural world. On April 28, I was looking closely at a branch of a White Oak tree at Chilton Woods. When I went to grab a nearby branch, I was startled to realize that the branch was lined with small black and white striped insects. On even closer inspection I was transfixed by their bizarre coloration and appearance. I took lots of photos, of course, and when I got home I found out that they were Oak Treehoppers (Platycotis vittata) in their nymph stage. So once a week I made a point to visit this same tree and I was thrilled that they were there each time. My happy surprise came on May 16, when I was treated not only to the sight of an adult, but I also saw a newly emerging adult shedding its nymph skin. I’m so happy that I took a closer look in the first place and even more happy that I kept coming back to look again and again. — Anne Parker, BTC19

Washington's Birthplace Christmas Bird Count update

Redhead, American Widgeon ducks. photo by Jeff Wright

From Bill Portlock, WBCBC Compiler

Dear Washington’s Birthplace Christmas Count participants,

Thank you for participating in the 2021 annual George Washington’s Birthplace Christmas Bird Count. This was our 29th consecutive year. The National Audubon Society counts this as year 122 since it is the 122nd year of the national count.

Our December 19, 2021 count was notable for the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing and no compilation dinner again, among other things. Despite this, our participant numbers (24) and efforts in the field (miles and hours, on foot and in vehicles and by wheelchair) were higher than in previous years. Thank you. With a few exceptions, birds seemed harder to find in any large numbers due to morning rain/wind. Our total of 97 species was lower than many of our previous years’ counts where we exceeded 100 species.  

While the 15,000+ canada geese reported this year is a large number, it was c. 8,000 fewer than last year’s total of 24081. Eighteen waterfowl species were reported but all 3 species of scoters, long-tailed duck, and both usual loon (waterbird) species were missed due to the high winds creating 2-3-foot breaking waves on the Potomac River.

Many species’ numbers hovered on the low count side. Only 16 great blue herons were reported from all parties combined, and were the only waders making the count tally. While a respectable eleven raptor species were reported (buteos, accipiters, eagles, falcons and owls), bald eagle (119) was the only species in the raptor group in double digits.   

An all-time high of 30 laughing gulls were at Leedstown wile a single bonaparte’s gull was found across the Rappahannock River in Essex Co. Pileated woodpeckers were a high count species with 36 reported. Sadly, bobwhite were not found this year. Brown creeper (13), house wren (2), and winter wren (12) comprised high count species while 32 fox sparrows, 75 rusty blackbirds, and a remarkable 14 palm warblers completed the species noted in the high count category. 

I wish you a happy and safe 2022. Good birding!

Species Count Summary

cw = Reported count week
US = Flagged as an unusual species
HC = Flagged as an unusually high count
LC = Flagged as an unusually low count

Congratulations NNMN Basic Training Class of 2021!

This hearty group of 18 began weekly on-line course work toward becoming a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist in early August of 2021. Field work to various locations around the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula took place on a number of fall Saturdays. Great outings OUTSIDE to explore, connect and learn. A celebration to mark the end of course work was held on Sunday, December 12, 2021. Next task is to complete 40 hours of volunteer service in support of area natural resources and attain the status of Certified Virginia Master Naturalists! Check out Camille’s BTC Top Ten for a giggle.

Why We Plant "True Species" Native Plants, Not Cultivars

January 01, 2019

Native cultivars, sometimes called “nativars,” are patented plants. Once the plant breeder is satisfied—with the double flower, the altered color, or whatever characteristic is being cultivated for—the plant is named, patented and marketed, then genetically identical plants are mass produced for sale. These plants will have a brand name in single quotation marks after the genus and species names, e.g. Echinacea purpurea ‘Double Decker’ (pictured, with its freakish second set of ray flowers sticking out of the cones).

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So, what’s the problem with all these cultivars? Read the full article here:

Cultivar: Echinacea purpurea “Double Decker”

Ghost Forests Could Provide Respite for Marsh Birds as Coastal Habitat Disappears

Scientists want to ensure that swaths of trees killed by saltwater flooding are more than dead forest, but become quality marsh habitat for birds.

By Carlyn Kranking, Editorial Fellow, Audubon Magazine
January 05, 2022

Ghost forest along Watch House Trail at Belle Isle State Park. photo by Marty Hill

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland, acres upon acres of dead tree trunks stand sentinel, their bases partially covered by salt water. Back in 2003, Hurricane Isabel struck the refuge before it could recover from an unusually dry summer. The storm surges brought salty ocean water into the already parched landscape and essentially choked the salt-intolerant trees to death.

A 280-mile drive away, at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina, it’s a similar story. Full story here.