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Birds of a Feather Stick Together
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"You all hear the bluebirds?" Coleman asked.
Two hours after we had set out, we arrived back at the parking lot to tally our count: 32 species for the morning. Several die-hard birders headed to another site for more scoping, but my son and I walked to the nature center headquarters. The building is open to the public, although the center is still building its collection of books, magazines and nature activities for families.
In early spring, one trail will become even friendlier for birders, especially novices and young children. The center is waiting for the ground to thaw before setting up an interpretive bird trail, a less than one-mile loop that will feature colorful signs identifying habitats and likely species to be viewed. Children can rent a "birding backpack" of high-powered binoculars, a bird guide, a sketch pad and pencils, and a first-aid kit. All in all, 130 bird species, including eagles, cuckoos and a variety of warblers, have been sighted here. In warmer months, visitors might also admire some of the 60 species of butterflies that cavort in the wildflower fields.
"We want people to be able to come here and study the land and interpret it and have an experience with open spaces and history," said Shawna DeWitt, the center's operations manager.
Historians and archaeologists have identified 35 historic sites on the property, many of which date to the 19th century. The land is also home to several threatened species, including wood turtles and marbled salamanders, and you might see bears, coyotes or signs of bobcats. It's a rare and welcoming place in any season.
BLUE RIDGE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville. Open daily dawn to dusk. Free. 540-668-7640.http:/
THE LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY Sponsors a free three- to four-hour bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. Next walk is Saturday; bring binoculars. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station parking lot, 11762 Harpers Ferry Rd. For more information, call Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or e-mailjandkcoleman@erols.com. For other birding events, visithttp:/
