Picture Of The Week 05-26-09

Where: Powhatan County, VA • Powhatan Wildlife Management Area

Notes: Most birds are found in specific habitats. Because of this trait, I can often guess exactly what birds I will see at certain places. Entering this location I noticed a variety of habitats; including mature deciduous forest, patches of medium height pines, open brush and a couple of small lakes. Closer to the entrance road the area was mostly open, covered with low brush and brambles. That tract was also scattered with small trees and young southern pines, most not even ten feet tall. I was sure I would find this golden gem of a Warbler there. After listening only a moment of two I heard its ascending trill of a call along the edge of the road. I sat in the grass at the edge of the brush and waited. I was soon rewarded with this shot.

This encounter reminds me how important it is to protect and replenish a variety of habitats. Many have been destroyed in the continuing urban sprawl. With this disturbance of the land comes great hardship to specific birds and animals that have called those places home for thousands of years.