just take a shot at distinguishing between a Crossline Skipper and a Tawny-Edge Skipper sitting on a blade of grass ( hint : skippers are a family of tiny butterflies ).
With the help of the Isaak Walton League , I ’ ve also learned how to count the “ macro-invertebrates ” residing in our local streams . Some of these little critters — take your typical water penny , for example — are especially sensitive to pollution . If you find a lot of them , you know the stream is healthy and surviving human pressures pretty well . But if all you find are lunged snails and blackfly larvae , you may want to keep your feet dry .
As I mentioned , we also have some great craft beer in western Loudoun . Yes , the eastern part of the county doesn ’ t perform to shabbily either , with nationally recognized breweries such as Lost Rhino and Old Ox . But in the west , you can relax out in the fresh air with a world-class India Pale Ale , Belgian whit , or Imperial Stout , while soaking in fantastic views of rolling farms , Short Hill Mountain , the Blue Ridge , or the bluffs at Harpers Ferry . And , if the beer doesn ’ t suit you , there are equally excellent opportunities for wine enthusiasts .
Unfortunately , the pandemic has severely restricted our access to these fine establishments . Our
Above left top : Painted lady butterfly , left : water penny beetle ; below : “ Burnt Mill ,” built before the Civil War and burned by the Union Army during the 1864 “ burning raid ” in northern Loudoun .
6 wander I spring • Summer 2021