March 2015

On Saturday, March 28th I spent time looking for photographic opportunities after the rain of the last two days.  With temperatures below normal 36-41 for the day, I spent some time in eastern Henrico, Charles City and Goochland Counties.  I encountered Vesper Sparrows (4) and Rusty Blackbirds (8) on Turkey Island Road in eastern Henrico County.  The Rusty Blackbird count is down from the 60+ that have been there the past 2 weeks.  In Goochland County I observed a “rare” Red-throated Loon on the James River just west of the “State Farm” or Woods Way Bridge crossing the James from Goochland to Powhatan Counties.

 

Red-throated Loon

Red-throated Loon on the James River in both Goochland County, Virginia on 3-28-15

Rusty Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird in eastern Henrico County, Virginia

Rusty Blackbird in eastern Henrico County, Virginia

Rusty Blackbird in eastern Henrico County, Virginia

 

Vesper Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow in eastern Henrico County, Virginia on 3-28-15

Vesper Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow in eastern Henrico County, Virginina on 3-28-15; one of 4 observed together

 

During the weekend of March 7th and 8th the temperatures FINALLY rose to something resembling spring here in Virginia. One of the major migratory movements underway during the weekend was the observation of 1000’s of American Robins.  The birds were seen by the hundreds in almost every field in Charles City, Henrico and King William Counties.

Cackling Goose

Cackling Goose in e. Henrico County, Virginia on 3-7-15

Ross's Goose

Ross’s Goose in e. Henrico County, Virginia on 3-7-15

Barred Owl

Barred Owl in Charles City County, Virginia on 3-7-15