November 30, 2019

I visited several areas in Charles City County this morning (Harrison Lakes National Fish Hatchery, Westover Plantation, Shirley Plantation Road).  The day was overcast with minor winds and the temperature remained constant in the mid-40’s.  Around 1500 Canada Geese were at Westover with the highlight being one observed Cackling Goose and one Snow Goose.  At Harrison Fish Hatchery a House Wren was observed but this is not to uncommon an event for the area.  Along Shirley Plantation Road a couple of Baltimore Orioles were observed.

November 29, 2019

I traveled to West Point and the “Pocket” this morning.  At West Point, the highlight was a lingering Spotted Sandpiper (which was retaining quite a bit of alternate plumage) on the south side of the peninsula.  A few Laughing Gulls (5) continue to linger at this site also.  The “Pocket” held a good quantity of Canada Geese but overall waterfowl numbers appeared down from previous weeks.

November 27, 2019 (update)

On November 20th while photographing & birding at Pocosin NWR, North Carolina I encountered an immature Red-tailed Hawk.  It was heavily marked across the mid/lower chest to the abdomen and had some minor streaking on the upper chest.  The throat appeared mostly white but there was a diagonal line of dark streaking across the lower throat.  My thoughts at this time were that this was a candidate for Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abeiticola).

I sent a photograph of the bird (see below) to Brian Sullivan for his review and input.  His comments were “It certainly could be! That said, we haven’t really worked out diagnostic marks for juvenile abieticola yet. In general they are heavily marked like this though–your bird would be on the extreme for borealis I’d think.”

November 25, 2019

I made the rounds in the Brandon area of Prince George County this morning.  Temperatures were cold early, 30 degrees with heavy frost, but winds were initially low 0-3 mph.  The highlights for the trip were the continuing Ross’s Goose, a single observed Cackling Goose and the 2500-3000 Canada Geese in the area.  Also of note were the 64 Northern Pintail observed.

November 24, 2019

I traveled to the Dutch Gap area and Swift Creek Reservoir this morning.  Highlights were the large numbers of Wood Duck at Dutch Gap plus a lingering Osprey over near the power plant and the large numbers of continuing waterfowl at Swift Creek.

November 20-22, 2019

I visited northeastern North Carolina from November 20th through the 22nd.  My intent was to take in a little photography and nature study.  Day trips in the area encompassed Pocosin National Wildlife Refuge, Pettigrew State Park, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area and Alligator National Wildlife Refuge.  Highlights included some opportunities for photographing Black Bear, River Otter, scenes and obviously some birds.  Bird highlights were many Orange-crowned Warblers principally in the Mattamuskeet area (27+), White-eyed Vireo (2) at Mattamuskeet, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers (6) and Black & White Warblers (5) at Mattamuskeet.

November 19, 2019

I birded the Brandon area of Prince George County this morning under heavy overcast skies, temperatures in the mid-forties and wind at 3-7 mph.  Passerines were active early with the fields only yielding Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrows and American Pipits.  In the wooded areas the expected land birds were heard/observed.

Initially, geese were not present but over the course of an hour and a half several thousand flew in.  In amongst them were a single Ross’s Goose and a single immature blue morph Snow Goose.

At the impoundment area, approximately 34 Tundra Swan were observed with an assortment of dabbling ducks and Ring-necked Ducks being present.

A single Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abeiticola) was noted amongst the three (3) Red-tailed Hawks observed in the area.

November 18, 2019

I traveled east this morning to the “Pocket” area in King William County and then to some private land in Richmond County.  The morning while overcast proved enjoyable.  Waterfowl continue in the “Pocket” area but appear to be declining in number.  The most numerous species was Ring-necked Duck (1700+) followed by Canada Goose (1400+) and then American Coot (575+) and Ruddy Duck (550+).  Fourteen Swan were noted with three (3) flying out early.  I noted three (3) later in a wheat field in Hanover County; maybe the same(?).  The expected passerines were noted in expected numbers.

In Richmond County, I received permission to bird and photograph on private property.  The tract proved more than enjoyable with seven (7) Virginia Rails noted, one (1) Sora noted and one Marsh Wren noted.  If my battery had not lapsed on my recorder I am sure the count on Virginia Rails would have been much higher.  Rusty Blackbirds and House Wrens were noted at this location.  (I will not disclose the location without the Owner’s permission.)

November 16, 2019

I awoke early this morning and decided to travel to Highland County for the sunrise and do a little birding.  The morning was cool at 22 degrees but the valley fog provided a wonderful backdrop for the sunrise.

At Bear Mountain, SR 601, while taking in the sunrise, I noted two (2) Snow Bunting which proved very cooperative in both observing and photographing.

Other highlights for the day were the seven (7) Rusty Blackbirds, one (1) Golden Eagle (im.) and eight (8) Bald Eagles.

All in all about 44 species were observed the for morning in Highland County.

 

November 11, 2019

I birded in Charles City County this morning with good weather conditions.  Land bird activity was good through mid-morning.  The highlights for the effort were three (3) Orange-crowned Warblers, the continuing Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abeiticola) and a Baltimore Oriole.  Total species observed were 53.  Waterfowl continue to be disappointing.

November 10, 2019

I traveled to Hopewell and then into Charles City County this morning.  The morning was again “crisp” with frost on the ground and light winds.  In Hopewell it was quiet early with the most notable observation being the reduction in number of Laughing Gulls present and the increase in numbers of larger gull species.  The only notable warblers observed in Hopewell were a  Black-and-white Warbler and a single Common Yellowthroat.

In Charles City County, I noted some large flocks of American Goldfinch and House Finches feeding in dying vegetation along marshy areas.  They were joined in these areas with an occasional Palm Warbler.

November 9, 2019

This morning I spent time in King William County starting in the West Point area and concluding in the “Pocket” area.  Waterfowl have picked up, gulls and terns continue but land birding continues sparse.  At West Point, I had five (5) gull species with the highlight being an apparent immature Franklin’s Gull.  (I have little to no experience with the age group so I hope I am correct.)  Bonaparte’s Gull was also one of the five species.  Fifty-one (51) Royal Terns continue and forty-three (43) Forster’s Terns were present.

At the “Pocket” waterfowl numbers continue to climb.  Canada Geese are starting to get in good number, Tundra Swan (21) were present and various diving and dabbling ducks.  Within the Canada Goose flock, six (6) blue morph Snow Geese were present and one (1) unidentified “white” goose.  (Due to distance, heat distortion and Canada Geese constantly blocking the bird I could not confirm whether it was a white morph Snow Goose or Ross’s Goose.  Two (2) Peregrine hunted over the fields together at Old Town Farm.

 

November 3, 2019

I got up early today on my way down to North Carolina for work and traveled “a little” out of the  way and visited Pocosin Lakes NWR area on the northwest side of Lake Phelps.  It proved to be an enjoyable morning as bird activity was good through mid-morning.  I also learned to wear a safety vest in North Carolina on Sundays as I had not kept track of the fact that on both private and state owned land hunting is now allowed.

I had 9 species of warbler for the morning with many expected species (Yellow-rumped, Common Yellowthroat, Orange-crowned, Pine, Black & White, Palm) plus Prairie (2), American Redstart (1) and Yellow-breasted Chat (1).  The most unexpected bird was a male Painted Bunting found about 100 feet north of the entrance to the Lake Phelps State Park Cypress Point Access.

Also observed were Lincoln’s Sparrow (3), Baltimore Oriole (1) and White-eyed Vireo (1).

November 2, 2019

I drove over to Mathews County this morning and on the way back stopped briefly in West Point.  Birds on the bay appeared few in number with only Common Loons noted flying over, little to no bays ducks (at least where & when I visited) and only a couple of shorebird species (Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Greater Yellowlegs).  A single apparent Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow was noted at Bethel Beach.  Merlins were noted twice with one at Bethel Beach and another at Point Comfort.

At West Point, the Royal Tern count has dropped to 49 and the Surf Scoter was noted still present but further off the end of the peninsula.

 

November 1, 2019

I performed what is becoming a regular routine this morning by starting my birding effort in Hopewell and then traveling briefly over to Charles City County.  Only three (3) warbler species were observed with Blackpoll (3), Orange-crowned (1), Yellow-rumped (~11) making up the observations.  A Merlin presented itself in the area and kept the birds low for a while.

In Charles City County, the birding “finally” picked up as it has been terribly slow there (my opinion).  I first encountered two (2) Vesper Sparrows which promptly flushed up into some trees as one would expect.  I then worked a field and heard a couple of distinctive “chip” notes and two (2) Lincoln’s Sparrows presented themselves amongst an assortment of other sparrows.  The Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abeiticola) still watches over its domain.

October 29, 2019

I awoke early this morning and decided to try my hand at owls, with Saw-whet and Long-eared being the targets in King William County.  Needless to say I am consistent in that I did not locate any individuals.  Actually owls were surprising quiet with only Screech (2) and Barred Owl (1) heard in several hours of owling.  In the “Pocket” area it was enjoyable to see Canada Geese arriving with approximately 1000 observed; Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Mallard were also conspicuous.  I tried for rails and a couple of Sora were still present along the railroad tracks heading across the river.  Even though the “tide” was high a couple of Dunlin flew by in the early light.

I drove to West Point upon completing my last stop in the “Pocket”.  At West Point, I counted 86 Royal Terns still present and as I observed them on the south side of the peninsula, a Surf Scoter surprised me by floating by.

October 28, 2019

The morning broke with cool temperatures, clear skies and a light breeze from the NNE.  I traveled again to the Hopewell area to see what activity could be found.  My first of Fall Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed on the James, an Osprey still lingered and with the light breeze Bald Eagles and both species of Vultures were riding the currents early.  Sparrows finally appeared to “move” last night with increased numbers of White-throated and Song noted.  Warblers appear to have thinned out with Blackpoll numbers down to four (4) and Northern Parula (1).  An Eastern Wood-Pewee continued proving slightly tardy in its travels south.

On my way home, I traveled through eastern Henrico County and as I passed Curles Neck Farm I noted 29 Snow Geese (26 blue-morph, 3 white-morph) circling up high.

October 26, 2019

Today was like Groundhog Day Two as I repeated the previous days effort with the exception of walking about 5 miles within Hopewell, Va.  One change from the previous day was the two (2) Common Loons calling and then observed on the James River near City Point.  Warblers were very consistent from the previous day with Black-throated Blue (1), Blackpoll (8), Northern Parula (3) being observed but Common Yellowthroat being missed and Orange-crowned Warbler being added.  Canada Geese appeared to have come in overnight with the Common Loons as 300-400 birds were on the James this morning.

October 25, 2019

I traveled to the City of Hopewell and then looped through Charles City County this morning.  Skies were partly cloudy, temperatures were mild at 53-65 degrees and winds were light at 0-5 mph.  I walked about 4 miles in the City Point area of Hopewell and observed ~46 species.  The highlights were continuing Northern Parula (4), Blackpoll Warblers (9+) and Black-throated Blue Warbler (1).  In Charles City County, I encountered one (1) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.  Laughing Gulls are not in their usual numbers yet, still a couple of thousand observed. I am concerned with possible local landfill closings about the impact on this and all other gull species routinely observed.  Hopefully colder weather will drive more gulls into the area.  Waterfowl continue to be non-existent at this juncture.

October 19, 2019

I went to the Eastern Shore of Virginia (Northampton County) today for a little photography and birding.  The most numerous land bird migrants at daybreak consisted of Phoebes, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-shafted Flickers, Blue Jays and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  House Wrens and several Sparrow species were obvious in the fields but I wasn’t sure of their movement overnight.  Raptors were flying high to very high all day long except on a few occasions.  I only observed seven (7) warbler species with the highlight being an American Redstart.  Also getting tardy was a female type Scarlet Tanager.

October 14, 2019

I ventured down to Kerr Lake this morning and spent most of my time in the general area of the  tailrace.  Warblers were in good numbers but with limited species present, eight (8).  The highlights were the continuing “high” numbers of Northern Parula warblers and a latish Yellow Warbler.  There were easily 35+ Northern Parula below the dam area.

October 13, 2019

I traveled to the City Point area in Hopewell this morning and then made a quick trip through Charles City County.  The skies early on were partly cloudy but had moved to mostly overcast by mid-morning.  The species of the day was Northern Parula.  They were in “mass” in the City Point area with 39+ observed.  I only had 4 warbler species today and not a single Yellow-rumped was in the mix.  In Charles City County, the reliable and continuing to return Red-tailed Hawk (abeiticola) was at one of its favorite perches for the eight (8th) plus year(?).

October 12, 2019

I visited McKay Island NWR, N.C. today.  The weather was cooperative with partly cloudy skies greeting me then briefly transitioning to mostly cloudy to then sunny skies.  Temperatures ranged from 48 to 72 degrees and winds were 3-8 mph.  Rails were very cooperative with King, Virginia and Sora being heard.  Waterfowl were few and far between as were herons/egrets.  Common Gallinule were “common” with 13+ being observed.  The most common species for the day was Tree Swallow.  A conservative estimate of 10,000+ were filling the skies.  The bird of the day was a male Vermillion Flycatcher.  It presented itself for about 45 minutes on the edge of a freshly mown field intermittently flying down and catching insects.  Two birders from Virginia Beach briefly got to see and photograph(?) the bird before it apparently departed flying high and east.   Warbler migration continues with 13 species being observed.

 

October 5, 2019

Fall, I was doubtful it would get here.  I was in North Carolina earlier this week with temperatures hitting the 98 degree mark but TODAY finally a break.  I started the day up near the Beagle Gap area of the Shennandoah National Park at 44 degrees.  Birds were moving after the front that went through yesterday.  It was birds early with some very nice study and photographic opportunities.  I ended the late morning to very early afternoon in the Green Springs National Historic District in Fluvanna County.  A total of 64 species were observed including 16 warbler species, 3 vireo species and 5 Thrush species.  Most observed species were Cape May Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Swainson’s Thrush.  The highlight was Philadelphia Vireo.  Some photographs of some of the action are below.

September 29, 2019

I visited Charles City County this morning under continuing hot, humid and dry conditions.  Migrants were few and far between.  Only five (5) warbler species were observed with my first of fall Palm Warblers being the most interesting.  The best observation was a continuing Marsh Wren which I finally got to photograph.

In the afternoon, I briefly visited Tucker Park in Goochland County and Powhatan State Park in Powhatan County.  The most interesting observation was a Least Flycatcher at Tucker Park.

September 28, 2019

I visited Rockingham County this morning with the intent of traveling the length of FSR 85.  I unfortunately could not complete the trip due to a tree down about 3 miles beyond Reddish Knob.  I did see quite a few warblers, nothing unexpected, and observed one (1) Lincoln’s Sparrow at Briery Branch Reservoir.

Belatedly, I added one of several leucistic Gray Squirrels near our western Henrico County, Va. neighborhood.

September 23, 2019

I briefly stopped by the Carson Wetlands in Prince George County, Va and observed a lone Anhinga.

September 19-21, 2019

Migration has continued slow through the period with few passerines and/or other birds of interest noted here in the Atlantic Beach, N.C. area.

September 17, 2019

With no weather front activity today passerines remained fairly quiet with just the continuing warblers at Fort Macon State Park (A. Redstart, Yellow, Yellow-throated, C. Yellowthroat, Prairie and Black & White).  Along Taylor Creek at the Beaufort waterfront, I noted a flock of mixed shorebirds at high tide.

September 16, 2019

I did a brief ocean watch from the Oceana Pier in Atlantic Beach this morning for about an hour.  Winds were light out of the east north east with partly overcast skies.  Bird activity was light but one dark phase Parasitic Jaeger was noted in amongst the infrequent terns observed.

At mid-day, I visited Fort Macon State Park and had a Merlin feeding on the numerous Common Green Darners frequenting the park.

September 14, 2019

I returned to Charles City County this morning.  Passerines continue to be few and far between in my observation.  I observed a continuing immature White Ibis and a variety of expected shorebirds with the best, my opinion, being a Short-billed Dowitcher.

September 13, 2019

I visited several sites  this morning in hopes of some migrant shorebirds and the hopes that something else would materialize along the way.  In King William County I encountered my first Common Ravens (2) just east of the intersection of 360 and 30 near Central Garage.  I unfortunately was in a lot of traffic and could not pull over and take any photographs before they flew over the tree line.

At Riverside Turf Farms on Sandy Point Road in Charles City County, I encountered three (3) Buff-breasted Sandpipers. I also ran into Bill Williams and got to enjoy his company while together.

I other private property in Charles City County, I observed a single immature White Ibis, one (1) Short-billed Dowitcher and a variety of the more expected shorebirds.