November 25, 2020

I visited Hopewell, Charles City County, eastern Henrico and Dutch Gap in Chesterfield this morning.  Activity was light in Hopewell with the highlight being three (3) plus Orange-crowned Warblers being seen.  In Charles City County, I refound one (1) of the two Common Gallinules observed a couple of weeks ago.  Also continuing in Charles City County were the two (2) Northern Red-tailed Hawks (abieticola). In eastern Henrico another adult Northern Red-tailed Hawk was observed.  This race of Red-tailed Hawk is not as uncommon as eBird attempts to classify it.  

There is a great article about Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) identification by Jerry Liguori and Brian Sullivan at the following link:

https://northernredtails.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/rth_aabieticiola_north_american_birds_march_2014.pdf

At Dutch Gap, I ran into Nancy Barnhart,  Shirley Devan and a third lady whose name I did not catch and they informed me of the Ash-throated Flycatcher that had been being seen.  While I was there we had no success in relocating the bird.  (Hopefully they had success?)

November 22, 2020

I started the morning off in Richmond County in an attempt to get Saw-whet Owl where I had one many years ago.  I was fortunate enough to have two (2) respond to my imitation of a call with their alarm call at two locations about 1/2 mile apart.

Other than that I spent time looking through Canada Goose flocks for anything unusual but came up with nada.

November 21, 2020

I started the day at West Point and then traveled over to Charles City County.  Activity was slow all day with the best bird of the day being a Ross’s Goose at the Riverside Turf Farm in Charles City County. (This bird is in all likelihood the same individual observed/photographed earlier this week in Prince George County.)  House Wrens proved “common” during the morning in West Point and Charles City County.  Canada Goose numbers do not currently appear as high as usual in locations that I commonly observe them(?).  American Pipit numbers were solid at the Riverside Turf Farm with at least 125 being observed.

 

November 19, 2020

I trekked to both Prince George and Charles City Counties this morning.  Prince George presented challenges with heavy deer hunting.  Also interesting was a short term fog event that occurred in Prince George and lasted for only 15 minutes.  The fog formed quickly and thick and then about as quickly dissipated.

The highlight by far for the day was a “very cold” solitary Cave Swallow in Prince George County.  It perched on the utility lines to get warm as quickly as possible.  The bird was last observed on Willow Hill Road (37.272340, -77.024369).

Waterfowl numbers in Prince George were good for several species (Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall, Pintail) but other species appeared to have declined or were “scared off” by the hunting traffic(?).

In Charles City County, I had five warbler species (Palm, Orange-crowned, Yellow-breasted Chat, Myrtle and Common Yellowthroat).  I unfortunately did not get a photo of the Chat but it appeared near to where one was last observed/photographed on October 23rd.  Continuing are White-crowned Sparrows which are expected for the location.

November 15 & 16, 2020

During the last two days I traveled to King William, Prince George and Charles City Counties principally trying to get some photographs of “field” species such as American Pipits, Horned Larks and Lapland Longspur (no success here).  In Prince George County I also happened upon a Ross’s Goose in amongst the Tundra Swan and Canada Geese in an impoundment.

November 14, 2020

I visited the City of Hopewell and hopped around in both Charles City County and eastern Henrico County.  The highlight of the day was two (2) Common Gallinules at Shirley Plantation (private/restricted).  A Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) was observed in eastern Henrico County and four+ (4) Orange-crowned Warblers were noted in Hopewell.

November 10, 2020

Fog again.  While the temperature range over the last week has been enjoyable the persistent early morning fog has been forgettable.  As I reached Hopewell right before daybreak, it appeared that the fog would not be adverse today but within 45 minutes a layer had applied itself to the City Point area.  It made for some off again, on again viewing and photography opportunities.

The highlight at Hopewell was photographing a Merlin with an apparent American Goldfinch for breakfast.  Two (2) Blackpoll Warblers continue, three (3) Orange-crowned Warblers made their presence known and a Baltimore Oriole was challenging in the fog.

While not unexpected six (6) White-crowned Sparrows, in two groups, were observed in Charles City County.

Last but not least, Orange-crowned Warblers are having a good Fall in central Virginia.  Today I had three (3) as noted above in Hopewell, one (1) in Charles City County and one (1) in western Henrico County.

November 9, 2020

I got up this morning and traveled to the Brandon area of Prince George County.  I was pleased that the forecast fog did not develop to any extent in this area overnight.

The waterfowl between my last visit and today increased noticeably.  Tundra Swan went from 11 to 68, Canada Geese now number near 1000+, Gadwall ~200 and other puddle ducks and a few divers were noted.  Also noted were at least five (5) Cackling Geese in amongst the various waterfowl species on the impoundment.

Later in the morning, I returned to Charles City County in an attempt to get a better frontal photograph of one the “darker” of the two Red-tailed Hawks (abieticola).  I finally relocated the individual and got a photograph to share.  I have included photographs of both birds for comparison and familiarity.

November 8, 2020

Well, a little reprieve from the fog this morning as I started in West Point.  Bird activity was again very light with birds being challenging to come by.  The only tardy birds were two (2) Tennessee Warblers at this location.

I next traveled to Charles City County and check a variety of areas with very little of note being seen or heard.  As I circled through Shirley Plantation (private), I did encounter a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and now two (2) Red-tailed Hawks (abieticola) are present.  The bird of the day got away from me as I momentarily caught a glimpse of it fairly high in a tree with lemon yellow on its chest/belly; the only area of the bird I got to observe before it flew back deeper into the foliage and did not reappear.

November 7, 2020

The morning was again foggy in Hopewell and Charles City County.  Birding activity was at a minimum.  The only tardy species observed were three (3) Blackpoll Warblers, two of which were very loosely associating with the continuing Orange-crowned Warbler in Hopewell.  

The continuing immature and tame/inexperienced Red-tailed Hawk (borealis) in Charles City County allowed me the opportunity for some fairly close photographs.

November 6, 2020

Boy, what a challenging morning!  I attempted to bird West Point and some of King William County this morning but the fog created some limitations.  In West Point, I could hear Tree Swallows, Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Pine Siskin all flying overhead but who count even venture a guess at the number?  At the rail yard area, the highlights were House Wrens (4), Red-breasted Nuthatches (2) and a few finches (Pine Siskin, Purple Finch) did allow themselves to be seen.

The highlight of the morning was a Wilson’s Warbler found on 7th Street.  It was loosely associating with a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

I traveled to the “Pocket” area of King William County but could observe almost nil on the water.  The most interesting observations were a flock of 150+ Pine Siskin feeding in the trees and a Merlin trying to observe “anything” to chase.

November 5, 2020

I started the day in the Brandon area of Prince George County.  A light fog near daybreak hovered about 75 feet above the ground.  It did not prevent one Woodcock from performing a display flight though.  Bird activity was good and it didn’t take the sun to break through and rid the day of the fog.  Highlights for the area were one (1) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, eleven (11) Tundra Swan and a few arriving ducks.

I then made my way back home with a few stops in both Charles City County and eastern Henrico County.  I noted the continuing Vesper Sparrow in Charles City County and found a Black-and-White Warbler in eastern Henrico County.

In the afternoon while taking a walk in my neighborhood, western Henrico County, I noted two (2) different Orange-crowned Warblers in some thickly foliaged yards.

November 4, 2020

What an enjoyable morning both from a weather perspective as well as a birding perspective.  I roamed an area encompassing the City of Hopewell (City Point area), Charles City County (mostly Shirley Plantation- private) and eastern Henrico County.  

Bird observations today compared to yesterday would lead me to believe that last night was a good migration period.  Highlights for the morning included a Cape May Warbler, a Black-and-White Warbler, Palm Warbler (2), Orange-crowned Warbler (2 in Hopewell, 1 in Charles City County and 1 in Henrico County), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), Vesper Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (2) and best of all a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks (9) flying over Hopewell in the early a.m.

November 3, 2020

I birded the area around City Point in Hopewell this morning after voting.  It was nice to have a visit in which there was abundant sunshine!

The highlights for the visit were one (1) Blackpoll Warbler, one (1) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, two (2) Orange-crowned Warblers and an adult Baltimore Oriole.  I suspect a Tennessee Warbler was present but I only caught a momentary glimpse of the suspected bird.  Ruby-crowned Kinglets were again frequently encountered in numbers.

November 1, 2020

I tried to get a little birding in prior to the rain this morning at Ancarrow’s Landing in Richmond. I was successful for a little over an hour before a light rain began to fall.  With overcast skies, viewing conditions were challenging.

Expected but categorized as “unexpected” by eBird were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2), Black and White Warbler (1) and Blackpoll Warbler (1).  A large congregation of American Robins was present shortly after daybreak.  Ruby-crowned Kinglets continued in good numbers.   Some poor photographs are below:

October 31, 2020

I visited Charles City County this morning.  The weather started with sunshine which rapidly declined to partly cloudy skies.  Temperatures ranged from 43 to 46 degrees.  

I had hoped for an influx of sparrows, finches and possibly a few warblers overnight.  The only noted increase was in sparrows.  I located four (4) adult White-crowned Sparrows at Shirley Plantation (private) which are not usual for the location (annual).  In a nearby marsh, I had three (3) Sora respond to a recording and hand clapping.

October 30, 2020

I traveled to the City of Hopewell and covered a little bit of both Charles City and eastern Henrico Counties this morning.  The day was a mix of clouds and some sun with winds ranging from about 3-10 mph.

A few warblers continue in Hopewell with Blackpoll (4), Cape May (1) and Orange-crowned (1) being present.  Ruby-crowned Kinglets again appeared in good numbers.

In Charles City County, a Red-tailed Hawk (albieticola) again appeared for the umpteenth year.

The highlight of the day proved to be two (2) Hudsonian Godwits on Alexander Road in eastern Henrico County (off of Turkey Island Road) feeding in a pool of water in a field surrounded by Canada Geese.  One individual may have a compromised leg (the one retaining some alternate plumage).  Interesting that these birds were seen about 5-6 miles, as a crow flies, from ones I observed in Charles City County in 2009.  Follow link at: 

http://visitingnature.com/visitingnatureouting2009october18.htm

October 27, 2020

Well I did almost a repeat of yesterday, deciding at the last minute to head toward the City of Hopewell and Charles City County hoping the overcast skies and fog would be better than yesterday.  It turned out I was not to be disappointed.  During the night, it appears that Ruby-crowned Kinglets migrated in good numbers and possibly a few warblers species were on the move unless the less than favorable conditions of yesterday kept them at bay.

I encountered a latish Red-eyed Vireo in Hopewell, as well as an American Redstart.  Blackpoll Warblers (8) were in increased numbers, a Northern Parula was noted and while unseen a Northern Waterthrush was giving its distinctive “chink” call along the edge of the Appomattox River.  I also encountered Orange-crowned Warbler, Palm Warbler and the ubiquitous Yellow-rumped Warblers.

In all three locales visited this morning (City of Hopewell, Charles City & Henrico Counties), I encountered Pine Siskin and Purple Finch.  Canada Goose numbers continue to grow daily in their normal foraging fields.  Finally in Charles City County, I encountered an immature White-crowned Sparrow which are “expected” for the location but appear to continue in decline.

 

October 26, 2020

I traveled to both the City of Hopewell and Charles City County this morning.  Weather again was a hindrance as overcast skies and temperatures in the low 50s greeted the day.  Also disappointing was the utility work going on in Hopewell with crews trimming trees and power poles being worked on.  (They challenged the coverage I usually like providing.)  Highlights in Hopewell were continuing but declining numbers of Blackpoll Warblers (3) and a continuing Black-and-White Warbler.  In Charles City County, I played a tape and had a maxima of six (6) Sora call from the adjacent marsh.

Always enjoyable but not fully appreciated for their coloration I have included an adult Swamp Sparrow.  The different colors and hues make a striking appearance against any bird.

 

October 24, 2020

This morning, I traveled to West Point under completely different circumstances than yesterday.  The skies were clear, NO FOG and comfortable temperatures hovering in the 60’s.  I walked the rail yard on the peninisula for about 1 1/4 hours.  At day break, tree swallows flew out from the marsh area as well as Red-winged Blackbirds.  A good movement of Yellow-rumped Warblers was present and searching for any different warbler species proved challenging if it wasn’t for their call notes.  Warblers present included Tennessee (1), Blackpoll (7), Cape May (2), Palm (3) and Common Yellowthroat (3).

A getting tardy Spotted Sandpiper was noted on the concrete adjacent to the river.

October 23, 2020

Foggy!  A somewhat challenging morning in the City of Hopewell and for a short while in Charles  City County.  The fog was moderate to dense in areas this morning making birding and photography a trying effort.

In Hopewell, good numbers of the expected Blackpoll Warblers continue (11) and also the same for Northern Parula (4).  I did observe my first of fall Orange-crowned Warbler today and not to common a Blue-headed Vireo for the location.

In Charles City County, I encountered a first year Yellow-breasted Chat.

October 22, 2020

I visited Goochland County this morning.  It was nice NOT to have much fog to influence observation.  The highlights continue to be the presence of both Pine Siskin,  Purple Finches and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in solid numbers and seeing two (2) Baltimore Orioles and an Eastern Wood-Pewee at Tucker Park.

October 19, 2020

I visited the Greensprings National Historic District in Louisa County this morning.  Conditions were a little disappointing with mostly overcast skies, some intermittent light fog and temperatures in the 50’s.  It was nice to see good numbers of winter related birds with Pine Siskin, Purple Finch and Red-breasted Nuthatches being seen with frequency.  A lingering Eastern Wood-Pewee and Black-throated Blue Warbler were of note.

October 18, 2020

October 17, 2020

October 14, 2020

October 9, 2020

I got up early this morning and traveled down to McKay Island National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North Carolina.  This weekend is “Open Roads” on the refuge so access to the impound area is allowed.  While there I also did a little birding off the refuge on Knott’s Island in areas that were in North Carolina and Virginia Beach.

Migration demonstrated itself marginally today with a few interesting warblers, Pine Siskin and Red-breasted Nuthatches but waterfowl and sparrows were few and far between.  Warbler highlights were a Yellow Warbler in Virginia Beach, Hooded Warbler in North Carolina (Knott’s Island) and a Nashville Warbler.  The most common warblers were Blackpoll, Northern Parula, American Redstart and of course Yellow-rumped Warblers.

October 5, 2020

I returned to Tucker Park in Goochland County early this afternoon to walk and look principally for odonates.  Odes continue scarce with the list containing:

Russet-tipped Clubtail                   4
Twelve-spotted Skimmer              1
American Rubyspot                       6
Blue-fronted Dancer                      6
Powdered Dancer                          1
Variable Dancer                              2

While walking, I did encounter a small flock of migrant birds which did include two (2) Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and one (1) Purple Finch.

October 2, 2020

I went for a short visit to Tucker Park in Goochland County today principally for odonates.  With the weather being cool with mostly to partly cloudy skies it was not ideal for their viewing.   I did note a slightly late Yellow-throated Warbler here in contrast with the one yesterday in western Goochland County.  The only odes noted were:

Blue Dasher                            1
American Rubyspot               3
Powdered Dancer                  2

October 1, 2020

I visited Goochland County twice today; in the morning for possible migrating birds and in the afternoon for odonates.  The only interesting observation from a bird perspective was a slightly latish Yellow-throated Warbler.  In the early afternoon my visit took me to Tucker Park again and I had a similar species count as I did yesterday:

Russet-sided Clubtail                         7
Black Saddlebags                               1
Twelve-spotted Skimmer                  1
Autumn Meadowhawk                      2
Blue-fronted Dancer                          3
Powdered Dancer                              1
American Rubyspot                           9

      

September 30, 2020

I finally got out for a little ode photography early this afternoon at Tucker Park in Goochland County, VA.  I was not expecting much activity but was pleasantly surprised to have several species and one in good numbers:

Russet-tipped Clubtail                        3
American Rubyspot                           35
Blue-fronted Dancer                            4
Twelve-spotted Skimmer                    1
Wandering Glider                                 1
Cruiser species                                     1

September 22 & 23, 2020

I traveled to both Augusta and Highland Counties over the last two days with the principal focus being odonates.  The weather was enjoyable with temperatures ranging from the low 40’s to upper 60’s and skies were sunny and winds of minor consequence.

Odes proved slow at upper elevations in Augusta County where I visited but I did pick up Shadow Darners and an Ocellated Darner.  The Ocellated Darner was unique for me in that it was found skimming back and forth on a dirt road at 4 to 6 inches elevation?

In Highland County, I observed many Shadow Darners, a couple of Black-tipped Darners, Ocellated Darner, Common Green Darner and a couple of individual darners “that got away” for ID purposes.  The Black-tipped Darners were noted at a couple of “ponds” in eastern Highland County including the “Spatterdock Darner Pond”.

Birding was good early in the days with Tennessee and Black-throated Green Warblers being common and Swainson’s Thrush and Lincoln’s Sparrow being right up there.

A compilation of all odonates was meager but included:

Common Green Darner
Shadow Darner
Black-tipped Darner
Ocellated Darner
UnIDed Darner
Autumn Meadowhawk
Ruby Meadowhawk
Familiar Bluet
Fragile Forktail
Variable Dancer
Black Saddlebags
UnIDed Spreadwing species

September 19, 2020

I visited several areas this morning including  the City Point area in Hopewell and some areas in both Charles City and eastern Henrico Counties.  With the front having moved through the weather was crisp at 54-58 degrees and winds at 8-12 mph with partly cloudy skies.  Migrants were found in groups with a good show put on by American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warblers.  A slightly late Prothonotary Warbler was noted at City Point and a Warbling Vireo was noted in eastern Henrico County.

September 14, 2020

I traveled to Augusta County this morning with the intention of looking for some odes.  The weather however proved challenging with clouds and fog during the time I was present.  

I did run into a good flock of birds demonstrating a nice bit of diversity with 12 species of warbler, one Philadelphia Vireo and a couple of Swainson’s Thrush.

September 8, 2020

I visited a private site in Highland County today that offered both a manmade pond and a series of beaver ponds.  Activity proved to be hit and miss at the beaver ponds but the visit was overall enjoyable.  I photographed an Orange Bluet which may be a county record and I had my first female Ski-tipped Emerald.  Species observed were:

Shadow Darner                9
Ocellated Darner             1
Darner sp?                        2
Ski-tipped Emerald          1
Clamp-tipped Emerald    1
Widow Skimmer               3
Common Whitetail           1
Autumn Meadowhawk  18
Variable Dancer                8
Citrine Forktail                  1
Fragile Forktail               12
Eastern Forktail                8
Orange Bluet                    2
Bluet sp.?                          1
Slender Spreadwing        2
Swamp Spreadwing        2

September 7, 2020

I traveled to western Augusta County today and visited a small unnamed pond for about 3 hours.  I literally stood in one location for that time frame awaiting any odes that would demonstrate themselves.  It took awhile but finally some individuals showed up and I ended up with:

Shadow Darner          8
Black-tipped Darner  1
Great Spreadwing      2
Ruby Meadowhawk   7

The female Black-tipped Darner, if correctly Iced, was my first.