December 22, 2021
While casually enjoying a walk at Powhatan State Park today, I got to appreciate a juvenile Northern Harrier leisurely swing by me while it was actively patrolling for prey.
December 14, 2021
I visited Powhatan State Park this morning for a leisurely walk and to possibly do a little photography. The walk was enjoyable and a surprising highlight was an adult White-eyed Vireo. Also enjoyable were several male Purple Finches which presented themselves for some photographs. One of my favorite bird species, Winter Wren, was in good number (9) and in one case in song.
In the afternoon, I went to West Creek in Goochland County and checked to see if my reliable Autumn Meadowhawk site was still good into December. It proved a successful venture as two (2) female meadow hawks were observed and photographed.
December 9, 2021
I visited Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery (HLNFH) in Charles City County and then stopped in eastern Henrico County today on my way home. The weather was quite “nippy” first thing this morning, but I guess we are finally due for some seasonal temperatures.
Activity was slow at HLNFH for the most part this morning. A good variety of sparrows were observed, as usual, but no unique species were noted. The highlight, at this site, was a single Blue-headed Vireo, which made it’s presence known by singing on my walk back to the lake.
In eastern Henrico County, I encountered the Lesser Snow Goose flock along Turkey Island Road. They were VERY skittish but finally allowed for some limited viewing. (Part of the flock remained hidden over a ridge so a full review of the flock could not be accommodated.) Two Ross’s Geese were noted in the visible portion of the flock. Also noted along this stretch of road was a Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) which provided only marginal viewing since it was distant.
December 7, 2021
I traveled to Prince George, Charles City and eastern Henrico Counties this morning. I started the day in the Brandon area of Prince George County. I found the area being heavily hunted for deer so my observations were limited today. The highlights were 2000+ Canada Geese which I could not fully review due to the density of the flock for anything unusual, i.e.- Cackling Geese. Tundra Swan were present in good numbers with 128 being counted. Other ducks included Gadwall (80+), American Widgeon (8), Northern Pintail (45) and Ring-necked Ducks (225).
In Charles City County, I again encountered the Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola), which was confirmed by Brian Sullivan. Again, for those of you interested learning about the identification of this subspecies, you should read the excellent article by Liguori and Sullivan found at the following link:
https://northernredtails.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/rth_aabieticiola_north_american_birds_march_2014.pdf
I have noted this subspecies with some frequency in Virginia ranging from Charles City County west to Goochland and then north through the central part of the state up to Clarke and Frederick Counties.
I also will provide a link to my Red-tailed Hawk Gallery page which has been reviewed by both Brian Sullivan and Bill Clark for ID confirmation purposes.
Lastly, I noticed some Canada Geese close to the road as I was passing Curles Neck Farm and in amongst them was a single Ross’s Goose.
December 5, 2021
I visited the Hopewell area this morning followed by a quick pass through Charles City County. Birding activity was good with some warblers, orioles and a gnatcatcher demonstrating themselves. The most active area has been along Water Street. This morning the continuing Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), Black-and-White Warbler (1 female type), Baltimore Orioles (3) and Orange-crowned Warblers (3) were noted. In other areas of Hopewell, I noted another Black-and-White Warbler (1 male), Palm Warbler (1 yellow) and Orange-crowned Warblers (4).
The 1st cycle Heerman’s Gull continues as “scheduled” at the marina. I am noting molt progression with some tertials being replaced and nape feathers transitioning. At or near high tide, at daybreak, the marina can be a good location for gull viewing as many days they will preen/rest for 45 minutes or so. Today, noted in the flock, were two immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls amongst the many Laughing, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls.
Lastly, in Charles City County, a Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) was noted.
