November 30, 2018

I visited both Ancarrow’s Landing and the Great Shiplock Park this morning under less than ideal conditions as it was overcast with intermittent light rain.  Temperatures were in the low 40’s and wind was negligible.  Ancarrow was “birds” but identification was challenging due to light conditions (photos are grainy & poor due to challenging light conditions and use of a higher ISO).  Two to three Orange-crowned Warblers were present, one immature/female type Black & White Warbler was noted, two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers continue, two Blue-headed Vireos and a single Baltimore Oriole were observed.

At Great Shiplock Park the highlight was a “flock” of Brown Creepers with six in sight at one time.  Also present was a single Orange-crowned Warbler.

November 29, 2018

It felt like a cold winter morning today.  The temperature was 27 degrees when I started in Hopewell with a light wind out of the west.  Bird activity was average as dawn broke.  The continuing Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was noted as were both House Wrens (2) and Orange-crowned Warblers (2).  I noted a Baltimore Oriole this morning also in Hopewell.

I then traveled to Charles City County and noted House Wren (1), Orange-crowned Warbler (1) and Palm Warbler (1).

At home, in western Henrico County, I had a continuing Orange-crowned Warbler which allowed  me to observe the species in three (3) different counties this morning.

November 27, 2018

I birded some areas of central Prince George County this morning.  I was fortunate that the wind did not pick up until the mid part of the morning and so daybreak and early morning were nice.  I encountered a River Otter family first thing and got to enjoy them for about 15 minutes while they swan and fed until they finally noticed me.

In some open fields along SR 611 I encountered Horned Larks, American Pipits and three (3) Lapland Longspurs.

In the Brandon area, the waterfowl were feeding in the fields some distance off.  I noted 32 Tundra Swan, 1500+ Canada Geese, 1 Snow Goose, Northern Pintail and Gadwall.

November 26, 2018

Today was rainy from the early morning through early afternoon.  I did get out for a short while and captured and adult Cooper’s Hawk and observed an unexpected Mute Swan at West Creek in Goochland County.

November 25, 2018

I made my “usual” rounds in Hopewell this morning.  Conditions were nice with no wind, seasonally reasonable temperatures and clear skies.  Highlights today were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), Blue-headed Vireo (1), Lincoln’s Sparrow (1), Orange-crowned Warbler (2) and House Wren (3).

 

November 23, 2018

Today was a cold November day, with temperatures this morning starting at 29 degrees and rising to 34 by the time I concluded my efforts.  I walked several locations in Charles City County.  One was along SR 608 and the other was at Berkeley Plantation.

SR 608 was “birdy” compared to what was observed in Hopewell yesterday.  I had several foraging flocks and amongst them were a group/flock of four (4) Baltimore Orioles and at another site a White-eyed Vireo.  This Vireo is a different one than the one observed earlier in the month at Wendover Plantation.  Also noted along SR 608 was an adult Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola).  Orange-crowned Warbler was the only warbler species of note along this section of road.

At Berkeley it was quite “birdy” also but the only bird of note was another Baltimore Oriole.

When I returned home in western Henrico County I noted the intermittent foraging Orange-crowned Warbler at one of my suet feeders.

November 22, 2018

I birded Hopewell this morning and overall activity was at a minimum.  The highlights of the trip were two (2) leucistic Canada Geese (both of which had white bodies), a Common Raven and one (1) Orange-crowned Warbler.  I would speculate the Canada Geese came from the same nest since they appeared to be in close affiliation(?).

 

November 21, 2018

Today, I visited Prince George County, the Brandon area.  Waterfowl were the most conspicuous species flying around with Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Cackling Goose and Ross’s Goose all being present.  The opportunity to see most was while they are flying since many of the fields adjacent to the roadways are still in soybeans.

 

November 20, 2018

I returned to Charles City County this morning under partly cloudy skies and coolish temperatures.  I spent time going through sparrow flocks this morning for some photographs and to see if anything unusual was around.  The “best” find was a tardy immature Indigo Bunting.  I also observed and immature White-crowned Sparrow that has “potential” for the Gambel’s subspecies(?).

November 18, 2018

I enjoyed a good morning in both Hopewell and Charles City County today.  The day started quite foggy for the first hour in Hopewell and bird chatter was suppressed for the first 30 minutes or so.  It ended up an unusual day in several regards:

-I had more or as many Orange-crowned (6) and Black & White Warblers (3) as I did Yellow-rumped Warblers (3) in Hopewell.
-In Charles City County I had more Palm Warblers (3) than I had Yellow-rumped Warblers (1).

I continue to be fascinated by the lack of both hearing and seeing them (Yellow-rumped Warblers) at the locations I have frequented in central Virginia.

For the day I had the more expected 5 warbler species to be observed this time of year.

In Hopewell I also had a Baltimore Oriole.

The Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) continues in Charles City County.

November 16, 2018

I spent time at Ancarrow’s Landing in Richmond early this morning followed by some time in far eastern Henrico County (Turkey Island Road) and then in Charles City County just walking along some rural roads.  Ancarrow’s Landing had fewer species this morning but did offer two (2) Orange-crowned Warblers.  At Turkey Island Road both Goose Flocks (Canada and Snow) were present.  The Snow Goose flock was very skittish and I only got to observe it for about 5 minutes before they flushed due to car traffic.  During that time I did note three (3) Ross’s Geese.  I later relocated the Cackling Goose, seen earlier this week, further down along the road.  A whitish necked variant (leucistic) Canada Goose is also present.

At different sites in Charles City County two (2) Blue-headed Vireos were noted.

At home in far western Henrico County I have had an infrequent Orange-crowned Warbler at the feeder for two days.  This is only the second time in 25 years that this has occurred.

November 14, 2018

I spent the morning at 3 different locations in Charles City County only one of which was public, Harrison Fish Hatchery.  I observed a total of 55 species with very few waterfowl being present(?) and surprisingly very few Yellow-rumped Warblers.  The highlights were a Blue-headed Vireo, an Orange-crowned Warbler and a Black & White Warbler.  Red-breasted Nuthatches continue in good numbers and both Kinglets were represented well.

November 12, 2018

My efforts took me to Hopewell, eastern Henrico County and Westover Plantation in Charles City County this morning.  I had my first five (5) finch morning in more than 20 years in Virginia with a single flyover calling Evening Grosbeak in Hopewell.  Hopewell hosted all the finches this morning with Purple Finch (2), Pine Siskin (7), American Goldfinch 14, House Finch (6) and the above mentioned bird.  Hopewell also hosted (4) Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and (2) Orange-crowned Warblers and a latish Osprey (1).  In eastern Henrico County, one Cackling Goose was found amongst the Canada Geese.  At Westover Plantation, a single adult White-eyed Vireo was tardy.  While I haven’t caught up with my notes I don’t recall hearing/seeing Red-breasted Nuthatches so ubiquitous throughout the State  In the last week I have had them each time out in Henrico, Hanover, King William, Hopewell, Goochland, Charles City County and Hampton.

November 6, 2018

I got out VERY briefly this morning at Ancarrow’s Landing in Richmond.  Within 10 minutes rain was falling and lighting was poor and I packed it in.  Before leaving I did note both a single Orange-crowned Warbler and a Tennessee Warbler.  Some Pine Siskins (3) were loosely associating with the American Goldfinches present.

November 4, 2018

I made my “normal” rounds in Hopewell this morning.   Lingering warblers continue to be present with Cape May Warbler (6) and Blackpoll Warbler (2) both being observed and photographed.  A Merlin posed nicely in the early light.  Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple Finch continue to be present in town.  A single Blue-headed Vireo was observed.

October 31, 2018

I visited Ancarrow’s Landing, Great Shiplock Park and Gillies Creek Park this morning.  Temperatures were mild, wind was light and skies were clear.  Finches continue to make their presence known with 9+ Purple Finches now at Ancarrow’s with 2 being adult males.  Pine Siskins flew over, House Finches and American Goldfinches are all present.  A lingering Indigo Bunting, Cape May Warbler and two Black and White Warblers were present.  At Great Shiplock the highlight was a single Orange-crowned Warbler.

October 30, 2018

I traveled to Mathews County this morning.  The highlight of the day was the great weather.  It was comfortable with light wind.  Bird-wise, I was a little disappointed in the lack of wintering waterbirds observed, specifically most waterfowl and finches which I had been hearing/seeing at most other sites visited.  Both Red-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatches put on a nice show as well as a getting tardy Swainson’s Thrush.  A single Orange-crowned Warbler was noted near Point Comfort.  It was an enjoyable time with several species providing some photographs.

October 27 & 28, 2018

I performed by “normal” route at Hopewell today, the 28th.  Weather was much enhanced over yesterday with dry, mostly sunny conditions.  Highlights in Hopewell were continuing good numbers of Blackpoll Warblers (14, with 11 in one flock), Cape May Warbler (3), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1) and a Chaetura sp. Swift (1)/ Chimney Swift

I then went over to Charles City County and enjoyed lingering Blackpoll Warblers (3) and a Yellow-breasted Chat.

On Saturday, the 27th, I got to Ancarrow’s Landing before daybreak to only be greeted with continuing overcast skies and mist.  Photography would not be good early so I still birded the area and found many of the same species that were observed earlier in the week (Tennessee Warblers, Cape May Warblers, Nashville Warbler).  Purple Finch (2) increased by a single individual.  All of the birds got “upset” early when a young Cooper’s Hawk came charging in.

I then went to Colonial Heights and the best of the birds were two Northern Rough-winged Swallows in amongst the Tree Swallows.

October 25, 2018

I started the morning at Ancarrow’s Landing and had an enjoyable time.  The birds were very active feeding this morning with the cool temperatures.  Five warbler species were observed with Blackpoll leading the way (9), followed by Yellow-rumped (8), Tennessee (3), Cape May (1) and Nashville (1).  A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was at the site and is probably different from the two I observed earlier in the week at a different park.  Purple Finch was again found at the site.

In a brief visit to Charles City County two additional species of warbler were added for the day, Pine (2) and Palm (2).  I also observed an immature Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) at a site which places it adjacent to the adult abieticola observed earlier in the week leading me to believe it migrated with one of its parents(?).

October 24, 2018

I returned to my “old” haunts today in the City of Hopewell and Charles City County.  A front had gone through overnight and was continuing this morning and winds were higher than forecast at least here locally.  Many of the warblers I had been observing had either “moved on” or were in locations I did not find(?).  Both Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets (both in double digits) appeared in higher numbers today as well as Red-breasted Nuthatches (3).  One continuing(?) Northern Parula was located in Hopewell as well as a single Black & White Warbler.  Blackpoll Warblers were still present in Hopewell (3) and Charles City County (2).  In Charles City County a returning Red-tailed Hawk- abieticola (probably the 7th plus year) was located on a favorite perch.

Hopefully conditions will be more favorable tomorrow.

October 23, 2018

I visited three of Richmond’s City Parks this morning (Ancarro’s Landing, Great Shiplock and Gilles Creek).  The birds were very active and with the good weather conditions it was quite enjoyable.  A total of 42 species were observed highlighted by Tennessee Warblers (2), Cape May Warbler (2), Blackpoll Warbler (4), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2) and a Merlin catching a probable American Goldfinch from a flock that was about to land in front of me.

October 22, 2018

I mirrored my trek from yesterday of the City of Hopewell and Charles City County.  A definite movement of birds occurred overnight.  Today I had 9 warbler species, 1 vireo, 1 cuckoo and an increase in the individual numbers of the expected sparrow species.  The warbler individual numbers diminished somewhat overnight with a total of three Cape May and Northern Parula being noted, one Magnolia and 9 Blackpolls.  A Blue-headed Vireo was noted in Hopewell and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was noted in Charles City County.

Both Pine Siskins and Purple Finches are being detected almost each morning.

October 21, 2018

Well, I visited the City of Hopewell and for a short time some of Charles City County this morning.  Conditions were quite different with a major weather front passing through.  Winds were from the Northwest at between 10-20 mph and temperatures early were in the upper 40’s to low 50’s.  In Hopewell, the highlights were continuing good numbers of some warbler species:  Blackpoll Warbler (13), Cape May Warbler (7), Northern Parula (4).  Also noted was a tardy Eastern Wood-Pewee (calling & observed), two adult accipiters both a Sharp-shin and a Coopers.

Noted in Charles City County was one Cape May Warbler and a Palm Warbler.

Tomorrow may be a good day due to diminishing winds and cold, clear overnight conditions for migration.

 

October 17-19, 2018

I visited the City of Hopewell on both the 17th and 19th and visited Northampton County, Va. on October 18th.  Latish migrants were Magnolia Warbler (1 in Northampton), Blue Grosbeak (2 in Northampton), Red-eyed Vireo (1) in the City of Hopewell on both the 17th and 19th and continuing large numbers of Blackpoll Warblers (18) on the 19th, Northern Parula (8) on the 19th, Cape May Warbler (6) on the 19th and FOS Orange-crowned Warblers (2) in Hopewell on the19th.  Also noted in Northampton County were Purple Finch and Pine Siskins in migration.

The gull flock has now surpassed 5000+ at the City of Hopewell.  A substantial increase in numbers occurred between the 17th and 19th of October.  The majority continue to be Laughing Gulls.

 

October 12, 2018

I got out this morning after both the passing of the remnants of Hurricane Michael  and the first cold front we have had in a “long” time.  The winds were strong last night and heavy rain occurred until approximately 1:00 a.m.  I observed much leaf litter and both tree and limb damage in all areas traveled today inclusive of the City of Hopewell, Charles City County, eastern Henrico and western Prince George Counties.

While migration did not appear heavy last night many species appeared to have been on the move.  New for the fall were both White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows.  A total of 9 warbler species were observed with Northern Parula being common again with 32+ observed. Yellow-billed Cuckoos were also conspicuous today with 5 observed and one latish Dickcissel was observed in Charles City County.

Migration should be good tonight with winds expected to be from the NW to N.

October 9, 2018

I was not expecting much today due to the early morning fog that greeted me at the City Point area of Hopewell, Virginia but was I surprised.  The fog had apparently grounded several warbler species and while challenging early to see them high in the trees they eventually presented well.  While I only had 9 species of warblers the count of Northern Parula was at minimum 26.  Latish species were both Yellow Warbler, three (3) and Northern Waterthrush (1). Other species were Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Blackpoll Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Cape May Warbler and Palm Warbler.  Surprisingly no Black & White Warblers, Yellow-rumped or Magnolia Warbler were observed.  One Red-breasted Nuthatch was observed.

Some photographs can be seen below:

I visited private property in Charles City County afterwards and added Magnolia Warbler for the day and observed a flock of 11+ Palm Warblers.

October 6, 2018

The day was again slow with no apparent substantial movement of birds overnight.  I visited the  City of Hopewell, Jordan Point, Charles City County and Turkey Island Road in Henrico County.  Weather conditions were overcast early moving to mostly overcast.  Temperatures continue mild and winds were calm.

The highlight of the day was a Lincoln’s Sparrow in Charles City County.

Yellow-billed Cuckoos continue to be present in good numbers with 7 observed on the day.

October 5, 2018

Migration continues to “limp” along this fall with few strong cold fronts.  Migrants appears to be trickling through but with no substantial fronts, major movements of birds has not materialized, at least with the locations I have visited.  Today was another one of those days which while entertaining demonstrated no vast numbers or species observed.

I visited the City of Hopewell, the Jordan Point area and a few sites in Charles City County.  Some  of the birds presented well for photographs but overall numbers were low.  Some migrant Canada Geese were noted in Charles City County.

Also noted today was a Northern Rough Greensnake in Charles City County.