Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Virginia Birding > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, July 3 at 04:51 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Black Woodpecker

03 Jul MISSISSIPPI KITE - Campbell County [] 3 Jul MIKI near Boykins, VA [Elisa Enders ] 03 Jul Flicker pre-fledgies..all boys? [Connie & Wilton Sale ] 02 Jul Great White Egret continues [] 2 Jul Dickcissels & Miss. Kite, Campbell County, July 2, 2009 ["Rexanne Bruno" ] 2 Jul PINE SISKIN - Geo. Washington's Ferry Farm - Stafford Co. [] 1 Jul Skyline Drive, Limberlost Trail [Lucy Uncu ] 1 Jul Re: Black-billed Great Egret [Rob Hilton ] 1 Jul Black-billed Great Egret at Chincoteague NWR [Rob Hilton ] 1 Jul Red-cockaded Woodpecker Breeding ["Mike Wilson" ] 1 Jul More Info on Unusual Warbler ["Roger Mayhorn" ] 01 Jul Highland Eagle Watch data [Sandy Hevener ] 01 Jul Re: Vagrancy of Violet-crowned Hummingbird [] 1 Jul DGIF mid-summer Potomac eagle count ["Harding, Sergio (DGIF)" ] 01 Jul late report- Great Horned Owl in Loudoun County [Stephen Johnson ] 30 Jun Chuck-will's-widow at Union Springs ["Kevin Shank" ] 30 Jun The 15th Annual Purple Martin Field Day proclaimed a success ["kingston" ] 30 Jun Ugly babies... [Barbara Houston ] 30 Jun Voice: Greater Washington Area, June 30 ["Joe Coleman" ] 30 Jun Huntley Meadows Hke-Bike: Blue Grosbeaks and other Photos [] 30 Jun 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge [] 30 Jun Re: 2009 Piney Grove Trip Report + 15th Annual CVWO Kiptopeke Challenge addendum [Arun Bose ] 30 Jun Warbling Vireos Arlington [] 30 Jun STATUS OF VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD 6/30/09 [Wendy Ealding ] 30 Jun Vagrancy of Violet-crowned Hummingbird [] 30 Jun 2009 Piney Grove Trip Report + 15th Annual CVWO Kiptopeke Challenge [Arun Bose ] 29 Jun NVBC Summer Highland Co. Weekend, June 5-7 (Very Late Report) [] 29 Jun Warbling Vireo at Roaches Run, Arlington Co., June 28 [] 29 Jun Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk [] 29 Jun NO VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD 6/29/09 [Wendy Ealding ] 29 Jun Eastern Shore Saturday 6/27/09 ["Glenn" ] 29 Jun Eastern Shore Friday 6/26 ["Glenn" ] 29 Jun Cntr. for Cons. Bio tracks Eagle chick by satellite ["Mike Wilson" ] 29 Jun Campsites or overnite for viewing pembroke, Violet-crowned Hummingbird [] 29 Jun Violet-crowned Hummingbird Images ["Brenda Tekin" ] 28 Jun On the Loudoun County Atlas Road ["Kurt Gaskill" ] 28 Jun Dyke Marsh Field Trip, Frfx Co, 28 June 09 ["Kurt Gaskill" ] 28 Jun Interesting Eastern Shore sightings ["Glenn" ] 28 Jun Great Falls National Park [VA] on 6/28/09 [] 28 Jun Violet crowned hummer in place [Shirley Devan ] 28 Jun VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD - continues 6-28-09 ["Jack Esworthy" ] 27 Jun Purple Martins, Chantilly (Fairfax Co.); Jun 27 [Scott Baron ] 27 Jun Violet - crowned Hummingbird, Craig Co. 6-27-09 [] 27 Jun Fwd: Aviatlas Sightings Record [Scott Jackson-Ricketts ] 27 Jun Fwd: Aviatlas Sightings Record [Scott Jackson-Ricketts ] 27 Jun VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD-CRAIG CO [] 27 Jun 5 warbler species, Blue Ridge Center birdwalk ["Mary Ann Good" ] 27 Jun Kerr Reservoir/Staunton View Park 6/27 [Adam D'Onofrio ] 26 Jun History of Virginia's Natural History ["David W. Johnston" ] 26 Jun Mayhorn's warbler [susan brown ] 26 Jun Unusual Blue-winged or Lawrence's Warbler? ["Roger Mayhorn" ] 25 Jun Bald Eagle and baby Red tails Linville VA ["orv lehman" ] 25 Jun Blue Grosbeak, YB Cuckoo at Ft. Belvoir (Fairfax Co.) ["david.boltz" ] 25 Jun Web Site for distinguishing Neo Corm. from DC corm. (Violette's Lock) [] 25 Jun Mississippi Kite Over Waynewood [] 25 Jun Re: Historical Explorations into Virginia's Natural History [John H Dalmas ] 25 Jun Thompson WMA - Fauquier County [Bathke ] 25 Jun Pileated WP- Warrenton [Don Maiden ] 25 Jun Voice: Greater Washington Area, June 23 ["Joe Coleman" ] 25 Jun Bird Walk, Blue Ridge Center, Loudoun Co, June 27 ["Joe Coleman" ] 25 Jun OSPREY, SPOTTED SANDPIPER in Powhatan County 6/25/09 [Wendy Ealding ] 24 Jun Fwd: Great Horned Owl [Scott Jackson-Ricketts ] 24 Jun Fwd: Great Horned Owl [Scott Jackson-Ricketts ] 24 Jun Great Horned Owl ["Rachel Echols" ] 24 Jun Looking for Will McPhail [Karen Kearney ] 24 Jun Got trees? ["Janice Frye" ] 24 Jun Re: [va-richmond-general] Purple Martins ["Janice Frye" ] 23 Jun PURPLE MARTIN Event in Lousia County ["kingston" ] 23 Jun Loudoun Co Bird Atlas [] 23 Jun Re: Mississippi Kite--Fairfax County, Burke Lake Rd [Rob Hilton ] 23 Jun Mississippi Kite--Fairfax County, Burke Lake Rd [Mike Webster ] 23 Jun The Wetlands, James River Park System, on a Summer Day ["ELFNER, Mary" ] 23 Jun Birding on Solitude Rd (Botetourt Co.) [Allen Boynton ] 22 Jun Thompson WMA, Fauquier County, 22 June; Rose-breasted Grosbeaks [] 22 Jun Fledgling anhinga? [] 22 Jun Re: Dickcissels-Campbell County [Wendy Ealding ] Subject: MISSISSIPPI KITE - Campbell County From: mboater AT att.net Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:51:24 +0000 This afternoon (7/3) between 3:00 and 3:20 PM, my wife Sandra and I observed a single sub-adult MISSISSIPPI KITE over Long Island near the Staunton River in Campbell County. This is the same area where Rexanne Bruno and Thelma Dalmas observed this bird yesterday. The kite was seen harassing a flock of starling above the farm field where there is a "Bulls For Sale" sign at the red gate on the west side of Rt 761 between the north and south channels of the river. Just north of the town of Long Island we saw an adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER on the west side of Rt 761 in the trees behind the sheep pasture. Good Birding, Mike Michael R. Boatwright -- Amherst, VA_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: MIKI near Boykins, VA From: Elisa Enders <elisaenders AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:07:38 -0400 I saw two adult Mississippi Kites, this morning at about 9am, near the intersection of Route 671 and Fullers Mill Road (which is just west of the Boykins Manor trailer park). This is about 1.5 miles east of the intersection of Routes 671 and 35. A Kentucky Warbler (as well as a Hooded Warbler and Northern Parula) was singing off the north side of Route 671, where it crosses the Meherrin River at the NC/VA border. This is kind of a dangerous spot to pull off Route 671, so if anyone visits this spot, be careful of traffic. Elisa Enders Portsmouth, VA _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Flicker pre-fledgies..all boys? From: Connie & Wilton Sale <humnchirp AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:01:11 -0500 (CDT) Hi fellow birders, A few weeks ago, we received a clutch of five little nestling northern flickers after their tree was cut down and their nest was destroyed. They've done extremely well in rehab and are healthy and feathering in nicely. ... just about to fledge. It appears that ALL five are males....they each are developing "moustaches" ... am I correct? Is this unsual to have a clutch of all one sex? Here's a pic of the little guys ....... http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/humnchirp/songbirds/Fiveflickers.jpg You can tell which one is the youngest - he's still got protruding gape flanges (we call them "push-buttons") and hasn't quite feathered in. Shortly they will be moved to the aviary, with large logs to climb around on and be given plenty of ants and beetles to to investigate. Connie & Wilton Sale 218 Scarlett Drive Chesapeake,VA 23322 757-482-4796 humnchirp AT verizon.net Hummingbirds and Songbirds State and Federal Permits NWRA, IWRC WildLife Response, Inc. http://www.wildliferesponse.org/ Member, Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge http://evelynswildliferefuge.org/ _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Great White Egret continues From: phoebetria AT aol.com Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:01:51 -0400 The Great Egret with black bill (nicknamed "Great White Egret") was still present in the first part of the Wildlife Loop at Chincoteague NWR this evening at about 4:15 p.m. Bob Ake and I took some photos of the bird, which foraged mostly on the left side (inside Snow Goose pool) but also flew up to perch for a bit in a pine on the right edge of the loop. This is the general area where the bird foraged last year. In Black Duck Marsh were 20 Black-necked Stilts; at least one was along the Causeway to Chincoteague Island. Forster's, Common, Least, Royal, Gull-billed Terns were about (only one Common, out over the ocean) around Snow Goose Pool and Swan Cove. A few Greater Yellowlegs were the only sign of shorebird migration. A Marbled Godwit and six Western Willets, possibly all summering birds, were in Swan Cove as well. Island Creamery still has Pony Tracks ice cream. Ned Brinkley Cape Charles, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Dickcissels & Miss. Kite, Campbell County, July 2, 2009 From: "Rexanne Bruno" <bruno AT lynchburg.edu> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:42:46 -0400 Thelma Dalmas and I birded in southern Campbell County this morning. She graciously offered to show me where the dickcissels had been found last month. We did find four DICKCISSELS along Route 615/Red House Road (southeast of Rustburg, two locations: about 0.9 miles east of the intersection with Route 805 and continue east at next intersection with Route 648). There was a small flock of HORNED LARKS in a fallow field across the road from the dickcissels near Route 805. We also saw several groups of KILLDEER (no other shorebirds as not much standing water/mud left). We heard NORTHERN BOBWHITE at every stop we made along Route 615. Then we went west across US501 towards Long Island. Along the way we saw a flock of about 12 WILD TURKEY poults crossing the road. We birded Route 637/'Free Turnip' Rd aka Whitehall Rd. We didn't find anything unexpected there, although we did hear bobwhite calling again, so we headed down to Long Island. Thelma and I had long thought that Long Island had the right habitat for a Mississippi Kite. After searching the skies numerous times every time we go there, finally today, the conditions were right. We saw a first summer MISSISSIPPI KITE hawking insects over the island near the south channel of the Staunton River. We also watched a third year BALD EAGLE soar over the island while being harassed by starlings and tree swallows. The other bird we watched for some time on the island was an apparent albino rock pigeon perched on a snag. We saw four swallow species including several PURPLE MARTINS and 2 CLIFF SWALLOWS (at Route 761 bridge across north channel of Staunton River onto Long Island). It was a terrific morning to be out birding; it never got too hot and there was a nice breeze. In a few hours we saw/heard 52 species. Complete species list available. Rexanne Bruno Lynchburg, VA_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: PINE SISKIN - Geo. Washington's Ferry Farm - Stafford Co. From: <nasca AT gwffoundation.org> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:35:39 -0400 Late yesterday (18:00 1 July) I observed and photographed a PINE SISKIN at my place of employment - George Washington's Ferry Farm in Stafford County. I easily re-found the bird this morning (09:30). It is keeping company with a loose flock of American Goldfinch in the "Native Grasses and Wildflower Meadow." It is best observed in the two small sycamore trees on the right side of the meadow that are dead on top. Other notables in the meadow last evening/this morning: Cliff Swallow Purple Martin Yellow-throated Warbler N. Parula Prothonotary Warbler Orchard Oriole Ferry Farm is a privately owned historic site that is open to the public 10-5 PM daily. There is an admission fee whether you are there for the historic or natural resources. If visiting, please notify the staff in the Visitor's Center you are there for the birds! For more information/direction to Ferry Farm visit www.ferryfarm.org. I am happy to forward photos of the Siskin upon request off list. Best, Paul Nasca Fredericksburg, VA nasca AT gwffoundation.org _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Skyline Drive, Limberlost Trail From: Lucy Uncu <lucyuncu AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 20:44:44 -0400 Spent a peaceful two hours on the Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park and saw a couple of uncommon species for this time of year. By far the most common warblers were Redstarts and Chestnut Sided. They are also the most cooperative! Location: Limberlost Trail, Shenandoah NP - MSD03 Observation date: 6/30/09 Notes: Canada warblers were females possibly 1st year. Although the Mourning Warbler is uncommon for the time of year, the combination of the complete gray hood and yellow underparts and no eye ring seemed to be definitive. Number of species: 19 Cooper's Hawk 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 3 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 2 Carolina Chickadee 1 Carolina Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Veery 5 Gray Catbird 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler 7 Blackpoll Warbler 1 American Redstart 15 Mourning Warbler 1 Canada Warbler 2 Eastern Towhee 3 Dark-eyed Junco 1 Northern Cardinal 2 American Goldfinch 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Lucy Uncu Falls Church, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: Black-billed Great Egret From: Rob Hilton <aimophila10 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 16:12:35 -0700 (PDT) The black-billed Great Egret has been thought to be from the African subspecies Ardea alba melanorhynchos, which has a black bill in breeding plumage instead of the yellow bill of the American subspecies A. a. egretta.  If this is an African Great Egret, it could be the first record from either North or South America.  Y'all should check the archives from May through July of last year for more information.   Given that the Asian subspecies A. a. modesta has been split as a separate species by many authorities, it seems possible that this form could be split as well.   Rob HiltonSilver Spring, MD _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Black-billed Great Egret at Chincoteague NWR From: Rob Hilton <aimophila10 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 14:59:24 -0700 (PDT) Paul Pisano called a little while ago to say that he found the black-billed Great Egret at Chincoteague NWR, Accomack County.  If I recall correctly, it is just to the left of the wildlife drive, where it opens up just past the entry point, with Snow Goose Pool on the left.  It had a couple of skirmishes with a Great Egret, flying off, returning, then flying off for good.  This was near mid-day today.  While my recollection is hazy, this sounds like the location where the bird was last summer.  Best, Rob Hilton Silver Spring, Md. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Red-cockaded Woodpecker Breeding From: "Mike Wilson" <mdwils AT wm.edu> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:53:23 -0400 The Center for Conservation Biology just finished monitoring the breeding of the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at the Nature Conservancy's Piney Grove Preserve. The woodpeckers had a very successful year in 2009 with 6 breeding pairs successfully fledging 15 birds. The 9 females and 6 males hatched and fledged in 2009 is the greatest single year production of young over the ten years we have been closely monitoring breeding results of the woodpeckers in Virginia. This season marks only the second time since the late 1980s that six breeding pairs would have successfully bred. The only other recent event of this level was in 2006 when 6 pairs produced 9 young birds. The Nature Conservancy's Piney Grove Preserve is the only location in Virginia where Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are known to breed. TNC purchased this land in 2000 to protect, what was at the time, the last 2 remaining breeding clusters in the state and to manage the site to increase the population. Ten years of intensive habitat management by TNC and the translocation of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers from other populations into the Preserve has collectively secured a healthy return for these birds. Along with this year's productivity, the total number of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Piney Grove Preserve stands today at 43 birds. Between 2001 and 2005, 25 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were brought from either North Carolina or South Carolina to bolster the breeding population. Translocated birds set up new breeding territories and paired with native Virginia birds to increase both the number of breeding sites and the production of new birds. Since 2001, 6 of 25 translocated birds have become breeders at Piney Grove. By 2008, only 5 of these translocated birds were still remaining in the population but 4 of them were breeders. In 2009, only 3 translocated birds remained but all were breeding. The reproductive push that these translocated birds provided will be felt into the future. Now many of the translocated birds' progeny are breeding and the Piney Grove population is becoming more self-sustaining. We will return to Piney Grove in the fall to continue the year-round monitoring of these birds, determine the most recent fate of the fledglings, and track the movement of individuals between territories. Annual monitoring is made possible through funding from the Virginia chapter of the Nature Conservancy, The Center for Conservation Biology, and the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries. Mike Wilson Center for Conservation Biology College of William & Mary / Virginia Commonwealth University PO Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 phone: 757-221-1649 fax: 757-221-1650 email:mdwils AT wm.edu www.ccb-wm.org _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: More Info on Unusual Warbler From: "Roger Mayhorn" <rmayhorn AT hughes.net> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 17:13:18 -0400 Hi All, After I posted the link on VA-Birds about the unusual warbler I photographed a few days ago at http://www.pbase.com/mayhorn/warbler_june_09 I received an e-mail from Jeremiah Trimble in Massachusetts who had photographed a bird with the same markings as the one I had. Jeremiah is the Curatorial Associate of Ornithology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, MA. He believes the bird is a Lawrence's Backcross. Here is the link to his photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrtrimble/sets/72157619102563564/ Roger Mayhorn Compton Mt _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Highland Eagle Watch data From: Sandy Hevener <hevener AT htcnet.org> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:26:06 -0400 Hello- Highland Eagle Watch is now updated to include spring 2009 Highland Eagle Survey data here: http://highlandeaglewatch.blogspot.com/ Sandy Hevener (and Patti Reum) Highland Eagle Survey Blue Grass, VA 24413 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: Vagrancy of Violet-crowned Hummingbird From: phoebetria AT aol.com Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:03:14 -0400 A few corrections!? Portland, Oregon has a sight record for Violet-crowned Hummingbird (thanks to Craig Tumer for pointing that out), and both Mississippi and Michigan have recorded White-eared Hummingbird, so that should be on the list for "eastern United States" or at least east of the Mississippi, too (thanks to Caleb Putnam and Matt Hafner for noting these records). Ned -----Original Message----- From: phoebetria AT aol.com To: va-bird AT listserve.com Sent: Tue, Jun 30, 2009 7:35 am Subject: [Va-bird] Vagrancy of Violet-crowned Hummingbird The Craig County Violet-crowned Hummingbird is surely a stunning record, on par with the Brown Booby (nearly!) at Claytor Lake for its lack of precedent regionally and even continentally. Violet-crowned Hummingbird does have some history of straying from Mexico/Arizona/New Mexico to California (about six records, as far north as Humboldt County!) and to Texas (16 records, nine of these since spring 2007).? Mark Lockwood tells me that there is "an obvious increase in Violet-crowned Hummingbirds in Trans-Pecos, Texas, although this is still a very rare bird.? There have been three vagrants well away from this region: ? ????? 2 Mar 1998????????????????????????????????????? L. Jackson, Brazoria Co. ????? 10-11 May 1999????????????????????????????? Weslaco, Hidalgo Co.? ????? 30 Nov-25 Dec 2007?????????????????????? Lubbock, Lubbock Co." ? To the west, in New Mexico, Sandy Williams writes: "Our experience here in New Mexico is that VCHU tends to wander much less that other 'southwestern' hummers, as there have been very few New Mexico records away from Guadalupe Canyon, Hidalgo County,?since the first record (and first for U.S.)?there in 1957.? One strayed to Water Canyon, Socorro County (central NM) 25 July-5 Aug 1981, one to Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe County (north of Santa Fe, northern NM) 21-26 July 1999, one to Deming, Luna County (southwestern NM) 19 Aug 2002, and one to White Rock, Los Alamos County (northern NM) 6 Aug 2005.??In the winter of 2001-02, singles were at Anthony, Dona Ana County, 3 Nov 2001-25 Feb 2002 and Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, 23-24 Feb 2002 (and another was at nearby El Paso 6 Nov 2001-16 Feb 2002); these are the only winter records for NM and the only ones for Dona Ana County.? Within Hidalgo County, there are only?a very few records from other canyons (other than Guadalupe Canyon)?in the Peloncillo Mts (Clanton Canyon at least once, Skeleton Canyon once, Post Office Canyon twice) and once in the Animas Mts. at Double Adobe., but with no evidence of breeding or even consistent summering?at any of those locales.? The summering population in the NM portion of Guadalupe Canyon is relatively small, but has shown no detectable trend (up or down) in recent decades." ? All of this information suggests that Violet-crowned would be among the least-expected hummingbirds to visit Virginia.? After all, states east of the Mississippi River have records of Anna's, Costa's, Broad-billed, Buff-bellied, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Green Violetear, and Green-breasted Mango.? Many of these have been observed in adjacent states (and one violetear was reported, though not photographed, in Cumberland County, Virginia). As far as I know, we have no eastern U. S. records of Lucifer, Berylline, White-eared, or Xantus's Hummingbirds, or of Plain-capped Starthroat.? Bahama Woodstar is only known from Florida records, and Bumblebee Hummingbird is known only from two Arizona specimens from 1896. In the U.S., Cinnamon Hummingbirds were recorded 1992-1993 in Arizona/New Mexico.? But should we be looking for more hummingbird species of the Southwest - in southwestern Virginia?? Our Virgina record of Magnificent Hummingbird suggests that we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg.? Really an astonishing record. Ned Brinkley Cape Charles, VA An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: DGIF mid-summer Potomac eagle count From: "Harding, Sergio (DGIF)" <Sergio.Harding AT dgif.virginia.gov> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:23:18 -0400 > The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) has been > conducting bald eagle mid-summer counts along the Potomac River since > 2006. The counts cover both shores of the Potomac between the rte 301 > bridge to below Dogue Creek on the Virginia side and to below rte 227 > on the Maryland side. The counts are typically conducted in June and > July by operating a boat parallel to the shoreline. All eagles > detected along the shoreline and in flight are aged by year class and > their locations are mapped. The first of this year's counts yielded a > record number of eagles for this route, with 488 individuals recorded, > of which 288 were adults. In addition to supporting a breeding > population of eagles, the Potomac and other areas of the Chesapeake > Bay play host to migrant birds from southeastern states in the summer > months. For more information on this survey, please contact Jeff > Cooper at jeff.cooper AT dgif.virginia.gov, or see 'Virginia Bald Eagle > Summer Concentration Area Monitoring' in the Virginia Bird Survey > Database at http://www.vabci.org/metadata.asp to read about this and > other DGIF surveys. > > Sergio Harding > Nongame Bird Conservation Biologist > Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries > 4010 West Broad Street > Richmond, VA 23230 > (804)367-0143 > fax (804)367-2427 > _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: late report- Great Horned Owl in Loudoun County From: Stephen Johnson <stevejohnson2 AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:58:56 -0400 Sorry for the late report here. My friend Bob O'Donnell had a Great Horned Owl calling in Brambleton (Loudoun County) Monday night, 29 June. He heard the bird for a long time (15 minutes plus) and the call seemed to be coming from a nearby park - Legacy Park. Bob described the call to me. He's very familiar with the more common "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all" call of the Barred Owl, and this call had all the distinguishing features to make it a Great Horned. - Steve Johnson Fairfax, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Chuck-will's-widow at Union Springs From: "Kevin Shank" <birds AT naturefriendmagazine.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:57:50 -0400 About 9:30, while we were photographing the screech owl in our yard, we heard a chuck-will's-widow very close by. One of our boys said he also heard the CWW last evening. A whip-poor-will was also close-by this evening, competing with the CWW. Anyone wishing to stop by to listen for these birds is welcome to. Kevin Shank Union Springs _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: The 15th Annual Purple Martin Field Day proclaimed a success From: "kingston" <kingston AT cstone.net> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:47:55 -0400 One-hundred and twelve (112) interested and excited birders from Germantown, MD to Scottsburg, VA and from Colonel Beach, VA to Rocky Mount, VA attended the Fifteenth Annual Purple Martin Field Day at the Woods' farm in Louisa county last Saturday. Other guests at the Field Day came from as far away as Georgia and Tennessee, where they hope to found new martin colonies using the knowledge gained at the Field Day in Central Virginia. In his talk Lance Wood covered: * how to establish and increase a colony of Purple Martins; * advantages and disadvantages of different types of martin housing; * how to protect Martins from starlings, House Sparrows, owls, climbing snakes, raccoons, etc.; * adding the recently-developed starling-resistant entrance holes to martin gourds and houses; * how to protect martin housing from windstorms and other hazards; * how to grow and process purple martin nesting gourds; * life history of Purple Martins; etc. Sue Ridd invited all to the "Gone to the Birds" festival (Purple Martin roost), at 17th Street Farmers' Market in Richmond on July 25th http://www.gonetothebirds.org/ . Ron Kingston took questions on bluebirds and Tree Swallows and led a short nestbox trail tour, including occupied nestboxes of bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Wood Ducks, kestrels, Barn Owls, etc. Kathy Laine explained to the crowd the great danger presented by snakes, raccoons, and other climbing predators, and demonstrated an excellent "removable" climbing animal barrier that can be quickly and easily added to, removed from, and adjusted on the pipes that support martin structures. She also explained how that barrier can be purchased from a number of commercial sources. Nanette and Glenn Mickle banded many young Purple Martins, then returned them unharmed to their nesting gourds, and she demonstrated how natural gourds can be developed into excellent martin nesting gourds. All those involved agreed that it was beautiful day and a very successful Purple Martin Field Day. We look forward to seeing each other at next year's Sixteenth Annual Purple Martin Field Day, expected to be held on June 26, 2010. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Ugly babies... From: Barbara Houston <rinksyd AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:47:44 -0400 I stopped by Flowerdew in Prince George this morning on the way to work and was treated to several youngsters. The first was the nest with two baby red winged black birds...so ugly they are cute. There were two in the nest, but one stayed down low while the other was obviously the more dominant and moved around and talked to me. I then moved further down the road and parked for a while. I saw several Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Chickadees, Cardinals, and this other obviously young yellow bird. I am thinking summer tanager, but am not sure. The pics are here: http://public.fotki.com/bhouston/miscellaneous/nature_pics/20090630-flowerdew/ Thanks in advance for your comments. Barbara Houston _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Voice: Greater Washington Area, June 30 From: "Joe Coleman" <joecoleman AT rstarmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:33 -0400 FYI - this report is for sightings from June 23 through June 29 and was compiled by John Bjerke & transcribed by Steve Cordle Joe Coleman Hotline: Voice of the Naturalist Date: 6/30/09 Coverage: MD/DC/VA/DE Telephone: 301-652-1088 option 1 Reports (voice): 301-652-1088 option 2 (email): voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org (deadline): midnight Mondays Compiler: John Bjerke Sponsor: Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States (independent of NAS!) Transcriber: Steve Cordle (scordle AT capaccess.org) Please consider joining ANS, especially if you are a regular user of the Voice (Individual $40; Family $50; Nature Steward $75; Audubon Advocate $150). The membership number is 301-652-9188, option 12; the address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; and the web site is http://www.AudubonNaturalist.org. This is the Voice of the Naturalist, a service of the Audubon Naturalist Society. This report was completed Tuesday, June 30, at 8 a.m. Top birds this week are NEOTROPIC CORMORANT* in MD, ROSEATE SPOONBILL* in DE and MD, and VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD* in VA.. Other birds of interest include BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK*, NORTHERN BOBWHITE, COMMON LOON, WILSON'S STORM-PETREL, herons, WHITE IBIS, MISSISSIPPI KITE, rails, PIPING PLOVER, BONAPARTE'S GULL, GLAUCOUS GULL, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, CERULEAN WARBLER, SUMMER TANAGER, DICKCISSEL, and PINE SISKIN. A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT* continues on the Potomac River in the vicinity of Violette's Lock, Montgomery Co, MD; it has also been seen at Riley's Lock. The most recent report is for June 27. A ROSEATE SPOONBILL* was discovered near the Catch 54 Restaurant off Rt 54 on Fenwick Island, Sussex Co, DE on June 24. The bird was seen throughout the past week. It is often seen in a private yard on Madison Av or in the wetlands behind the Happy Harry's Pharmacy. The bird has been seen twice in MD; once as a flyover and a second time on June 26 in a small bay approximately a half mile south of Rt 54 near the southeast cul de sac of Madison Av. A VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD, perhaps the first east of Texas, has been at feeders at the Huffman House Bed and Breakfast, Craig Co, VA since June 25. The latest report is for June 28; monitors on June 29 did not see the bird. To get to the B&B follow Rt. 460 West from Blacksburg, Virginia towards Pearisburg. Stay on it for approximately 18 miles until you reach Newport. Turn right onto Rt. 42 and follow for 7.1 miles. The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK continues at Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach, Sussex Co, DE. A NORTHERN BOBWHITE, scarce west of the Bay, was found at Milltown Landing, Prince Georges Co, MD on June 27. A COMMON LOON was spotted offshore at South Bethany, Sussex Co, DE. A flock of 23 WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS was seen from north Assateague Island, Worcester Co, MD on June 24. During the weekly walk at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co, VA on June 28, participants had great views of an adult and a juvenile LEAST BITTERN in flight at the boardwalk overlook. Five TRICOLORED HERONS, a LEAST BITTERN, an AMERICAN BITTERN, and two BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were seen along Elliott Island Rd, Dorchester Co, MD on June 27. An immature WHITE IBIS was found at Chincoteague NWR, Accomack Co, VA on June 26. On June 25 three MISSISSIPPI KITES flew over the Kings Park subdivision in Springfield, Fairfax Co. Also in Fairfax Co, single MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen over the intersection of Burke Lake Rd and Rolling Rd on June 23 and over Waynewood on June 25. BLACK RAILS were heard at two stops along Elliott Island Rd on June 23. National Park Service census takers report 43 active PIPING PLOVER nests on Assateague Island. A BONAPARTE's GULL in full breeding plumage was found at Fowler's Beach, Sussex Co, DE. A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Oyster, Northampton Co, VA on June 26. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO sang near Jug Bay, Prince Georges Co, MD on June 29. Two singing CERULEAN WARBLERS were seen at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship , Loudoun Co, VA on June 27. Birders found eight SUMMER TANAGERS on the North Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge, Anne Arundel Co, MD on June 27. There were a heartening number of DICKCISSEL reports this week. Sightings include: one on Abell's Wharf Rd, St Marys Co, MD on June 24; two across from Beauvue Ponds, St Marys Co, MD on June 28; two on Sixes Bridge Rd between Sixes and Grimes Rd, Frederick Co, MD on June 27; up to 6 singing birds at Keyesville and Creamery Rds, Frederick Co, MD on June 27 and 28; one on Harney RD just west of Bullfrog Rd, and two west of Bollinger School Rd, Frederick Co, MD on June 27; two in Old White Marsh Cemetery, Trappe, Talbot Co, MD on June 27; two on Bradley Rd, Caroline Co, MD on June 28; and two at the intersection of Lovers Rd and Rt 318 in Dorchester Co, MD on June 28. A PINE SISKIN ignored the summer and visited a feeder in Howard Co, MD on June 28. Some of this week's reports have been gleaned from the MDOsprey, VA-Bird, and DE-Birds list servers. The Audubon Sanctuary Shop (301-652-3606, http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/default.asp?page=511) is an excellent source for guidebooks and many other nature-related titles. To report bird sightings, e-mail your report to voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org or call 301-652-1088 and select menu option 2. Please post reports before midnight Monday, identify the county as well as state, and include your name and a Tuesday morning contact, either e-mail or phone. Thank you for calling, and GOOD BIRDING._______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Huntley Meadows Hke-Bike: Blue Grosbeaks and other Photos From: uberlarry AT aol.com Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:28:43 -0400 This morning I went to the Hike-Bike side of Huntley Meadows in search of Blue Grosbeaks and Yellow-breasted Chats.? I found one of each in the big meadow on the right sometimes called the Woodcock Meadow.? Other interesting birds included a family of Ovenbirds near the path, Cedar Waxwings and tons of Common Yellowthroats and Indigo Buntings.? The highlight, though, was a fledgling Blue Grosbeak I found in the meadow on the left immediately before the platform at the end of the trail.? As I watched, the noisy baby jumped into the bushes and an adult male Blue Grosbeak came in and fed it.? Of course, it soon started calling for more.? I saw four Blue Grosbeaks in all.? Here are some photos I took today of the birds and other things.? Does anyone know what the tree is that produces the flowers in the last picture?? The flowers are spiky pink and the leaves are fern-like. http://uberlarry.smugmug.com/gallery/8743994_ZHfyP#578464234_XMKnM To see some other non-bird photos I have taken this summer see: http://uberlarry.smugmug.com/gallery/2968729_ogXjH#578437055_bWrvK Comments are welcome. Larry Meade Vienna, VA_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge From: <nasca AT gwffoundation.org> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:32:24 -0400 The word is out on the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory's 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge! I hope many of you will consider forming a team and joining in the fun: This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory (CVWO). To help celebrate this milestone the CVWO would like to extend the invitation to birders to participate in the 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge, set to be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The Kiptopeke Challenge (KC) is a fun and friendly team birding competition, whereby teams compete to identify the greatest number of bird species in a single day. The primary goals of the KC are to raise funds for the CVWO and to raise awareness of fall bird migration on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It is easy to get involved and there are several categories in which to compete. The KC is open to anyone. Participants can form their own team or a single individual can request to be placed with an existing team. Congratulations to last year's 24-Hour category winners, first time KC participant, Janice Frye, and KC veteran, Alan Larner, who paired up at the last minute to form team Augusta Bald Eagles! The CVWO has set a goal for the 15th Annual KC - 15 teams! Please consider forming a team today. It is a great way to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy the birds all while helping to support an organization dedicated to avian research, habitat conservation and public education. For more information, a brochure, or to get involved in the 15th Annual Kiptopeke Challenge, please write to kiptopekechallenge AT gmail.com or visit http://www.cvwo.org/. Paul Nasca Kiptopeke Challenge Coordinator kiptopekechallenge AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: 2009 Piney Grove Trip Report + 15th Annual CVWO Kiptopeke Challenge addendum From: Arun Bose <arun1bose AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:15:08 -0400 ... In case you didn't know the URLs which I neglected to included on previous post. http://www.virginiabirds.net http://ebird.org/content/va/ Arun Bose Richmond _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Warbling Vireos Arlington From: fieldsandschreck AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:27:56 +0000 (UTC) We had 3 Warbling Vireos in the sycamores at the Roosevelt Island parking lot this morning. Linda Fields and Alan Schreck Arlington _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: STATUS OF VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD 6/30/09 From: Wendy Ealding <wealding AT aol.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:17:22 -0400 I checked back at the site early this morning since I'm still in the area.? I spent about an hour there, no sign of the bird.? Afraid it has gone. Wendy Ealding_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Vagrancy of Violet-crowned Hummingbird From: phoebetria AT aol.com Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:35:53 -0400 The Craig County Violet-crowned Hummingbird is surely a stunning record, on par with the Brown Booby (nearly!) at Claytor Lake for its lack of precedent regionally and even continentally. Violet-crowned Hummingbird does have some history of straying from Mexico/Arizona/New Mexico to California (about six records, as far north as Humboldt County!) and to Texas (16 records, nine of these since spring 2007).? Mark Lockwood tells me that there is "an obvious increase in Violet-crowned Hummingbirds in Trans-Pecos, Texas, although this is still a very rare bird.? There have been three vagrants well away from this region: ? ????? 2 Mar 1998????????????????????????????????????? L. Jackson, Brazoria Co. ????? 10-11 May 1999????????????????????????????? Weslaco, Hidalgo Co.? ????? 30 Nov-25 Dec 2007?????????????????????? Lubbock, Lubbock Co." ? To the west, in New Mexico, Sandy Williams writes: "Our experience here in New Mexico is that VCHU tends to wander much less that other 'southwestern' hummers, as there have been very few New Mexico records away from Guadalupe Canyon, Hidalgo County,?since the first record (and first for U.S.)?there in 1957.? One strayed to Water Canyon, Socorro County (central NM) 25 July-5 Aug 1981, one to Arroyo Seco, Santa Fe County (north of Santa Fe, northern NM) 21-26 July 1999, one to Deming, Luna County (southwestern NM) 19 Aug 2002, and one to White Rock, Los Alamos County (northern NM) 6 Aug 2005.??In the winter of 2001-02, singles were at Anthony, Dona Ana County, 3 Nov 2001-25 Feb 2002 and Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, 23-24 Feb 2002 (and another was at nearby El Paso 6 Nov 2001-16 Feb 2002); these are the only winter records for NM and the only ones for Dona Ana County.? Within Hidalgo County, there are only?a very few records from other canyons (other than Guadalupe Canyon)?in the Peloncillo Mts (Clanton Canyon at least once, Skeleton Canyon once, Post Office Canyon twice) and once in the Animas Mts. at Double Adobe., but with no evidence of breeding or even consistent summering?at any of those locales.? The summering population in the NM portion of Guadalupe Canyon is relatively small, but has shown no detectable trend (up or down) in recent decades." ? All of this information suggests that Violet-crowned would be among the least-expected hummingbirds to visit Virginia.? After all, states east of the Mississippi River have records of Anna's, Costa's, Broad-billed, Buff-bellied, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Green Violetear, and Green-breasted Mango.? Many of these have been observed in adjacent states (and one violetear was reported, though not photographed, in Cumberland County, Virginia). As far as I know, we have no eastern U. S. records of Lucifer, Berylline, White-eared, or Xantus's Hummingbirds, or of Plain-capped Starthroat.? Bahama Woodstar is only known from Florida records, and Bumblebee Hummingbird is known only from two Arizona specimens from 1896. In the U.S., Cinnamon Hummingbirds were recorded 1992-1993 in Arizona/New Mexico.? But should we be looking for more hummingbird species of the Southwest - in southwestern Virginia?? Our Virgina record of Magnificent Hummingbird suggests that we are jus t seeing the tip of the iceberg.? Really an astonishing record. Ned Brinkley Cape Charles, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: 2009 Piney Grove Trip Report + 15th Annual CVWO Kiptopeke Challenge From: Arun Bose <arun1bose AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:55:19 -0400 Hello All, Will McPhail's trip report for the VSO 2009 Piney Grove field trip can be found on the VSO website . Also details of the VSO Chincoteague Field Trip (September 11­13, 2009) are available. On VA eBird , details of the 15th Annual CVWO Kiptopeke Challenge on September 26, 2009 are available. Good Birding, Arun Bose Richmond _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: NVBC Summer Highland Co. Weekend, June 5-7 (Very Late Report) From: VBKitchens AT aol.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:59:31 EDT _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Warbling Vireo at Roaches Run, Arlington Co., June 28 From: VBKitchens AT aol.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:59:33 EDT _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk From: harry.glasgow AT yahoo.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:43:52 -0700 (PDT) The highlights on today's Huntley Meadows Monday Morning Birdwalk included a Yellow Warbler, 2 Ovenbirds, a succesful fishing trip by an Osprey, and a possible Hermit Thrush  There were 13 birders this morning and they experienced beautiful weather and a Park that was full of life - plants, birds, insects, and mammals.   Canada Goose     8 Wood Duck     2 American Black Duck     9 Mallard     10 Great Blue Heron     4 Great Egret     6 Green Heron     9 Osprey     1 Red-shouldered Hawk     2 Killdeer     1 Mourning Dove     3 Yellow-billed Cuckoo     3 Chimney Swift     4 Ruby-throated Hummingbird     2 Red-bellied Woodpecker     4 Downy Woodpecker     1 Hairy Woodpecker     1 Eastern Wood-Pewee     2 Acadian Flycatcher     4 Eastern Phoebe     20 White-eyed Vireo     3 Red-eyed Vireo     2 Blue Jay     4 Tree Swallow     3 Barn Swallow     7 Carolina Chickadee     11 Tufted Titmouse     9 White-breasted Nuthatch     2 Carolina Wren     11 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher     1 American Robin     60 Gray Catbird     7 Northern Mockingbird     1 Cedar Waxwing     1 Yellow Warbler     1 Ovenbird     2 Common Yellowthroat     4 Northern Cardinal     5 Indigo Bunting     3 Red-winged Blackbird     24 Common Grackle     6 House Finch     2 American Goldfinch     5   The Monday Morning birdwalk has been a weekly event at Huntley Meadows since 1985.  It takes place every week, rain or shine, at 7 AM, is free of charge, requires no reservation, and is open to all.  Birders meet in the parking lot at the Park's entrance at 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA..  For questions call the Park during normal business hours at (703) 768-2525.   Harry Glasgow Friends of Huntley Meadows Park     _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: NO VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD 6/29/09 From: Wendy Ealding <wealding AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:12:25 -0400 Despite continuous coverage from before 7 AM to at least 5 PM, the VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD in Craig County has not been seen today, 6/29/09.? The last sighting was 8 PM on Sunday 6/28/09. Wendy Ealding_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Eastern Shore Saturday 6/27/09 From: "Glenn" <gjkoppel AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:40:34 -0400 Following are our list for Saturday 6/27/09 on the Eastern Shore: Highlights were 2 Common Loons, Black-necked Stilts, Wilson's Phalarope at Chincoteague, 1 Peregrine Falcon on the road to Saxis, Red-breasted Merganser on the Chincoteague Causeway, and both Seaside and Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrows in Saxis along Hammocks Road. Chincoteague NWR Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe Brown Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tri-colored Heron Cattle Egret Green Heron Glossy Ibis Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Bobwhite Killdeer American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt Greater Yellowlegs Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Phalarope Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Gull-billed Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Least Tern Black Skimmer Mourning Dove Northern Flicker Eastern Wood Peewe Eastern Kingbird Blue Jay Fish Crow Purple Martin Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Carolina Wren House Wren American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Pine Warbler Common Yellowthroat Northern Cardinal Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Boat-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Chincoteague Town and Causeway Double-crested Cormorant Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tri-colored Heron Glossy Ibis Red-breasted Merganser American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt Willet Laughing Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Gull-billed Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Black Skimmer Rock Pigeon American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Boat-tailed Grackle House Finch House Sparrow Roads around: Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Peregrine Falcon Northern Bobwhite Mourning Dove European Starling Grasshopper Sparrow Indigo Bunting Eastern Meadowlark Common Grackle Saxis Marsh and Area: Double-crested Cormorant Great Egret Snowy Egret Turkey Vulture Osprey Clapper Rail Laughing Gull Least Tern Mourning Dove Great-crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Crow Fish Crow Purple Martin Barn Swallow Marsh Wren Gray Catbird European Starling Pine Warbler Ovenbird Common Yellowthroat Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrow Seaside Sparrow Eastern Meadowlark Boat-tailed Grackle Glenn Koppel and Mary Alice Koeneke gjkoppel AT cox.net Centreville, VA 20120-2901 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Eastern Shore Friday 6/26 From: "Glenn" <gjkoppel AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:18:10 -0400 Following is our lists for 6/26/09 on the Eastern Shore. Highlights were the Glaucous Gull in Oyster, immature White Ibis, Gull-billed Terns, 11 Black-necked Stilts, Northern Bobwhite at Chincoteague NWR, and 2 Eurasian Collared Doves on Magotha Road. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Brown Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Osprey Laughing Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Caspian Tern Royal Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Rock Pigeon European Starling Boat-tailed Grackle Eastern Shore NWR Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Black Vulture Turkey Vulture American Black Duck Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Bobwhite Laughing Gull Forster's Tern Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo American Crow Fish Crow Carolina Wren American Robin Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher European Staring Pine Warbler Common Yellowthroat Yellow-breasted Chat Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Common Grackle Boat-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Orchard Oriole Roads to include Seaside and Magotha, Oyster area and Chincoteague Town: Great Egret Tricolored Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Black Vulture Canada Goose Wild Turkey Killdeer Laughing Gull Herring Gull Glaucous Gull (1 in Oyster) Great Black-backed Gull Forster's Tern Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Eurasian Collared Dove Chimney Swift Eastern Kingbird Red-eyed Vireo Horned Lark Purple Martin Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Tufted Titmouse Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Pine Warbler Chipping Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird American Goldfinch Willis Wharf Double-crested Cormorant Snowy Egret Willet Laughing Gull Herring Gull Common Yellowthroat Boat-tailed Grackle Chincoteague Causeway Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tri-colored Heron Glossy Ibis Clapper Rail American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt Willet Laughing Gull Herring Gull Gull-billed Tern Forster's Tern Black Skimmer Rock Pigeon Boat-tailed Grackle House Sparrow Chincoteague NWR Brown Pelican Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron Tri-colored Heron Cattle Egret Green Heron Glossy Ibis White Ibis Canada Goose Gadwall American Black Duck Mallard Osprey Northern Bobwhite Clapper Rail American Oystercatcher Black-necked Stilt Greater Yellowlegs Willet Short-billed Dowitcher Laughing Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Gull-billed Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Least Tern Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Chuck will's Widow Ruby-throated Hummingbird Northern Flicker Great-crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue Jay American Crow Purple Martin Tree Swallow Brown-headed Nuthatch House Wren American Robin European Starling Yellow-breasted Chat Eastern Towhee Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Orchard Oriole Glenn Koppel and Mary Alice Koeneke gjkoppel AT cox.net Centreville, VA 20120-2901 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Cntr. for Cons. Bio tracks Eagle chick by satellite From: "Mike Wilson" <mdwils AT wm.edu> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:56:31 -0400 On 20 May, 2009 Libby Mojica and Bryan Watts of the Center for Conservation Biology deployed a satellite transmitter on a bald eagle chick named Azalea at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The female eagle is one of a three-chick brood that has been watched by web-cam viewers around the world during the 2009 breeding season. The transmitter is a 70 gram, solar-powered, satellite-GPS hybrid that is programmed to record locations hourly during the day and another location at midnight to record roosting location. The unit stores locations in an onboard database and then transmits the database via satellite to CCB. Azalea fledged on 13 June and has been exploring the local area. You can follow her movements on the CCB website (www.ccb-wm.org) with an accompanying blog prepared by raptor enthusiast and CCB research associate Reese Lukei. Azalea is part of one of the largest eagle tracking projects in the world designed to record movements throughout the Chesapeake Bay and beyond in an effort to understand how eagles use the landscape and how they relate to humans. Over the past 2 years, CCB has deployed transmitters on 67 eagles including 3 golden eagles. Units have been deployed on birds from a number of age classes including nearly 20 nestlings. To date, transmitters have recorded more than 300,000 GPS locations and are beginning to reveal patterns of movement within the Bay, as well as, in and out of the Bay. Incredibly, nestlings from the Bay have traveled as far north as Maine, New Brunswick, and Labrador. Night locations have been used to delineate more than 200 communal roosts within the Chesapeake Bay and have supported previous CCB research that has identified concentration areas for non-breeding eagles. In the long term, information gained from these birds will help us to better manage the species throughout eastern North America. Tracking maps for all of these eagles may be accessed on the Center website and on www.wildlifetracking.org . Mike Wilson Center for Conservation Biology College of William & Mary / Virginia Commonwealth University PO Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 phone: 757-221-1649 fax: 757-221-1650 email:mdwils AT wm.edu www.ccb-wm.org _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Campsites or overnite for viewing pembroke, Violet-crowned Hummingbird From: Ntrlst1 AT aol.com Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:43:52 EDT I am planning to go see and photograph the Violet-crowned Hummingbird in Pembroke, VA. July 4th and 5th Unfortunately, every place seems booked-up. I was hoping to go on the cheap and tent-up overnite somewhere in the area, but would gladly entertain other options. Note: I live in Arlington, VA near D.C. Help! I need this one for my life list. Will beg, borrow or steal for info. Naturalist-at-large, Stuart Kent Merrell **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823281x1201398699/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd= JunestepsfooterNO62)_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Violet-crowned Hummingbird Images From: "Brenda Tekin" <bt8x AT virginia.edu> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:23:24 -0400 Report for Sunday, June 28, 2009 I arrived by 10 a.m. to find quite a few folks already in place with scopes and binoculars. The Violet-crowned Hummingbird visited the feeder at right side of the porch on a regular basis, ranging between 10-15-20-25 minutes. By early afternoon it became more territorial by chasing off Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and briefly perching on exposed snags in the Norway Maple to right of the house. A few images taken can be found at: http://www.birdsofvirginia.com/GalleryPages/VioletCrownedHummingbird_Gallery .html Brenda Tekin Stuarts Draft, VA BlueMountainEmail _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: On the Loudoun County Atlas Road From: "Kurt Gaskill" <KurtCapt87 AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:17:38 -0400 VA-BIRDers, No, no rare birds like spoonbills or west Texas hummers in this note. Just some local birding in support of the Loudoun County Bird Atlas that I mentioned last week. The sightings are pretty much typical although one has to sometimes dig out a few nice gems hidden in the scree. This past Saturday I was pleased to find a Red-headed Woodpecker feeding young, not something you can easily target in a new location. I arrived at my first stop a bit before 7 am - it was outside of Aldie on Rt 50. The thing was, I passed this housing development entrance road (Round Up) and noted lots of Red Cedar and bushes, habitat that usually holds Prairie Warbler in these parts - and a species that had been hard to come by in the blocks I have been surveying. So, I turned around and went in, hearing a Prairie immediately, plus Field Sparrows, Brown Thrashers, and Eastern Towhees. The area had been cleared for houses but construction had greatly slowed and only a few houses were present - maybe 75% was vacant lots. A quick visit down the dead-end court revealed another Prairie plus a White-eyed Vireo (also not common), then out I went. I try to note the birds for each location so on a return trip I have a good chance of moving possible breeders up to probable or confirmed breeder categories. Anyway, on the way out this Field Sparrow is singing near the top of cedar and down in the grass is another foraging. The behavior said "breeding pair" and so I pulled over and watched for a few minutes. Sure enough, the non-singer (probably female) found a few morsels and pulled up on a low branch, calling out a string of "thip" notes (the Field Sparrow chip note). Within a minute, the youngster arrived and took the meal, thus confirming the species as a breeder. My next stop was Aldie Dam Road, a very good location for a variety of species due to the intersection of various habitat types, such as forest, a bit of field, wetland, and a stream. I wanted to move Acadian Flycatcher up to probable and sure enough the one near the dam sang a few times. I was going down the road to look for Red-eyed Vireo, as a pair was foraging down there 2 weeks earlier - you know, the standard characteristic of a male singing and the female 20 feet away foraging through the canopy. But, I never got to that spot as another Red-eyed started singing and then close by were the voices of 2 or more young Red-eyes making the short "zhee" calls, thus confirming that species! I continued down the road hoping to nail down an Orchard Oriole, but the singing male let out no sign of his mate or nest. The local Eastern Kingbirds were about, one grabbing a food item and then heading back to the Sycamore Tree to feed a nestling. (It's curious that Sycamores are so popular with nesting Eastern Kingbirds and orioles.) Other than a few stops to upgrade the local Indigo Bunting and others, no other payoffs for this location, so I returned to Rt 50 and continued west. I stopped at the road into the sewage treatment plant (scouted on a previous visit) on the east side of Middleburg, I was hoping to add a new breeder and lucked out on a juvie Song Sparrow being fed by one parent as another sang nearby. Success in-hand, I continued westward. The main portion of my day was devoted to the Willisville area - aka Bluemont 5 as the block is known. Dave Boltz and I spent several hours there last week. I had kept good notes on the birds found on the various roads, which allowed me to target species for upgrades. This worked out quite well as I drove down Rt 743. I quickly upgraded chickadee and pewee and found Tufted Titmouse with fledged young in tow - lots of begging by this one! As I continued west I managed to nail down a fledged House Wren in a previously noted yard and afterwards spotted a Gray Catbird carrying food. Moving onto Rt 719 (a great birding road) I quickly upgraded Acadian Flycatcher and Wood Thrush. And I was fortunate in noting a Eastern Wood Pewee foraging along the road. Slowing down, the bird flew up and greeted another pewee - clearly the mate given the behavior clue. As usual, whenever I find a pair I wait a bit to see if they lead me to a nest. This worked out well as one of the adults sallied out once, twice and then a third time - the charm! It flew up to a limb over the road and there was the nest with 3 little heads straining upward for the morsel. Very nice! Further down the road I came to an interesting area with a seasonal stream and a big Sycamore. Last week, an Eastern Kingbird gave away its nest site here. It was a variation of same strategy - you see two kingbirds tolerate each other (even cooperate!) - then a vulture flies over and they go up to persuade the intruder to leave. So I watch the obvious pair more and, sure enough, one of the kingbirds goes to the nest. Nice! This week, it looks like the nestlings are big or fledged as no one is on the nest (yet, a kingbird is on guard nearby). But my goal is the Orchard Oriole. The male sings. I watch. It takes nearly 10 min, but then the female arrives and goes to the nest site, food hanging from her bill as the high pitched calls are uttered by the young in nest. In general, the approach above defined my survey pattern. Visit the known locations and try to upgrade. I varied this strategy on one stretch of road 743 west of Willisville. Last week Dave and I thought the snags here looked good for Red-headed Woodpecker but when we visited - twice - we were met by passing deluges which dampened our interest. This time, blue skies and puffy clouds were no deterrent. Stopping, I soon spot a Red-headed. it starts near tall snags and then goes to a single tree in the middle of nearby small meadow. Soon, it is met by another Red-headed - they greet each other and are clearly a pair. So, I watch for a while. I see both sally out and flycatch. Amazing! Sometimes, the sally ends in the grass, so I am guessing the prey items are flying grasshopper-like bugs. The woodpecker flies up to the central snag and pounds into the bug, eats it. This continues for a bit and then one sally ends with a return that veers to the left - the bird appeared to go into a bush. Hmmmm... It returns to the central tree. The performance continues and then, soon, another veer to the left, only this time I see it flies behind the bush and to the top of some nearby snags - where I first spotted one of the birds. The woodpecker puts its head and half a body into a hole, then out it flies - back to the central snag. Within 5 minutes this repeats - which means a nest cavity with young! I end the trip at the large pond on Piney Swamp Rd, Rt 737. I note the Ring-necked Duck is still here with the 20+ Canada Geese. He is starting to molt. Nearby are two groups of Wood Duck, one has an adult female and 4 young, the other an adult female with 7 young. The young are about half-grown, maybe 4-6 weeks old, still too young for long flights. I know there is a Wood Duck box near the pond and so I surmise it did its job. Yielding up another breeding confirmation. Kurt Gaskill _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Dyke Marsh Field Trip, Frfx Co, 28 June 09 From: "Kurt Gaskill" <KurtCapt87 AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:18:32 -0400 VA BIRDers, A few people showed up for the regular Sunday morning Field Trip to Dyke Marsh, sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh and free to all visitors. Highlight was an outstanding Least Bittern show at the boardwalk overlook at the end of the trail. Both adult and recently fledged juvenile were noted with multiple flights to and from the island that lies between the overlook and the marina. Indications were that another juvie was still in the cattails. (Note: Larry Cartwright tells me that there are many Least Bitterns in the marsh, so canoe/kayak trips would be timely.) We started the morning at the picnic area which was a bit slow going, save for a fine formation of Caspian Terns foraging over the river (and many carp under them!). A few more were on the mudflats - about 7 in all which seems like a good number this early into the fall migratory season. An Indigo Bunting sang frequently from the stand of trees between the picnic area and Ramp Rd plus 3 Great Crested Flycatchers interacting; we strongly suspect one was a fledged bird. We viewed the easily observed Osprey nest near the boat ramp - the 3 young birds were quite big and no longer needed ma or pa to "cut up" the fish for them as they tore through it themselves. I would think 1-2 more weeks before fledging will start! Nearby, an Eastern Kingbird covered up her brood in a sycamore tree. Along Ramp Rd we spotted a recently fledged Northern Flicker. The walk down Haul Rd produced only heard orioles and many No. Cardinals - clearly the latter were engaged in much feeding along the trail. Along the dog leg we found a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher STILL on nest - 3 young poked up for feedings. Nearby was a recently fledged Red-winged Blackbird. Before the overlook we caught a brief glance of a Yellow Warbler. At least 5 Common Yellowthroats were singing in the area, an excellent number for Dyke! In the sailing lagoon we caught site of the Greater Scaup reported on and off for several weeks. And, out on the river, a Lesser Scaup was noted. Both scaup were males. We were entranced by the Least Bittern show. And the same cattails had at least 2 Marsh Wren singing. Today's list of 49 species is reproduced below. Kurt Gaskill Canada Goose 200 Mallard 15 Greater Scaup 1 Lesser Scaup 1 DC Cormorant 6 Least Bittern 2, FL Great Blue Heron 22, maybe one juvie mixed in Great Egret 8 Osprey 20, 7 nests easily observed Killdeer 1 Ring-billed Gull 20 Caspian Tern 7 Forster's Tern 1, first year bird Rock Pigeon 3 Mourning Dove 3 Chimney Swift 3 Red-bellied WP 2 Down WP 2 No. Flicker 2, FL E. Kingbird 5, ON Warbling Vireo 3, P Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 1 Fish Crow 8, incl at least one juvie, prob. from the picnic area nest Purple Martin 1 No. Rough-winged Sw 2 Barn Sw 10 C. Chickadee 4 T. Titmouse 6 C. Wren 6 M. Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7, ON + 3 in-nest Am. Robin 5, FL Gray Catbird 3, P No. Mocker 1 E. Starling 12, FL Yellow 1 Common Yellowthroat 5 No. Cardinal 16 Indigo Bunting 2 Red-winged BB 15, FL Common Grackle 10, FL Baltimore O 1 Orchard O 2 House Finch 5, FL Am. Goldfinch 5 House Sparrow 7 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Interesting Eastern Shore sightings From: "Glenn" <gjkoppel AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:50:19 -0400 We spent the weekend on the Eastern Shore and had several interesting observations. On Friday 6/26: A Glaucous Gull was seen again in the Oyster Harbor at Waterman's Park. Plumage looks very worn as if the bird has not molted. (photos available) At Chincoteague NWR, 11 Black-necked Stilts were found, also 1 immature White Ibis. On Saturday 6/27: At Chincoteague NWR: 2 Common Loons 1 Wilson's Phalarope (breeding plumaged female) 1 Egret which appears to be the same as the "Mystery" Egret from last June. The bird is similar in size to a Great Egret but with a black bill. (pictures available). Found what I found in the achieves, this was thought to be an African sub-species, has any more information come to light? On the road to Saxis, 1 Peregrine Falcon At Saxis Marsh on Hammocks Road: Many Seaside Sparrows At least 2 Saltmarsh sharptailed Sparrows Full lists will follow. Glenn Koppel and Mary Alice Koeneke gjkoppel AT cox.net Centreville, VA 20120-2901 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Great Falls National Park [VA] on 6/28/09 From: MNR2 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:59:29 EDT Our group of ten identified 48 species. Highlights of the day included a great egret above the falls, black-crowned night heron, great blue heron with a good sized catfish, Louisiana waterthrush feeding young and an orchard oriole taking on a red-shouldered hawk. This Sunday walk meets in the visitor's center courtyard at 8:00am. All are welcome. -- Marshall Rawson, McLean VA Canada Goose 17 Mallard 30 Common Merganser 3 Double-crested Cormorant 3 Great Blue Heron 40 Great Egret 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Black Vulture 1 Turkey Vulture 5 Bald Eagle 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Mourning Dove 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2 Chimney Swift 7 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 4 Acadian Flycatcher 3 Great Crested Flycatcher 3 Eastern Kingbird 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 5 Blue Jay 10 American Crow 8 Tree Swallow 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 10 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 6 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Parula 3 Louisiana Waterthrush 2 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 7 Indigo Bunting 2 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Grackle 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Orchard Oriole 1 American Goldfinch 6 **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000006)_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Violet crowned hummer in place From: Shirley Devan <sedevan52 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:08:11 -0400 Bird has been observed several times between ~ 6:30 & 8:30 this am. Bill Williams, Fred Blystone and I observed it 10 minutes after arriving -- 7:41. Shirley Devan Williamsburg, VA 757-813-1322 Sent from my iPhone 3G S _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD - continues 6-28-09 From: "Jack Esworthy" <jesworth AT umw.edu> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:05:41 -0400 I was at the Huffman House B&B this morning from about 6am -8am and the bird was seen at both feeders on the front porch. By 8am around 20 birders were already there, and the hummers were getting quite active. Jack Esworthy Roanoke, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Purple Martins, Chantilly (Fairfax Co.); Jun 27 From: Scott Baron <brnpelican AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:12:13 -0700 (PDT) A flock of at least 21 PURPLE MARTINS swirled over a strip mall near Rte. 50 and Walney Rd. after sunset. At least one was still flying at almost 9pm. I wonder where the colony is from, this location being on the edge of suburbia? I posted about a flock of Martins in this area in the early evening a couple of summers ago. A flock of 40 COM. GRACKLES moved through at the same time, heading to roost somewhere. Scott Baron Fairfax, Va. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Violet - crowned Hummingbird, Craig Co. 6-27-09 From: mikelpurdy AT aol.com Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:20:23 -0400 All, I was at the Huffman House?B&B this evening (Sat.)?from 7pm - 8:30pm. I was able to observe the Violet-crowned only twice during that time. I?located five feeders and I had positioned myself in the driveway?where I could watch 3 of the feeders at one time. I hadn't read Mike's post with Jerry's directions before I left home, so I didn't know to watch the feeder on the right side of the porch - nor did I see the owners or any of the guests the whole time I was there.(no one answered the door?)?Besides the two feeders on the front?porch, there's one on?a metal pole in the herb garden?at the end of the driveway, another one?behind the house( this feeder?gets the most attention from the dozens of Ruby-throats), and a fifth behind the garage. Be prepared for the welcoming committee consisting of two domestic?gobbler turkeys and a very friendly gray tabby cat. I will just add a little to Jerry's excellent directions, just before you get to Huffman Store Rd. you will pass a red barn on the right. I did not see a sign advertising the B&B, which is a large white farm house (circa 1835)?that sits a little ways back from the road. Mike Purdy Roanoke, Va. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Fwd: Aviatlas Sightings Record From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts <scottjr AT ls.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:10:30 -0400 I live near the NC and VA state line in Grayson County, Va. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Aviatlas Date: Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 6:06 PM Subject: Aviatlas Sightings Record To: Scott Jackson-Ricketts June 25, 2009 Bridle Creek/Gold Hill US · Virginia Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill Notes: This was, as you can see, from two days ago. Most of these birds were heard or seen before 8am, when I left my place to return at 4pm. The owl was heard around 10pm. Today I heard both the oven bird, northern parula and a hooded warbler, all later in the day at which time I was absent on Thursday. 27 Species Reported: Wild Turkey Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Carolina Wren Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush American Robin Carolina Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch Blue Jay American Crow Red-eyed Vireo House Finch American Goldfinch Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Field Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Common Grackle This sightings record was recorded at: www.aviatlas.com Subject: Fwd: Aviatlas Sightings Record From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts <scottjr AT ls.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:10:30 -0400 I live near the NC and VA state line in Grayson County, Va. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Aviatlas Date: Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 6:06 PM Subject: Aviatlas Sightings Record To: Scott Jackson-Ricketts June 25, 2009 Bridle Creek/Gold Hill US · Virginia Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill Notes: This was, as you can see, from two days ago. Most of these birds were heard or seen before 8am, when I left my place to return at 4pm. The owl was heard around 10pm. Today I heard both the oven bird, northern parula and a hooded warbler, all later in the day at which time I was absent on Thursday. 27 Species Reported: Wild Turkey Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Carolina Wren Eastern Bluebird Wood Thrush American Robin Carolina Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch Blue Jay American Crow Red-eyed Vireo House Finch American Goldfinch Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Field Sparrow Northern Cardinal Indigo Bunting Common Grackle This sightings record was recorded at: www.aviatlas.com _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD-CRAIG CO From: mboater AT att.net Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:53:50 +0000 Just got word on this mega rarity. Haven't seen it posted on VABird yet so I'm posting for Jerry. From: Via, Jerry Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:57 PM Bill Akers and I just visited Huffman House Bed and Breakfast which is owned by Carol and Ron Baker. They noticed on Thursday June 25, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird at their feeder. They forwarded some pictures to us and we spent the morning (Saturday June27th) at their house and observed and photographed the birds on numerous occasions. The bird is an adult in good shape and very comfortable in their yard. It is defending the feeders from the many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Since it is territorial, I feel that it will stay around a while. We think that this is the first occurrence in Virginia and probably the first time east of Texas. The best way to get to the Huffman House is to drive on 460 west of Blacksburg, Turn right on route 42 at the entrance of Newport, VA. There is a super value mart there. From 460 it is 6.8 miles to the site. You will see a sign that says Huffman on the right and the next right turn is Huffman Store Road. Turn in there and park next to the white store. The birds favorite feeder is the one on the porch on the right side (as you face the house) It also frequents the tree in the front yard on that side of the house which has numerous dead twigs which are its favorite perches. Since this is a bed and breakfast, please be considerate of the grounds and the guests. The website for the Huffman House is www.Thehuffmanhousebandb.com Mike Michael R. Boatwright -- Amherst, VA_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: 5 warbler species, Blue Ridge Center birdwalk From: "Mary Ann Good" <magood AT hughes.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:45 -0400 On the monthly birdwalk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in NW Loudoun Co. sponsored by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and led by Joe Coleman, 5 warbler species were found, along with 36 other species. Highlights were 2 singing Cerulean Warblers, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, and several Common Yellowthroats. The Wormie came in to scold us, making us wonder if its nest was nearby. We heard several Wood Thrushes and Scarlet Tanagers, catching glimpses of both, and heard just one Yellow-billed Cuckoo. A Black Vulture emerged from one of the abandoned houses in the old settlement, where it likely has its nest. Following is the complete list. Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird watching us from a telephone wire Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker No. Flicker E. Wood-Pewee Acadian Flycatcher - 4 E. Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher - 3 Red-eyed Vireo - 6 Blue Jay Am. Crow Tree Swallow Car. Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren House Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 4 E. Bluebird Wood Thrush - 6 Am. Robin Eur. Starling Cedar Waxwing - 5 Cerulean Warbler - 2 Worm-eating Warbler - 1 Ovenbird - 1 Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 3 Scarlet Tanager - 3 Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow No. Cardinal Indigo Bunting Com. Grackle Am. Goldfinch _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Kerr Reservoir/Staunton View Park 6/27 From: Adam D'Onofrio <bigadfromlb AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:37:47 +0000 (UTC) Tina Trice and I checked a few spots around Kerr Reservoir this morning and then stopped at Staunton View Park. Both are in Mecklenburg County. We had a couple of interesting sightings. The first being 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, both males, at Clyde's Pond in the Dick Cross WMA. They appeared to be mostly in eclipse plumage. Guess they're not going anywhere this year but I will check for them again next month. The second interesting sighting was a SPOTTED SANDPIPER working the shoreline at Staunton View Park. Juvenile, breeder or early fall migrant? Wish I knew. The bird didn't stick around long enough to be aged. Other highlights included an adult BALD EAGLE at Dick Cross and 5 swallow species (mostly CLIFF, a few BARN, single NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and TREE and several PURPLE MARTINS) hanging around a bridge on Palmer Point Rd. It's always a good day when you get out birding. Enjoy. Adam D'Onofrio Dinwiddie Co. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: History of Virginia's Natural History From: "David W. Johnston" <fordeboids AT verizon.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:17:15 -0400 The History of Virginia's Natural History will contain a chapter on birds by David W. Johnston and J. James Murray. Focus will be on John Smith, John Clayton, John Banister, Mark Catesby, and Thomas Jefferson. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Mayhorn's warbler From: susan brown <susanbb AT umich.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:23:33 -0400 I don't know much about the hybrids, but Birds of America Online says "Lawrence’s hybrids combine Golden-wing (homozygous recessive) face pattern with Blue-wing-like yellow plumage color. Black throat and eye- patch inherited as a unit with rare exceptions.", and "Backcrossing produces individuals that closely resemble either parental species, with some introgression." So is there an argument against this being a hybrid, other than rarity? Thanks, Susan B. On Jun 26, 2009, at 8:51 AM, va-bird-request AT listserve.com wrote: > Send va-bird mailing list submissions to > va-bird AT listserve.com > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > va-bird-request AT listserve.com > > You can reach the person managing the list at > va-bird-owner AT listserve.com > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of va-bird digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Unusual Blue-winged or Lawrence's Warbler? (Roger Mayhorn) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:20:02 -0400 > From: "Roger Mayhorn" > Subject: [Va-bird] Unusual Blue-winged or Lawrence's Warbler? > To: "Birding Virginia" > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Yesterday this unusual warbler showed up at my yard stream here on > Compton Mt. Except for the facial markings it looks like a Blue- > winged Warbler. Its eye stripe is much too large for a Blue-winged. > It seems to be in molt. I am thinking it is probably just an > unusually marked Blue-winged, but could it possibly be a juvenile, > female Lawrence's Warbler that hasn't gotten all of its markings > yet? Give me your feed back. I'd like to hear some opinions. You can > see photos at http://www.pbase.com/mayhorn/warbler_june_09 The > photos aren't great, but good enough to ID this bird. > > Roger Mayhorn > Compton Mt > Buchanan County > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > va-bird mailing list > va-bird AT listserve.com > http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird > > > End of va-bird Digest, Vol 26, Issue 37 > *************************************** > > _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Unusual Blue-winged or Lawrence's Warbler? From: "Roger Mayhorn" <rmayhorn AT hughes.net> Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:20:02 -0400 Yesterday this unusual warbler showed up at my yard stream here on Compton Mt. Except for the facial markings it looks like a Blue-winged Warbler. Its eye stripe is much too large for a Blue-winged. It seems to be in molt. I am thinking it is probably just an unusually marked Blue-winged, but could it possibly be a juvenile, female Lawrence's Warbler that hasn't gotten all of its markings yet? Give me your feed back. I'd like to hear some opinions. You can see photos at http://www.pbase.com/mayhorn/warbler_june_09 The photos aren't great, but good enough to ID this bird. Roger Mayhorn Compton Mt Buchanan County _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Bald Eagle and baby Red tails Linville VA From: "orv lehman" <coolmtnman AT verizon.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:34:18 -0400 This evening a neighbor alerted me to a Bald Eagle just up the road from my house. First one I"ve seen this close to my house 4 miles north of Harrisonburg. Welcome to H,burg, Rachel Echols, the Rockingham Bird Club meets from Sept to June. The baby Red tails nesting near my house celebrated the solstice by flying from the nest tree to a nearby tree on that day. . I have been following them from when they were little and can still find them every day. Tonight one baby hawk tore off some branches with leaves and stood on the branches. Has anyone seen this behavior or are they just acting like teenagers? The other day one took off and chased a Turkey Vulture for a little. Orv Lehman Linville VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Blue Grosbeak, YB Cuckoo at Ft. Belvoir (Fairfax Co.) From: "david.boltz" <david.boltz AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:40:43 -0400 After an appointment on Ft. Belvoir I did about an hour of birding at Accotink Bay, near the archery range and environs in the heat of the day (3-4 p.m.). There were no fewer than 17 Osprey sighted, probably more. At least 6 Great Blue Herons, with one a juvenile and 4 Great Egrets. The surprise of they day was a male Blue Grosbeak right at the top of the hill (on the right - across from the construction delivery entrance) as leaving the basin area. The bird flew into a tall tree, perched and sang for a while, and then flew acrosss the road where it sang a few more times. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard in that vicinity, also, although it sounded more like it was in the field archery range. 15 Canada Geese were on the bay, with 3 being young gosslings. 1 Orchard Oriole was heard near the bay. Dave Boltz Alexandria/Fairfax Co._______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Web Site for distinguishing Neo Corm. from DC corm. (Violette's Lock) From: Ntrlst1 AT aol.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:51:19 EDT Hi all For those interested in going after the Neotropical Cormorant near Violette's Lock, I stumbled across this site which may help in differentiating this southern bird from the Double-crested cormorant: _http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_1159.pdf_ (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_w7000_1159.pdf) . Apparently, _www.allaboutbirds.org_ (http://www.allaboutbirds.org) does not give very much help here. I will be trying for this bird before dark on Friday. Hope to see you there! Naturalist-at-large, Stuart Kent Merrell **************Shop Popular Dell Laptops now starting at $349! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222031056x1201446063/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.dou bleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215910283%3B38350812%3Ba)_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Mississippi Kite Over Waynewood From: DonandAnnaP AT cs.com Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:44:26 EDT An adult Mississippi kite slowly circled over Waynewood and Collingwood in southeast Fairfax County around 5:30 pm Thursday June 25th. A wonderful sight, only the second I have had here this spring. Don Peterson_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: Historical Explorations into Virginia's Natural History From: John H Dalmas <jtdalmas AT juno.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:13:30 -0400 The Virginia Natural History Society is presenting a symposium entitled: Historical Explorations into Virginia's Natural History on September 26, 2009 in the new Natural History Museum in Martinsville, Va. Clink on "Symposium" in this link to download information and registration form. This symposium will present the contributions of the leading naturalists over the past 400 year history of Virginia in the fields of: Fossils, Marine and Estuarine Invertebrates, Mussels, Spiders, Insects, Marine and Freshwater Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Plants, Mammals, Caves. Plus a presentation on the contributions of Thomas Jefferson to Natural History. Costs: $10 for the symposium only or $25 for the Symposium plus Banquet on Sept. 26. Lunch will be available at the Museum's cafeteria http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/vnhs/ Thelma Dalmas Evington _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Thompson WMA - Fauquier County From: Bathke <jmbathke AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:59:27 -0400 On Tuesday, June 23, we walked the open road of the Trillium Trail at Thompson WMA from the parking lot at midday. We also walked some miles on the AT - beautiful area, lots of folks on the AT. The goal was the Cerulean Warbler - heard a half dozen or more, had great and long looks at a male in a tree top, singing. That was worth the trip! We were as interested in topography as we were in birding that day, so the following list is likely not complete. Mourning Dove Red-bellied Woodpecker Eastern Wood-Pewee Acadian Flycatcher Red-eyed Vireo - multiple Blue Jay Carolina Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren Wood Thrush - many, everywhere American Robin Cerulean Warbler Ovenbird - several Kentucky Warbler Hooded Warbler American Redstart Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee - multiple Northern Cardinal Good Birding, Joyce Bathke Stafford Co/Fredericksburg _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Pileated WP- Warrenton From: Don Maiden <dmaiden55 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:55:13 -0700 (PDT) I had a Pileated Woodpecker couple in my backyard yesterday morning. It was one of the few times I've been able to get a male and female in the same picture. If you would care to see the photo it can be found at http://www.virginiabird.com/gallery/1108736_k4Ppc#573682590_DqJgK Don  _____________________________________________ D.W. Maiden, Nature & Wildlife Photographer www.virginiabird.com _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Voice: Greater Washington Area, June 23 From: "Joe Coleman" <joecoleman AT rstarmail.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:06:45 -0400 FYI - this report is for sightings from June 16 through June 22 and was compiled by Lydia Schindler & transcribed by Steve Cordle Joe Coleman Hotline: Voice of the Naturalist Date: 6/23/09 Coverage: MD/DC/VA/DE Telephone: 301-652-1088 option 1 Reports (voice): 301-652-1088 option 2 (email): voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org (deadline): midnight Mondays Compiler: Lydia Schindler Sponsor: Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States (independent of NAS!) Transcriber: Steve Cordle (scordle AT capaccess.org) Please consider joining ANS, especially if you are a regular user of the Voice (Individual $40; Family $50; Nature Steward $75; Audubon Advocate $150). The membership number is 301-652-9188, option 12; the address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; and the web site is http://www.AudubonNaturalist.org. This is the Voice of the Naturalist, a service of the Audubon Naturalist Society. This report was completed Tuesday, June 23, at 9 a.m. Top birds this week are NEOTROPIC CORMORANT* in MD and ROSEATE SPOONBILL* in VA. Other birds of interest include waterfowl, seabirds, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, LEAST BITTERN, MISSISSIPPI KITE, shorebirds, LESSER BLACK-BACKED and GLAUCOUS GULLS, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, CERULEAN WARBLER, sparrows, DICKCISSEL, and PINE SISKIN. A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT* was discovered June 17 on the Potomac River in the vicinity of Violette's Lock, Montgomery Co, MD; it has been relocated daily through June 21. The most reliable viewing appears to be in the evening, when the bird roosts (along with many Double-crested Cormorants) on a small island about 1 mile downstream from Violette's. The ROSEATE SPOONBILL* found June 15 south of Waynesboro, Augusta Co, VA, continued through the evening of June 19, but it has not been seen since; the flooded corn field where it had been foraging (and where birders' cars lined up facing the field "almost as if we were at a drive-in movie") has been drying up. Reports of a male RING-NECKED DUCK came from Sky Meadows SP, Fauquier Co, VA, on June 20--and also from a large pond in Loudoun Co, VA, about 6 miles NE of Sky Meadows that same day. On June 21 a juvenile RING-NECKED DUCK was observed in the Potomac River from Great Falls NP, Fairfax Co, VA. A COMMON MERGANSER and nine ducklings were seen near Violette's Lock June 18. On June 17 in Worcester Co, MD, waters off the ORV zone at Assateague Island hosted CORY'S and GREATER SHEARWATERS, WILSON'S STORM-PETREL, and NORTHERN GANNET. Similar seabirds were seen that day from the Ocean City Inlet. On June 16, an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was observed at Poplar Island, Talbot Co, MD, and on June 17 one was found at Blackwater NWR, Dorchester Co, MD (along Key Wallace Dr "near open water by the maintenance yard"). More surprisingly, at midday on June 18 an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was spotted over downtown DC, flying south down 16th St. At 3 that afternoon, an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN flew over the Patuxent Research Refuge 3/4 mile south of Powder Mill Rd in Prince George's Co, MD. An ANHINGA was found June 17 in Southampton City, VA; it perched at a small pond about 7 miles east of the Emporia Municipal Airport, along Rte 615 south of Rte 58. On June 21, 2 ANHINGAS, apparently fledglings, were seen at the Harwood Mills Reservoir, Oriana Rd, York Co, VA. During the weekly walk at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co, on June 21, "one lucky participant" got to see a LEAST BITTERN in flight. A LEAST BITTERN was seen June 17 at Blackwater NWR. On June 19 an adult MISSISSIPPI KITE flew over the Kings Park subdivision in Springfield, Fairfax Co. On June 17 a MISSISSIPPI KITE was again found in Greensville Co, VA; it perched near the Three Creeks WWTP, at the north end of Rte 616 and east of Rte 301. On June 17, Skimmer's Island in Ocean City held a dozen RED KNOTS, plus SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and, appropriately, BLACK SKIMMERS. The Skimmers were still in evidence June 21. On June 21 a GLAUCOUS GULL was at Skimmer Island and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the Ocean City Inlet. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO visited a yard in Waldorf, Charles Co, MD, the morning of June 23. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER seen June 16 at Prince William Forest Park, VA, was a first for the area; it was found along Rte 619 at Johnson's Corner. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was noted June 17 on Bestpitch Ferry Rd, in the vicinity of Blackwater NWR. On June 22, Keysville Rd, Carroll Co, MD, hosted a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER as well as VESPER and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS. On June 21, an adult CERULEAN WARBLER and a fledgling were discovered near Conowingo Dam, Harford Co, MD; the birds were on the west side of the old railroad trail a few hundred yards south of the parking lot. Eight CERULEANS were among 8 species of warblers singing at G Richard Thompson WMA in western Fauquier Co on the evening of June 22. On June 19 at least 6 DICKCISSELS were still singing along Red House Rd/Rte 615 in Campbell Co, VA; one of the birds was found there June 22. [From Rustburg, take Rte 24 east .7 mile to a right turn onto Rte 615; about 1 m past Rte 805, look for a small pond on the left.] In Talbot Co, MD, DICKCISSELS continue to frequent a large field north of White Marsh Cemetery, south of Easton. PINE SISKINS visited a feeder in Ashton, Carroll Co, on June 18 and 19. Some of this week's reports have been gleaned from the MDOsprey, VA-Bird, and DE-Birds list servers. The Audubon Sanctuary Shop (301-652-3606, http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/default.asp?page=511) is an excellent source for guidebooks and many other nature-related titles. To report bird sightings, e-mail your report to voice AT AudubonNaturalist.org or call 301-652-1088 and select menu option 2. Please post reports before midnight Monday, identify the county as well as state, and include your name and a Tuesday morning contact, either e-mail or phone. Thank you for calling, and GOOD BIRDING. *Of interest to the records committee._______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Bird Walk, Blue Ridge Center, Loudoun Co, June 27 From: "Joe Coleman" <joecoleman AT rstarmail.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:03:56 -0400 Please join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on Sat., June 27 for its free monthly bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in the northwestern corner of Loudoun County near Harpers Ferry. Everyone is welcome. The group will meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot which is off of Harper's Ferry Rd, Rte 671 at 8:00 am. The entrance to the BRCES Visitor Center is on the west side of the road about a 1/4 mile north of the Neersville Fire Station and about 5.5 miles north of the intersection of Rte 9 & Rte 671 and about 2 miles south of the intersection of Rte 340 & Rte 671. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW MEETING LOCATION. We hold the walk regardless of the weather unless it is dangerous but don't expect a lot of participants if the weather is lousy. Directions and information on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship can be found at http://www.blueridgecenter.org/directions.html. Information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy can be found at www.loudounwildlife.org. Thanks, Joe Coleman 540-554-2542 or joecoleman AT rstarmail.com_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: OSPREY, SPOTTED SANDPIPER in Powhatan County 6/25/09 From: Wendy Ealding <wealding AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:01:48 -0400 Some interesting observations in our neighborhood in Powhatan County this morning. I saw an OSPREY again - second time this week (previously seen 6/20). This time it was flying away across the lake, pursued by a crow. My husband saw 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS - see below for details, either very late or very early. A female WOOD DUCK was on the lake with 2 juveniles, and a juvenile RED-SHOULDERED HAWK flew down to pick up a prey on a neighborhood lawn. A female ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen feeding among the johnsongrass and sumac on an overgrown vacant lot. This seems an unusual habitat for them to feed but, it's the second time I've observed it recently - also saw it in Greensville County during the VSO foray. Observation date: 6/25/09 Number of species: 38 Canada Goose 21 Wood Duck 3 Mallard 2 Osprey 1 seen flying away across the lake pursued by crow. ID by size, crooked wing shape in flight, solid dark back, white belly. Also seen at this location 6/20 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flew down from trees to take something on a neighborhood lawn Spotted Sandpiper 2 seen by my husband; ID as shorebird with characteristic stiff wingbeats in flight low over the water, brown back Mourning Dove 3 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Red-eyed Vireo 6 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 1 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 Carolina Wren 2 Eastern Bluebird 6 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 2 Northern Mockingbird 3 European Starling 1 Common Yellowthroat 2 Summer Tanager 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Chipping Sparrow 9 Northern Cardinal 3 Indigo Bunting 2 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Orchard Oriole 3 female feeding fairly low in overgrown vacant lot with sumac and johnsongrass; also saw this feeding behavior during the VSO foray in Greensville County House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/VA) Wendy Ealding Powhatan County _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Fwd: Great Horned Owl From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts <scottjr AT ls.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:21:55 -0400 To the rest of you, I live in Grayson County, Va. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 7:20 PM Subject: Great Horned Owl To: blue ridge birders I am pretty sure I have mentioned this before, but the point now is that we have been hosting this beast for nearly two months.  Every night, starting up after last light, from our upstairs bedroom window, we hear the murmuring of the owl.  Throughout the night it continues to make some noise, sometimes reaching a fullness of sound, but usually, low in the key.  This happens until near day break at which time we hear it not until the next night. As the last hoots or whatever are well within early light, I have tried several times, unsuccessfully to locate it by sight.  Needless to say, this is somewhat frustrating.  I am open to speculations regarding whether she/he roosts by our house, or is just a night visitor, utilizing our heavy oaks and hickories for a lookout post. Or, if she/he stays there during the day, which I doubt, would not the jays and crows have alerted us to its location by now?  I mean, we have jays out the wazoo, and they travel all over our yard constantly. Oh, and I am NOT willing to play tapes to either attract its attention or, worse, scare it off.  What I do like is depending on the mumurings to lull me to sleep. One thing for sure...since the advent of this owl, we no longer have flying squirrel problems, which were becoming huge. SJR Subject: Fwd: Great Horned Owl From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts <scottjr AT ls.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:21:55 -0400 To the rest of you, I live in Grayson County, Va. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Scott Jackson-Ricketts Date: Wed, Jun 24, 2009 at 7:20 PM Subject: Great Horned Owl To: blue ridge birders I am pretty sure I have mentioned this before, but the point now is that we have been hosting this beast for nearly two months.  Every night, starting up after last light, from our upstairs bedroom window, we hear the murmuring of the owl.  Throughout the night it continues to make some noise, sometimes reaching a fullness of sound, but usually, low in the key.  This happens until near day break at which time we hear it not until the next night. As the last hoots or whatever are well within early light, I have tried several times, unsuccessfully to locate it by sight.  Needless to say, this is somewhat frustrating.  I am open to speculations regarding whether she/he roosts by our house, or is just a night visitor, utilizing our heavy oaks and hickories for a lookout post. Or, if she/he stays there during the day, which I doubt, would not the jays and crows have alerted us to its location by now?  I mean, we have jays out the wazoo, and they travel all over our yard constantly. Oh, and I am NOT willing to play tapes to either attract its attention or, worse, scare it off.  What I do like is depending on the mumurings to lull me to sleep. One thing for sure...since the advent of this owl, we no longer have flying squirrel problems, which were becoming huge. SJR _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Great Horned Owl From: "Rachel Echols" <rlechols AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:20:58 -0400 Hi Everyone, I haven't been doing much birding lately as we are packing up and getting ready to move this Saturday. But, this afternoon at 5pm I heard some crows making a racket in some large trees not far from my house, so I dug out the binocs to take a look. I found a beautiful Great Horned Owl perched high in the tree, and quite visible with binocs while standing in my driveway. What a great new yard bird for my list, and only three days before our move. It's the first time I've seen an owl from my yard. Also, by way of information, from Saturday on I will be living in Harrisonburg, VA, but will continue to post to VA-bird. Happy Birding, Rachel Echols Chester, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Looking for Will McPhail From: Karen Kearney <birdingva AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:20:00 -0700 (PDT) I apologize for using the listserv: I don't know how else to reach Will McPhail. Will, I told you the wrong campground in Oregon for WH Woodpecker; it's Indian Ford CG. Thanks, everyone for understanding. Karen Kearney Chesapeake _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Got trees? From: "Janice Frye" <jjfdc AT clearwire.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:19:37 -0400 Here's something everyone can do: Help Virginia get some of the $100,000 Odwalla is donating to plant trees in eleven state park systems. Go to http://www.parkvisitor.com/odwalla. Click the "get started" sign and select Virginia at the top right. Every vote means $1 more for trees. The VA DCR is one of 11 systems chosen. This is a very simple voting process and the money is about half gone. I am assuming that DCR is making sure that natives are planted. No doubt the recent weather has been destroying some nest trees..... Jan _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: [va-richmond-general] Purple Martins From: "Janice Frye" <jjfdc AT clearwire.net> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:25:33 -0400 Thanks Jim. Has anyone been able to visit the roost in the past few days? Jan _____ From: va-richmond-general-bounce AT freelists.org [mailto:va-richmond-general-bounce AT freelists.org] On Behalf Of Jim Blowers Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:27 PM To: va-richmond-general AT freelists.org Subject: [va-richmond-general] Purple Martins If you hear purple martins tweeting and twittering and celebrating all night long, it's because their roosting grove has been saved: http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10581654 Jim Blowers _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: PURPLE MARTIN Event in Lousia County From: "kingston" <kingston AT cstone.net> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:11:13 -0400 The Purple Martin Field Day committee invites you to attend the 15th year of this Event There will be banding of some young Purple Martins, early afternoon on Saturday; 27th 15th Annual Purple Martin Field Day Sat. June 27 - 9:30 - Noon http://www.purplemartin.org/meetings/ Woods Farm in Louisa Sat. June 27 - 9:30 - Noon Contact: The Kingstons at 434-293-5173 ____________________________________________________ Topics to be covered include: * how to establish and increase a colony of Purple Martins; * advantages and disadvantages of different types of martin housing; * how to protect Martins from starlings, House Sparrows, owls, climbing snakes, raccoons, etc.; * adding the recently-developed starling-resistant entrance holes to martin gourds and houses; * how to protect martin housing from windstorms and other hazards; * how to grow and process purple martin nesting gourds; * life history of Purple Martins; etc. *optional discussion on Bluebirds and Tree Swallows, and a short nesting box trail tour, including nesting boxes for bluebirds, Tree Swallows, kestrels, Barn Owls, etc. Thirteen Ways Martins are Unique See: http://www.purplemartin.org/update/ThirtWays.html _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Loudoun Co Bird Atlas From: kurtcapt87 AT verizon.net Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:47:35 -0500 (CDT) _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: Mississippi Kite--Fairfax County, Burke Lake Rd From: Rob Hilton <aimophila10 AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:31:22 -0700 (PDT) Hi Mike, Last year Mississippi Kites nested in two locales in New Hampshire.  I think a pair also nested in Connecticut a year ago.  Cheers, Rob Hilton Silver Spring, Md. _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Mississippi Kite--Fairfax County, Burke Lake Rd From: Mike Webster <mzwebby AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:32:07 -0400 This morning while on my commute to work at about 8:45, I spotted a beautiful adult Mississippi Kite over the intersection of Burke Lake Rd and Rolling Rd.in Fairfax County. I knew that Kites had been seen earlier in the spring in that general area, but was thrilled to get a life bird! Is this the furthest north that they are known to be nesting? Mike Webster Falls Church, VA_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: The Wetlands, James River Park System, on a Summer Day From: "ELFNER, Mary" <melfner AT audubon.org> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:03:18 -0400 Hello, Betty Byrne Ware of Richmond and I visited the Wetlands section of the James River Park System yesterday morning to see what we could find. Although nothing unusual popped up, we did have a good variety of species both seen and heard. There was quite a bit of feeding activity with families of Titmice, Carolina Wrens, and Pileateds (got good looks at a female, male and juvenile PIWO). There were plenty of Common Grackles, Fish Crows, and Northern Cardlinals around; and, in appropriate habitats, one or two Acadian Flycatchers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Downy Woodpeckers, Indigo Buntings, and a Common Yellowthroat. And some generalists - Red-shouldered Hawks, Blue Jays and Northern Mockingbirds. We had one House Wren, one White-eyed Vireo, a Hairy Woodpecker, a Rough-winged Swallow (drinking from the river), a Northern Parula and a Yellow-throated Warbler. But by far, my favorite site was from the blind at the duckweed-filled pond of 10 female Wood Ducks, 2 Green Herons, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. There were Green and Cricket frogs calling occasionally, and Painted Turtles sunning on logs with duckweed all over their backs. Two outstanding trees were the Pawpaws with fruits and Box Elder with plenty of paired winged samaras. It was a nice summer morning in a beautiful park system. Mary Elfner Richmond _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Birding on Solitude Rd (Botetourt Co.) From: Allen Boynton <allenboynton AT hughes.net> Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:04:30 -0400 _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Thompson WMA, Fauquier County, 22 June; Rose-breasted Grosbeaks From: BlkVulture AT aol.com Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:56:08 EDT Hola, I spent an hour or so Monday evening at G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management area in northwestern Fauquier County. The only real surprise was two sightings of adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, with one in full throat. This species tends to breed at higher elevations in Virginia, with both of my observations coming below two-thousand feet. The ravens were making quite a racket; I don't know that there was more than a minute when one wasn't calling. I was pleased by the amount of birdsong heard this evening. eBird list below. Cheers, Todd Location: G. Richard Thompson Upper Observation date: 6/22/09 Notes: Loop-hike from the Trillium Trail parking area, between seven-thirty and eight-thirty PM. Number of species: 33 Broad-winged Hawk 2 Two recently-fledged birds sticking close together. No sign of adults. Mourning Dove 1 Barred Owl 1 Singing, and in clear view. Chimney Swift 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 Acadian Flycatcher 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 2 Common Raven 3 Three birds, at least one a molting adult, hanging around the one of the towers just south of the parking area. No obvious clump of sticks on the tower. Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 3 House Wren 1 Wood Thrush 24 Probably the biggest concentration of this species I have encountered anywhere. American Robin 2 Cerulean Warbler 8 Singing their little heads off as the daylight waned. Black-and-white Warbler 2 American Redstart 5 Ovenbird 4 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Kentucky Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 1 Hooded Warbler 4 Scarlet Tanager 6 Eastern Towhee 12 Chipping Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 Two males seen (only one singing) a few hundred yards apart. Would be great to find a nest for this species up there. Indigo Bunting 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) --------------------------------- Todd Michael Day Jeffersonton, Virginia Culpeper County, USA blkvulture AT aol.com --------------------------------- **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823273x1201398689/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62)_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Fledgling anhinga? From: Youkerd AT aol.com Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:57:09 EDT This past Sunday, I was accompanied by Fenton Day as I checked the prothonotary boxes at Harwood Mills Reservoir. For the first time in 2 weeks, the anhinga nest was unoccupied. As we paddled around, we ran across what looked to me to be two smaller looking anhinga with wings that appeared not to be fully developed. These anhinga were further back into the reservoir. I'm guessing that these may be fledgling anhinga. Dave Youker Yorktown, VA **************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221823273x1201398689/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jun eExcfooterNO62)_______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ Subject: Re: Dickcissels-Campbell County From: Wendy Ealding <wealding AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:52:55 -0400 The DICKCISSEL was present again at this location around 10:20 AM this morning (6/22).? Thanks to Mike's good directions, I found the pond and the parking area with ease.? I set up the scope to look at a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW?on one of the hay bales.? While I was doing this I heard "dick-dick-cissel-cissel" and the DICKCISSEL landed in the top of the tallest tree on the south side of 615. species recorded at this location: Red-eyed Vireo???? 1 American Crow???? 1 Grasshopper Sparrow???? 1 Dickcissel???? 1 Red-winged Blackbird???? 1 Eastern Meadowlark???? 1 I also visited a number of sites on the Appomattox Courthouse Loop of the birding trail on my way back - details below: Location:???? Appomattox County Park - PAP02 Red-bellied Woodpecker???? 1 Red-eyed Vireo???? 1 Blue Jay???? 1 Tufted Titmouse???? 1 Carolina Wren???? 1 American Robin???? 4 Northern Mockingbird???? 2 European Starling???? 1 Song Sparrow???? 1 Northern Cardinal???? 1 Indigo Bunting???? 1 Common Grackle???? 1 Location:???? Holliday Lake State Park - PAP04 Wild Turkey???? 1 Great Blue Heron???? 1 Acadian Flycatcher???? 1 Eastern Phoebe???? 1 Yellow-throated Vireo???? 1 Red-eyed Vireo???? 2 American Crow???? 2 Carolina Chickadee???? 1 Tufted Titmouse???? 5 White-breasted Nuthatch???? 1 Carolina Wren???? 2 American Robin???? 2 Northern Mockingbird???? 4 Ovenbird???? 3 Chipping Sparrow???? 4 Indigo Bunting???? 2 Common Grackle???? 2 Location:???? Horsepen Lake WMA - PAP06 Red-eyed Vireo???? 2 American Crow???? 1 Tufted Titmouse???? 1 Prairie Warbler???? 1 Hooded Warbler???? 1 Yellow-breasted Chat???? 1 Northern Cardinal???? 1 Indigo Bunting???? 1 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/VA) Wendy Ealding Powhatan County -----Original Message----- From: mboater AT att.net To: va-bird Sent: Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:17 pm Subject: [Va-bird] Dickcissels-Campbell County This morning (6/19) at around 11:30 AM, my wife Sandra, my daughter Ambi, and I traveled along Red House Rd in Campbell County southeast of Rustburg to see the DICKCISSELS first found by Peggy Lyons on 6/14.? Despite the fact that the?hay in the fields have been baled, we found at least 6 Dickcissels. All of the birds were calling and we saw several perched on the hay bales on the north side of Rt 615 and 1 perched in the top of a tree on the south side of 615. ? To reach this area, take Rt 24 (Village Hwy) east? from Rustburg for about 0.7 miles and then turn right (south) on Rt 615 (Red House Rd). Continue on 615 for about 7 miles and then look for a small pond on the left about 1 mile past the intersection of 615 and Rt 805. There is an area to pull over at the pond. The Dickcissels were in the fields surrounding the pond and also across Rt 615. ? Good Birding, ? Mike ? Michael R. Boatwright -- Amherst, VA _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/ _______________________________________________ va-bird mailing list http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/va-bird Thank you for subscribing to Va-bird, a service of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Please consider joining the VSO. http://www.virginiabirds.net/