Virginia Birds

A quarterly journal of ornithological sightings in the Commonwealth published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology

Volume 2, Number 3 Winter Records December 2005 – 2006

Saving Your Records Page 3 by Dr. David W. Johnston

Winter 2005–2006 Regional Reports Page 4 Editors’ Notes iving in highly urbanized northern Virginia we often read with envy the reports Lfrom other parts of the state where birding habitat is more abundant, but during this season our North Region took the prize at least in the “interesting and coopera- Published by the Virginia tive” category. A Snowy Owl, first reported at Dulles Airport on January 23, 2006 re- Society of Ornithology mained there for most of the reporting period. The bird seemed to take a particular Editors liking to the light poles on the top of a parking deck and could often be found there Alan Schreck dozing in the sun when it wasn’t gliding over the runaway to feed. At the airport Linda Fields parking rate, it was a $4.00 an hour bird and worth every cent. If the snowy provided Editorial Consultants the chance to catch up with many birding acquaintances, the Merlin at the Fairlington Ned Brinkley Todd Day Community Centerwas an opportunity to introduce many new people to the enjoy- ment of birding. The bird, featured on our cover, cruised the local neighborhoods Regional Editors Frederick D. Atwood and returned predictably to a tree in the middle of the community center parking lot, Michael Boatwright where it studiously ignored the scopes and cameras staged below. Lots of local resi- Adam D’Onofrio dents stopped to ask what all the fuss was about, giving us the opportunity to talk Lynda Mayhorn Roger Mayhorn about the bird and why it was significant, while giving them a peak through the John Spahr scope, which almost always resulted in a “wow”. But the best bird of all was our C. Michael Stinson Paula Sullivan “personal” Black-throated Blue Warbler. Our townhouse is surrounded by skyscrap- Bill Williams ers. While we have turned every inch of our 19 by 19 foot patio into bird-friendly Virginia Birds, Winter Records habitat, we were hardly expecting to look out on the last day of December and see a December 2005 – February warbler. But there she was picking up suet from under the feeder. Each day we ex- 2006, Volume 2, Number 3 pected to find that she had moved on but when she was still with us after three Published quarterly weeks and the weather turned ugly we decided to give nature a hand and began pro- General Address: Thelma viding mealworms. She became quite adept at winging in to get her morning and Dalmas, 1230 Viewmont Dr. Evington, VA 24550-2006 evening meal with one of us standing in the doorway keeping the larger birds at bay. She was with us through the reporting period and departed on schedule during Editorial Address: VSO Edi- tors, 1573 21st Ct N, Arling- spring migration. ton, VA 22209. [email protected]. While we were enjoying a particularly special winter, the other Regions had their fair VSO Website: share of interesting birds as well. The immature White Ibis that appeared in a farm www.virginiabirds.net field in Nelson County (Central Region) in November stayed until January. The The views and opinions ex- Mathews CBC (East Region) tallied a Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Birders in the pressed in this journal are Southwest Region had the opportunity to enjoy a Rufous Hummingbird, and briefly those of each contributor and do not represent the views and a Sandhill Crane and Pacific Loon. The Pacific Loon in the South Central Region was opinions of the VSO. more cooperative, remaining from 1 January to 12 February. Richmond’s first Ash- Birds reported in this journal throated Flycatcher likewise stayed around from January 7 through the end of the re- have not necessarily been re- porting period delighting many birders in the Southeast Region. The Coastal Region viewed or accepted by the Vir- ginia Avian Records also reported a Pacific Loon as well as a Clark’s Grebe and an Allen’s Hummingbird. Committee (VARCOM). In- Of interest in the West Region was a new winter high count for Northern Saw-whet clusion in the regional reports Owl. does not imply VARCOM acceptance. Good birding No parts of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written Linda Fields and Alan Schreck consent of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. Cover Photo: The “Fairlington” Merlin entertained many birders and local residents from 16 Jan through the reporting period, and provided an opportunity for many “digiscopers” to im- prove their skills. This photo was taken by Alan Schreck using a Nikon Coolpix 8400 and Swarovski AT80 HD spotting scope.

2 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 SAVING YOUR RECORDS By Dr. David W. Johnston, 5219 Concordia St., Fairfax, VA 22032 n a recent article on Birding with a Purpose (Virginia Birds 2:2, 2005), Bryan Watts emphasized the importance of Ibirders reporting their observations, particularly of species that are widely distributed yet rare, in order to improve the understanding of their distribution changes and promote their conservation in the state. Several examples of long-term record-keeping by Virginia birders come to mind. While a student in southwest Virginia from 1947 to 1952, Stephen Russell kept daily field notes of his hikes to Mt. Rogers and vicinity. These well-preserved observations provide a valuable historical source for comparing early and present-day distribution of species; for example Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Red Crossbill in The Birds of Smyth County and Vicinity...., 1999, Tony Decker). Likewise in the 1920s Charles O. Handley, Sr. and his son kept pocket-sized notebooks crammed with their bird observations in the Mountain Lake region. This data was used to show changes with contemporary distribution for such species as Peregrine Falcon, and Bewick’s Wren in Part of the first panel of the new VSO Field Checklist Mountain Lake and its Bird Life, Virginia Museum of Natural the day, it is easy to forget those details. Observations for each History, 2000, David W. Johnston).. trip can be recorded in many ways—on a computer in a secure Any observer’s reports, even for common species, can play an file, pre-printed field cards (see illustration), 3 x 5 cards, in var- important role in conservation but only if they are kept in an ious kinds of note-books (see illustration). Type or write legibly orderly and permanent fashion. Here are some suggestions for preferably with a permanent ink. preserving your field observations and transcribing them from notes in the field or memoryinto a more permanent record. ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED MEDIUM Date and times It is a good idea to carry some paper or cards or a pocket note- Numbers of individuals of each species book with you on each field trip so that notes (especially num- Any species groupings bers, behavior, habitat) can be made on the spot. At the end of Breeding evidence Ages of individuals Behavior Habitats traversed Distances traveled Field companions Weather conditions (temperatures, winds, precipitation) Sketches or drawings of a bird or its actions Some birders carry cameras and/or tape recorders in the field. Although photographs and tape recordings are doubtless useful and some times essential for identifications, they should not supplant the written records as described above. Your transcribed field notes will help to build a data base when maintained over a long time period, making them useful for re- searchers looking for distribution changes and proposing con- servation measures. You will also get personal satisfaction knowing that your efforts have made a valuable contribution to Virginia ornithology. An example of the Author’s field notes Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 3 Season Reports Due to Regional Editors Summer (Jun–Jul) 15 Aug Fall (Aug–Nov) 15 Dec Winter (Dec–Feb)15 Mar Spring (Mar–May) 15 Jun

A version of this map with larger print is available at our website http://www.virginiabirds.net

Fall Reporting Period Aug – Nov 2005 Loudoun); MNSP (Mason Neck SP, Fair- Green-winged Teal) showed up there North fax); Monticello (Monticello Park, Alex- 14 Jan (RH, et. al). A Great Egret that andria); OBNWR (Occoquan Bay NWR, was first observed 4 Dec (TD) was Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Prince William); Riverbend (Riverbend rediscovered during the Plains/Airlie Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Madison, County Park, Fairfax); Sky Meadows (Sky CBC 18 Dec at a farm pond along Rt. 29 Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Meadows SP, Fauquier ); Smith (Fort CF in New Baltimore, Fauquier (LF, AS). A Shenandoah, Stafford and Warren Smith Park, Arlington); Snickers ( Snickers Black-crowned Night-heron was ob- Counties; and the cities of Alexandria, Gap Hawk Watch, Loudoun/Clarke). served and photographed near Cameron Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Station, Alexandria, Fairfax 24 Dec (CO). Manassas Park, and Winchester. Paula Sullivan will be compiling the North Region report beginning with A Sora was heard and observed at EDITOR — Paula Sullivan, 4300 spring reporting period. The Huntley Meadows, Fairfax 1 Dec (SM, Ivanhoe Place, Alexandria, VA 22304 following highlights from the winter MG). During the Plains/Airlie CBC on [email protected] reporting period were assembled by 18 Dec, a Sandhill Crane was discovered at the North Fork Wetlands, Abbreviations: Accotink (Accotink the editors: Wildlife Refuge, Fairfax); Airlie (Airlie, Fauquier (CT). An ad. California Gull Fauquier); Banshee (Banshee-Reeks Na- WATERFOWL FALCONS was at the Hunting Cr. Mudflats, Fairfax ture Preserve, Loudoun) Belmont (Bel- A Cackling Goose was observed with 11 Dec (RY). The Prince William landfill mont Bay, Fairfax); BRCES, (Blue Ridge several hundred Canada Geese on yielded a first winter Glaucous Gull 10 Center for Environmental Stewardship, Harrison Rd., Fauquier 1 Dec (TD) and Dec (LM, KG, JK), and a Lesser Black- Loudoun; Dulles Wetlands (Dulles Green- five were reported from Burke Lk., backed Gull was found at the mouth of way Wetlands Mitigation Project, Fairfax 16 Dec (CF, LK). Cackling Geese the Occoquan R. the same day (KG, JK). Loudoun); Dyke (Dyke Marsh Wildlife were also observed during the A single Short-eared Owl was noted at Preserve, Fairfax) HCM (Hunting Creek Plains/Airlie CBC 18 Dec at Lk. Brittle aspot ne of Winchester, Frederick where Mudflats, Fairfax); HC (Hunting Creek, and the North Fork Wetlands (TD, et. al). it often appears 10 Dec, and two were City of Alexandria ); Huntley (Huntley New for that CBC was Greater Scaup there 30 Dec (BJL, JL). VON reported a Meadows, Fairfax); Leesylvania (Leesylva- which was present from 4 Dec (TD). Snowy Owl at Dulles Airport 23 Jan. nia SP, Prince William); Long Branch Huntley Meadows held a Greater The bird remained for most of the (Long Branch Nature Center, Fairfax); White-fronted Goose 11 Jan (MS) and a period and was seen by many. In the Lowe’s (Lowe’s Island Golf Club, Common Teal (the Eurasian race of the “most digiscoped” category, a Merlin 4 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 Horned Larks ne of Winchester, Frederick warmer temperatures, with only occa- 11 Dec. sional light snow. There was ample open Observers: Joe Coleman (JCo), Jim water throughout most of the reporting Crane, Pat Crane, Dave Davis, Todd Day, period, affording a good variety and John Drummond, Linda Fields, Mike quantity of waterfowl with record high Friedman, Charlotte Friend, Kurt Gaskill, numbers of several species. No wintering Melissa Gaulding, Rob Hilton, Lori Selasphorus hummingbirds were reported Keeler, Jay Keller, Val Kitchens, Bev this season. Winter finches were limited Leeuwenburg, Larry Meade, Suzanne with low to normal numbers of Pine Malone, BJ Little (BJL), Jon Little, Cliff Siskins and Purple Finches and no re- Otto, Marc Ribaudo, Alan Schreck, Mal- ports of redpolls. There were also no colm Scully, Craig Turner, Voice of the wintering Evening Grosbeaks. Red Naturalist (VON), Rob Young Crossbills were reported in a few coun- ties at higher elevation sites with appro- priate habitat, but not in atypical West numbers. Lapland Longspurs appeared The Snowy Owl at Dulles Airport often in low numbers and only a rare Snow This region includes the southern part of perched on a light pole on the parking Bunting was reported. Five CBCs took the Shenandoah Valley south to the New deck. Photo by Adam D’Onofrio. place within the 12 counties. River Valley. The Blue Ridge Mountain found at the Fairlington Community range forms much of the eastern bound- DUCKS HAWKS Center, Arlington 16 Jan (DD) remained ary with West Virginia defining the west- Unusual geese included single counts of through the period for the enjoyment of ern boundary. The Region includes the Ross’s Goose, Bridgewater, Rockingham many birders. Another Merlin was counties of (from north to south) Rock- 18 Feb (TP) and Greater White-fronted observed at Lake Fairfax Park, Fairfax 30 ingham, Augusta, Highland, Bath, Rock- Goose Virginia Tech campus Blacks- Jan (JC, PC) and an ad. male was at bridge, Botetourt, Alleghany, Craig, Giles, burg, Montgomery 27 Jan (MH). Cackling Algonikan Park the same day (JD). Roanoke, Montgomery, Pulaski. Geese present in modest numbers SHRIKE LONGSPUR EDITOR — John Spahr, 234 West (13) last winter were nearly absent this The Northern Virginia Bird Club trip to Frederick St., Staunton, VA 24401 year with only one goose reported at Blandy Farm, Clarke yielded a Logger- [email protected] Swoope, Augusta 12 Feb (AL). Canada Geese, on the other hand, reached head Shrike 3 Dec (JD, MR).Another xcept for one week of unseasonable record highs with 2080 in Augusta 12 Feb shrike, possibly the same bird, was there cold in early December, the rest of E (AL). High counts of several duck 8 Jan (BL, BJL, JL). A first for N. Vir- the winter brought normal to slightly ginia, a Brown-headed Nuthatch was species in two neighboring counties in- discovered at Occoquan Regional Park 31 Dec (MF, JK). A Gray Catbird was re- ported at Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington 7 Dec (VK). A shrubby area at Hunting Cr. Mudflats, Fairfax yielded a Wilson’s Warbler 24 Dec (KG). Drum- mond discovered an Orange-crowned Warbler at Riverside Park, Loudoun 27 Feb. A female Black-throated Blue Warbler showed up on an Arlington patio 31 Dec and subsisted on suet and meal worms through the reporting period (LF, AS). This bird provided the first state record for the month of Jan. At least 2 American Tree Sparrows were found in a mixed flock in s. Frederick 4 Dec (BJL, JL). A single Eastern Meadowlark was found near Bluemont, Loudoun 4 Dec (JCo). Jon and BJ Little found a single This female Black-throated Blue Warbler visited an Arlington patio from 31Dec through the Lapland Longspur among a flock of 40 period. Digiscoped through a glass door by Linda Fields using a Nikon Coolpix 4500 and a Leupold Golden Ring Spotting Scope. Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 5 cluded: 13 Northern Shovelers Augusta CATBIRD BLACKBIRDS he Central Region saw slightly above 26 Jan (JS) and 18 in Rockingham 21 Jan Gray Catbird is a scarce but regular Taverage temperatures and lower than (JI); 76 Green-winged Teal Augusta 1 winter visitor to this Region as evidenced normal precipitation during the period. Dec (AL); 42 Ring-necked Ducks Rock- by the fifth Augusta record, one bird in Highlights included White Ibis in Nelson, ingham 21 Jan (JI); 4 Common Mer- Staunton from 1 Dec to 12 Feb (AC). Osprey in Charlottsville, Rufous Hum- gansers Rockingham Dec 17 (JI) and 4 in There were two new high counts during mingbird in Greene, and Snow Bunting at Augusta 28 Feb (AL). One American CBCs. Blacksburg, Montgomery had five Lake Anna, Louisa. Bittern, a road-killed bird, represented birds17 Dec (BG) and Lexington had the second winter record for Augusta 26 GREBES OWLS two Rockbridge 26 Dec (BP). A Cape May A RED-NECKED GREBE was a nice Feb (BT). Hawks of note included one Warbler in Fishersville, Augusta re- Northern Goshawk 8 Dec Pearisburg, find during the Lake Anna CBC 31 Dec presented the seventh winter record for (JT,et al.). Unprecedented for the area in Giles (PO). Six Red-shouldered Hawks the Region, and was the only unexpected winter, an immature WHITE IBIS on the Blacksburg CBC Montgomery 17 winter warbler reported. There were only appeared in a farm field in southern Dec (BG) represented a high count for sparse reports of America Tree Spar- Nelson shortly afterThanksgiving and was that CBC, while four on 21 Jan provided rows this winter with the highest count seen and photographed by several a new high count for Rockingham (JI). A (15) coming from Staunton, Augusta CBC observers through late Jan (fide TD). Harlans Red-tailed Hawk was seen 17 17 Dec (AL). A Lark Sparrow was Fifteen Double-crested Cormorants Dec at Fishersville, Augusta during the identified on the Blacksburg CBC, found on the Lake Anna CBC provided a county’s CBC (JS, PV). This was one of Montgomery 17 Dec (ES). This is only the new winter high count for the area (JT, et several recent sightings of various west- second winter record in the Mountains al.) and a single bird of this species was ern subspecies of this hawk. A single and Valley Regions of Virginia for this recorded on the Lynchburg CBC 17 Dec Merlin in Rockingham 21 Jan (JI) provided rare visitor. There were two reports of for only the second time ever (fide TD). that county’s first winter record; one on Snow Bunting, single birds, from At Mill Creek Lake, Amherst Johnson the Blacksburg CBC Montgomery, 17 Dec different sites in Rockingham 15 Dec found a nice assortment of waterfowl 22 (BG), was the second recorded in the 53 (RB) & 16 Dec (CM). One Brewer’s Dec including 3 Northern Shovelers year history of that count. There were Blackbird in Hermitage, Augusta, 15 Dec swimming with Mallards, 3 American also two sightings of Peregrine Falcon (BM) provided the fifth county record of Widgeons, and one female Common in Rockingham, 24 Dec (CT, DH) and 30 this rare winter visitor to the Region. Dec (CM); a single falcon in Swoope, Au- Goldeneye. At nearby Thrashers L., he gusta, 15 Jan (JS) furnished that county’s Reference: CBC data: observed the pair of Canvasbacks, fifth winter record. http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/ which had been there for nearly 3 weeks. Contributors: Crista Cabe, Andrew Notable waterfowl found on the Lake DOVES WOODPECKERS Clem, Bruce Grimes, Matt Hafner, Diane Anna CBC 31 December included 3 Eurasian Collared-Dove is a recent Holsinger, John Irvine, Clyde Kessler, Long-tailed Ducks (SR, FA), one Red- invader that over the last two decades has Allen Larner, Barbara McSweeney, Clair breasted Merganser (MB, AD), and 4 been expanding its range from its Florida Mellinger, Peggy Opengari, Bob Paxton, Wood Ducks (G&RH). Other Regional entry point, and has been recorded in Tom Pendleton, John Spahr, Erik CBCs also recorded some waterfowl of Montgomery and Pulaski since 2003. The Stromberg, Brenda Tekin, Craig Tumer, note including 11 Greater Scaup and 55 16 doves on the Blacksburg CBC Mont- Peter VanAcker, Charles Ziegenfuss. Common Mergansers on the Chan- gomery 17 Dec (CK) established a new cellorsville count 1 Jan(fide JK), 3 Wood high count for the Region. Six Northern Ducks on the Charlottesville count (fide Saw-whet Owls netted and banded JG), a single Snow Goose on the Gor- (using audio lures) by CZ in western Central donsville count (fide DO), 6 Gadwall and Rockingham 1 Feb, established a new high Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, a Common Goldeneye – the second winter count for the Region. Previously, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, this species had been recorded only Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, sparsely and sporadically in winter, Powhatan, Spotsylvania and Counties; mostly during CBCs. A Red-shafted and the cities of Charlottesville, Northern Flicker was identified on the Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. Waynesboro CBC Augusta 30 Dec (CC). EDITOR — Mike Boatwright, 177 This is the first winter record of this Sugar Mill Drive, Amherst, VA 24521 western subspecies, although two Yellow- [email protected] Immature White Ibis. shafted/Red-shafted intergradeswere Photo by Randy Thrasher documented in the spring in Augusta, one in 1986 and one in 1987. 6 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 year in a row for this bird at the same Oct 2005 remained through the end of location – on the Lynchburg count (GS). the period. The bird was photographed Terms and Abbreviations While birding Orange 1 Jan, the Harris’ by Brenda Tekin in Dec and was banded Species name in bold first time men- observed two Short-eared Owls along by David Holmes, Bruce Peterjohn, and tioned (RARITIES bold and all caps) Route 615 two hundred yards north of Sue Heath on 16 Jan. The count of 152 County names are in italics the town of Orange. Short-eareds also Fish Crows recorded on the Charlottes- Abbreviations: continued to winter near Zion ville CBC 1 Jan was very good for this ad. (ads.) – adult(s) Crossroads, Louisa with sightings of at location while three on the Lynchburg BBS – breeding bird survey least two birds from mid-Dec through 12 CBC 17 Dec and one each on the Lake CBC – Christmas Bird Count Feb (DS, DH, MA, JG, GW, et al.). Anna and Gordonsville counts were Cr. – Creek more usual for this Region. Horned et al. – and others HAWKS GULLS Larks were noted at the Orange Airport, fide – vouched by Bald Eagles continue to be found with Orange 1 Jan (G&RH) and20 Feb (PK). Ft. – Fort increasing regularity in the Region during A single Loggerhead Shrike was seen in Hwy. – Highway winter with a high count of six tallied on Bedford 9 Jan at the same location where I. – Island(s), Isle(s) the Lake Anna CBC 31 Dec, four on the they have been present in recent years imm. (imms.) – immature(s) Chancellorsville CBC 1 Jan, one on the and where nesting was confirmed last Jct. – Junction Lynchburg CBC 17 Dec, and one on the summer (GS). The Lake Anna CBC juv. (juvs.) – juvenile(s) Gordonsville CBC 18 Dec. An produced a single Brown Thrasher 31 L. – Lake OSPREY recorded on the Charlottes- Dec (MB, AD) and singles were also MAPS – Monitoring Avian ville CBC 1 Jan, provided one of the few recorded on the Charlottesville CBC 1 Productivity and Survivorship winter records ever of this species in the Jan(fide JG) and Chancelorsville CBC 1 m.ob. – many/multiple observers Region (fide JG). A Northern Harrier Jan(fide JK). Never common in late- Mt. – Mountain, Mount was present in the same fields where the winter in the northern portions of the NWR – National Wildlife Refuge Short-eared Owls wintered in Louisa Region, 3 Chipping Sparrows visited a p.a. – pending acceptance throughout the period (m.obs) and a nice yard with four inches of snow coverin ph. – photographed (by + initials) count of three was recorded on the western Albemarle 12 Feb where they Pt. – Point Gordonsville CBC 18 Dec(fide DO). Paul feasted on peanut butter/lard/ cornmeal R. – River Cabe was understandably surprised while cakes (JG). Three American Tree Res. – Reservoir waiting for a stop light 12 Dec when he Sparrows found on the Charlottesville Rte. – Route saw a Merlin sitting in the top of one of CBC 1 Jan were the only ones reported SF – State Forest the sweet gums in the median of US in the Region this winter (fide JG). SP – State Park Route 29 in Charlottesville. A Merlin was Eastern Meadowlark put in a good VARCOM – Virginia Avian Records also recorded on 30 Dec at Lake Anna, showing on the Lynchburg CBC 17 Dec Committee Louisa (SR). The number of Great with a total of 39 birds seen by four v.r. – voice recording (by + initials) Black-backed Gulls wintering around parties. A high count of 110 Rusty VSO – Virginia Society of Lake Anna continued to increase (MB, et Blackbirds was recorded on the Lake Ornithology al.) and two were found at nearby Lake Anna CBC 31 Dec (JT) and 8502 v.t. – video taped (by + initials) Orange, Orange, 1 Jan. A single LESSER Common Grackles set a new high count WMA – Wildlife Management Area BLACK-BACKED GULL was also for the Chancellorsville CBC 1 Jan(fide – VARCOM Review List Bird seen at Lake Anna 19 Dec (MB) and JK). On the Charlottesville CBC 1 Jan, † – written details submitted again 31 Dec during the CBC (MB, AD). Purple Finches outnumbered House * – specimen collected The Lynchburg CBC 17 Dec had a new Finches 168 to 155! A Snow Bunting Submissions high of 611 Ring-billed Gulls and also was seen at Lake Anna, Louisa 19 Dec. Send reports and photographs to the recorded Herring Gull, a single The bird was feeding along the sandy Regional Editors. Photographs should individual, for only the third time in the shore in the area where this species has be the highest electronic quality possi- count history (fide TD). A LAUGHING been observed numerous times over the ble. Do not imbed photos in email or GULL found at the landfill, Louisa on the last 20 or so years (MB). text (attachments are fine). Send with Lake Anna CBC 31 Dec provided a first release form, which can be found on winter record for that area (JT, et al.). Contributors: Mark Adams, Fred At- wood, Mike Boatwright, Paul Cabe, John the VSO web site: HUMMINGBIRDS FINCHES & Thelma Dalmas, Adam D’Onofrio, www.virginiabirds.net A female (after second year) RUFOUS Jennifer Gaden, George & Rosemarie Articles for consideration can be sent HUMMINGBIRD first noted at a Harris, Sue Heath, David Hogg, Phil to [email protected] feeder near Ruckersville, Greene in late Kenny, Joella Killian, Don Ober, Sue Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 7 Ridd, Gene Sattler,David Spears, Brenda Count); Caffee (Caffee Creek area, CBC, 3 American Black Ducks in Tekin, Jeff Trolinger, Gerry Weinberger. Gloucester); EG (Elsing Green, a private Mathews and 14 in Walkerton; 815 farm in King William);GWB (George Northern Pintails(Region high) near Washington’s Birthplace National Mon- The Pocket 28 Jan (FA). The Walkerton East ument, Westmoreland); K. G. Ponds (Route CBC hada new high of 430 Northern 3 ponds in King George); Mothershead Pintail, 16 Northern Shoveler, and 516 King George, Westmoreland, North- (tract of Rapp. R. NWR Westmore- Ring-necked Duck mostly in the vi- umberland, Richmond, Lancaster, Essex, land);ThePocket (in Pamunkey Indian cinity of EG and The Pocket. The Middlesex, Mathews, King and Queen, Reservation along Pamunkey River, King Regional highs for Canvasback were 850 King William, and Gloucester Counties William); Rapp. R. NWR. (Rappahannock on the Birthplace CBC and 550 in The northern and eastern shoreline of R. Valley National Wildlife Refuge); WSP Currioman Bay 16 Jan (FA). Redheads the Northern Neck overlooks the Mary- (Westmoreland State Park, Westmoreland). were scarce with a total of only 10 reported in four locations (SH, FA,and land waters of the Potomac River. WATERFOWL PELICANS Noteworthy Maryland sightings are in- Mathews CBC). Lesser Scaup numbers Birthplace CBC had anew high count of cluded but indicated as such in the report in this part of the Potomac R. were quite 1404 Tundra Swans, which was also the details. low with only about 1100 seen during the state CBC high this year. Walkerton CBC Birthplace CBC. Though there have been EDITOR—Fred Atwood, Flint Hill also had a new high of 119 Tundra Swan, significant fluctuations over the past 10 School, 10409 Academic Drive, mostly in The Pocket. The five Mute years, this year’s low number seems to be Oakton, VA 22124 Swans seen on the Birthplace count part of a declining trend for the species [email protected] established a new high, while the regional here. The 552 Surf Scoters and 887 uring thereport period 142 species high for the ever-increasing species was Buffleheads counted during the Dwere recorded. This summary is at least 16 at Beaverdam 9 Jan (DH). Mathews CBC furnished the second based on 56 location reports on 24 dates Wintering Canada Geese continue to highest totals in the state. Birthplace CBC by 18 observers in addition to three increase in numbers with new highs being reported the state high of 254 Common Christmas Bird Counts: Washington’s set on CBCs in Walkerton (11,220) and Goldeneye. A new winter Regional high Birthplace (17 Dec, Bill Portlock Mathews (2453) and a state high of for Hooded Merganser was 64 males compiler), Mathews (1 Jan, John Bazuin 13,605 recorded on the Birthplace CBC. and 126 females at K. G. Ponds 16 Jan compiler) and Walkerton (1 Jan, Fred Among the Birthplace geesewere that (FA). On 26 Feb, a very windy day, 10,300 Atwood compiler). The Red-cockaded count’s first two Cackling Geese as Ruddy Ducks were seen in the very Woodpecker found on the Mathews CBC well as three Snow Geese (two blue choppy Maryland waters of the Potomac was certainly the most exciting and morph). The only other Cackling Goose River from the cliffs of WSP; at least unusual find of the season. Other reported this season was at K.G. ponds 95% were males (FA). Wild Turkey and highlights included Cackling Goose, 16 Jan (FA), and the only other Snow Northern Bobwhite were much harder Snow Goose blue morph,Blue-winged Geese were two on the Walkerton CBC to find than usual in winter with a Teal, Red Knot, Lapland Longspur, and (MB, AD). Brant are rarely reported combined total of only 14 turkeys and 4 high numbers of Brant, Red-throated from this Region, but seven were found bobwhites on all three CBCs. Local Loon, Black Vulture, Eastern Phoebe, along the shore at Virginia Institute of turkey hunters in the Northern Neck also and Eastern Bluebird. Previous East Marine Science at Gloucester Point 19 reported lower than usual numbers of Region reports have included all species Jan (DH),and the Mathews CBC had an turkeys some of which had skin sores on reported during the period in order to unexpected high of 105; according to their legs.Though not confirmed, this provide baseline data for the Region. Kain, this count usually only reports 2- could have been avian pox, a common Going forward only noteworthy 20 Brant, with some years yielding none. and sometimes deadly disease for turkeys observations and additions to this Theall-time high was 468 way back in (and other birds) that can be transmitted baseline information will be reported. In 1977.Ithas been conjectured that Brant by mosquitoes. Mathews had a state high the following summary, “new high or low were wandering more widely and feeding of 224 Common Loons and a new high count”refers to the history of a in unusual locations, such as golf courses count of 116 Red-throated Loons. particular count, while “state high” and playing fields, because of a decline in Pied-billed Grebes were present in indicates the high count among this year’s the marine vegetation that they normally above average numbers with 17 The CBCs as posted at the Audubon Society eat. Other waterfowl of interest included Pocket 20 Dec (FA), 17 K. G. Ponds 16 Christmas Bird Count website. 132 Gadwall and 265 Green-winged Jan (FA), 6 Beaverdam 6 Feb (DH), and Teal at The Pocket 20 Dec (FA); 215 new count high of 21 for the Walkerton Abbreviations: Beaverdam (Beaverdam Green-winged Teal (state high) and nine CBC. One Brown Pelican was still Park, Gloucester); Birthplace CBC (Wash- Blue-winged Teal in Walkerton;1095 around for the Mathews CBC. ington’s Birthplace Christmas Bird Mallards (new high) on the Birthplace 8 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 HERONS SANDPIPERS documentation caused this bird to be higher than normal numbers of Eastern There were plenty of Great Blue deleted from the list.Large numbers of Phoebes; 17 on the Birthplace CBC tied Herons this winter with new count highs American Coot were reported this the count’s previous high and 32 on the of 47 at Birthplace and 58 at Walkerton. season with 500 at Beaverdam 18 Feb Walkerton CBC established a new count The Mathews CBC also had 58 great (DH, et al.) and 770 in The Pocket 20 high and state CBC high for the year. blues and the only Great Egret reported Dec (FA). By 1 Jan most of The Pocket Birthplace tallied new highsfor both this season. The Walkerton CBC had a coots had departed, but there were still Carolina Wren (102) and Winter Wren new high of 289 Black Vultures which enough present to furnish a new high of (12). Single House Wrens were observed was alsothe state high. The roost along 75 for the Walkerton CBC. Shorebird on the Birthplace CBC and in King the Pamunkey River at EG had 275 birds highlights included one American William 28 Jan (FA). A Marsh Wren was in it on 20 Dec (FA). Two Ospreys were Oystercatcher, one Red Knot (first found on the Mathews CBC. Gray found, one at Caffee 27 Jan, the first ever), and one Ruddy Turnstone on the Catbirds were also more common than January bird seen in this location in 27 Mathews CBC; 234 Killdeer and 73 usual this winter with a total of 27 years (TK), and one during an eagle Wilson’s Snipe (bothstate highs) on the reported including new count highs of 6 survey along the Rappahannock R. near Walkerton CBC; 4 dowitchers (sp.) on (Birthplace) and 7 (Walkerton). While Port Royal 25 Feb (BP, SS), probably an the Walkerton CBC; and 237 Dunlin and paddling down Dragon Run at the early arrival. The winter Rappahannock one Greater Yellowlegs on the Mathews boundary of Middlesex and King and Queen, R. Bald Eagle surveys covering 37.5 CBC. Kain observed three catbirds in five miles 3 Dec. A count of 33 Northern Mock- river miles from Tappahannock to Mount GULLS VIREOS Creek tallied 276 birds (127 ads., 137 ingbirds on the Walkerton CBC was imms, 12 unknown, with 71 in Cat Point A new high of 2274 Ring-billed Gulls unusually low. Mathews CBC had 17 Creek) in Jan, and 247 birds (117 ads., 128 was recorded on the Birthplace CBC. Brown Thrasher and 597 Eastern imms., 7 unknown) in Feb (BP, SS). This Two Laughing Gulls on the Birthplace Bluebirds, the second highest totals for is down significantly from last year’s 395 CBC were an unusual winter find. The these species in the state this year. Feb count. However, wintering eagles CBCs tallied a total of 59 Great-Horned Birthplace had a new high of 37 Hermit tend to wander, concentrating in areas Owls and the Walkerton count had the Thrush, Mathews had only 7and Walk- where there is plenty of food such as state high of 25. A Barn Owl was found erton 33. The high counts for American spawning fish, so this seeming decline roosting in a silo on the farm adjacent to Robins were 3100 in the farm fields of may not be indicative of a trend. Mothershead in Leedstown during the upper Westmoreland 16 Jan (FA) and a new Walkerton CBC had new high counts of Birthplace CBC. A Short-eared Owl was high of 4480 on the Walkerton CBC. 19 Northern Harriers and 5 Cooper’s also seen there twice during the season Four Red-breasted Nuthatches were at Hawks. Resident Red-shouldered (PM, ML, FA). The 26 Red-headed Caffee through 28 Jan (TK). The Hawks were doing their territorial flights Woodpeckers seen on the Walkerton Walkerton CBC recorded a new high of as early as 5 Feb at Caffee (TK) and CBC was the state high. Nineteen Hairy 14 Brown Creeper. another pair was observed completing Woodpeckers on the Birthplace CBC and 8 on the Mathews CBCs established WARBLERS FINCHES the finishing touches on a nest in White Three Pine Warblers established a new Marsh, Gloucester 14 Feb (HW, JW). The new highs. Mathews also had a new high count of 33 Pileated Woodpeckers. the new high for the Birthplace CBC. leucistic Red-tailed Hawk was present One Common Yellowthroat was found all winter at King’s Crossing near Certainly the most exciting find of the season was the RED-COCKADED on Birthplace CBC and two on the Kilmarnock (TT). A Golden Eagle was Mathews CBC. Eastern Towhees WOODPECKER recorded on the seen again this year on the Walkerton remained in relatively high numbers with Mathews CBC (JB) and observed by CBC at EG (SH, FA). Single Merlins 16 found at one patch of pine woods in others the next day. This is only the third were observed on the Birthplace and Beulahville 20 Dec (FA), at least 6 record of the species north of the James Walkerton CBCs. The only report of a (compared to the usual one or two) at River in the western Bay region. The Peregrine Falcon was an immature bird Caffee (TK), 25 on the Mathews CBC, 46 other records were of a bird that on 12 Feb at Toby’s Point, Rapp. R. on the Walkerton count and a new high frequently visited a feeder in Dare, a NWR, King George (FA). A King Rail was count of 38 on the Birthplace CBC. One suburb between Newport News and reported in Leedstown on the Birthplace American Tree Sparrow was found on Yorktown,over a period of about 6 CBC. This was a new species for the the Birthplace CBC and 121 Chipping months in 1985 and a bird that visited a count, but the observer had returned Sparrows were on the Mathews CBC. A stand of mature Loblolly Pines in home to Costa Rica and could not be count of 24 Savannah Sparrows on the Lancaster near White Stone for 12 days in contacted for more details. Though King Mathews CBC was higher than usual Mar1996 (fide TK). The generally warm Rails have frequently been observed in though it did not establish a new high. that exact locale, lack of sufficient winter was probably responsible for Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 9 Good numbers were also found on the January was very warm with an average Ross’s Goose was found at St. Paul in Birthplace (39) and Walkerton (21) CBCs. temperature of 46.6º F, five days above Wise 31 Jan (Ph. Rkr) and a third was A count of 26 Swamp Sparrows on the 60º F and nine days of precipitation. In observed near the old Richlands airport Walkerton CBC was lower than normal. February the cold returned with an Tazewell 5 Feb (DR, Ph. RKr). Reports Walkerton noted 1074 White-throated average temperature of 38º F and nine have been submitted to VARCOM. Eight Sparrows, though not a count or state days of rain and snow. Some unexpected Tundra Swans were found near Galax high, it was the greatest number per party species during the period were a Rufous on New River 14 Dec (Ph.GE). A Blue- hour for this species in the state. A new Hummingbird visiting a feeder into winged Teal was unusual species on the high of 1125 Dark-eyed Juncos was January, a Sandhill Crane that stopped Glade CBC 18 Dec. A Redhead on the tabulated on the Mathews CBC, while over on a farm near Lebanon, a Pacific small lake of the Breaks Park Dickenson 7 Walkerton had a new low count of 373. Loon on South Holston Lake, and Dec was an unusual find for that location Four Lapland Longspurs in a farm field American Coots and Ring-billed Gulls at (R& LM). Six Redheads were observed among Horned Larks and Ring-billed Breaks Park. Ross’s Geese were found in on the lake at Falls Mills Tazewell 17 Jan Gulls in King William near Lanesville on Tazewell and Washington and Greater (JP). A male Common Goldeneye was 11 Dec (SH)was the first Middle White-fronted Geese spent several weeks on Clear Cr. in Washington 16 Jan (RB, Peninsula occurrence known to the at Clear Creek Lake in Washington. Eight DH). Two Ruddy Ducks were observed compiler. Wintering blackbirds reached Tundra Swans were in Grayson in among Lesser Scaup RRL 8 Dec (GE). huge numbers in the region with 300,000, December, while both Eared and Nine Hooded Mergansers were an mostly Common Grackles, streaming Horned Grebes remained throughout the unusual species on the Wise CBC 17 Dec. over The Pocket at dusk 20 Dec (FA), period in their usual spot on South A PACIFIC LOON was observed on and a state high of 14,407 Red-winged Holston Lake, which they shared with a South Holston L. near Washington Blackbirds on the Walkerton CBC. Two Red-necked and Pied-billed Grebe in County Park, Washington 4 Dec (RKn,et Rusty Blackbirds were found on the early December. Ruddy Ducks were al.). However RKn was the only observer Walkerton CBC, two on the Birthplace found on Rural Retreat Lake in the to see the bird in Virginia waters. Four CBC, and a flock of 550 passed through company of Lesser Scaup, and two species of grebe, Pied-billed, Horned, swampy forest along the Mattaponi River Horned Grebes were recorded for the Red-necked and Eared were on South near Beulahville bathing, drinking, and first time on John Flannagan Reservoir in Holston L. at MC on 25 Dec (RC). Two feeding on 20 Dec (FA). The 114 Dickenson. Rusty Blackbirds, a declining Horned Grebes were found on John Eastern Meadowlarks tallied on the species, were observed in Russell and Flannagan Reservoir, Dickenson 7 Dec (R Birthplace CBC was the second highest Buchanan. An adult Bald Eagle was & LM, Ph. RM). This is the second CBC total in the state. observed in Wythe in December with an confirmed sighting of the species in Contributors: Lee Adams, Fred Atwood, immature Bald Eagle being found in a Dickenson. Ten Eared Grebes was a high John Bazuin, Mike Boatwright, Gene nearby area. Another adult Bald Eagle count for that species on the Bristol Burreson, Jack Carroll, Brad Davis was found in Tazewell in late January. CBC. A high count of 25 Great Blue ,Adam D’Onofrio,Wendy Ealding, Leslie Eight Golden Eagles were sighted in one Herons was recorded on the Glade CBC Fellows, James Goehring, Susan Heath, day in Russell in February. A Ruby- 17 Dec. crowned Kinglet and a Yellow-rumped Dave Hewitt, Teta Kain, Bev Leeuwen- RAPTORS BLACKBIRDS berg, Mike Lester, Paco Madrigal, Bill Warbler came to a suet feeder with a fruit mixture in Buchanan in December. The On the Glade CBC a Rough-legged Portlock, Sandy Spencer, and Tom Hawk was an unusual species. Three Teeples, Gerry Weinberger, Hayes kinglet kept returning to the feeder for a few days. Rough-legged Hawks were observed at Williams and Joyce Williams.Eighty-eight Burkes Garden, Tazell 1Feb (RKr). An observers on the CBCs. Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate ad. Bald Eagle was spotted near Rte 749 Park); Breaks (theBreaks community, between Speedwell and Cedar Springs 8 Buchanan); MC (Musick’s Campground on Dec (GE). Bald Eagles have been SOUTHWEST South Holston Lake); (RRL) Rural Re- observed at that spot for the past three treat Lake. years (GE). An imm. Bald Eagle was EDITORS – Roger and Lynda seen on Wards Branch Road, Wythe on Mayhorn, HC 67 Box 44A, GEESE GREBES Six Greater White-fronted Geese and the same day (GE). On 28 Jan an ad. Pilgrims Knob, VA 24634 Bald Eagle was photographed circling [email protected] one Ross’s Goose were observed on Clear Creek L. in Washington 31 Dec (RC). over Rte 770 near Indian Creek, Russell he Region experienced a varied The birds provided first records for the (R& LM, Ph. RM). Eight Golden Eagles Tweather pattern. The average Bristol CBC 1 Jan and were observed in were found in about four hours in temperature in December was 37.2º F; the area until 31 Jan (Ph. RKr). Another different areas of Russell 2 Feb (TH). An average precipitation was 3.1 inches. imm. was observed along Rte 19, Russell 10 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 19 Feb (Ph. RKr) and four were observed high count for that species on the Mt Mecklenburg 28 Jan (DS, et al.). Three at Burkes on 25 Feb (E&MT, DW, WC,et Roger’s CBC 2 Jan. Seventeen Eastern Common Goldeneyes, one of the less al.). A Sandhill Crane was at a farm in Towhees came to a feeder in Bristol in frequently reported ducks in this region, Hansonville, seven miles south of Washington 14 Jan (RH). The Mt. Roger’s were found on the Banister R. CBC, Lebanon 5 Feb (NG). A Killdeer was an CBC had a high count of 23 Field Halifax 18 Dec, and 15 Buffleheads unusual species for the Mt Roger’s CBC 2 Sparrows 2 Jan. Five Rusty Blackbirds were found on the same count (JB, et al.). Jan. On the same CBC 5 Wilson’s Snipe were found near a feeder at Elk Garden A PACIFIC LOON was discovered 1 was the high count for that species. (RKr). Two were observed in the Breaks Jan (JB) at Kerr, off Palmer Pt., and was Thirteen Ring-billed Gulls on a pond at 1 & 2 Dec (DR). The species is observed seen several times subsequently, Willowbrook Country Club in the Breaks, within the county only sporadically remaining there until at least 12 Feb Buchanan 5 Dec were interesting (DR). though it is seen just to the south in (AD). This is the same location where the While the species is common just to the Russell more frequently. species was found in winter 2004. Also in south on South Holston Lake, it is rarely Contributors: Rob Biller, Wallace Cof- the same area was a Red-throated Loon, found in Buchanan. The high count of fey, Rack Cross, Glen Eller, Nancy seen intermittently from 1 Jan (JB) to 26 780 Rock Pigeons was reported on the Gilmer, Ron Harrington, Don Holt, Tom Feb (MJ), with two present on 12 Feb Glade CBC 18 Dec and 267 Rock Hunter, Rick Knight (RKn), Richard (AD); dozens of Common Loons were Pigeon was the high count on the Mt. Kretz (RKr), Roger and Lynda Mayhorn, also reported from Palmer Pt. on several Roger’s CBC 2 Jan. Five hundred and Roger Mayhorn, Jim Phillips, David occasions (m.ob.). Horned Grebes were twenty Mourning Doves was a high Raines, Scott Jackson Ricketts, Ed & reported only from Kerr, where they count on the Blackford CBC in Russell 30 Michelle Talbott, Dave Worley numbered in the hundreds 16 Jan (AD), Dec. The Rufous Hummingbird that but no other reports of more than two came to a feeder in Independence in individuals were received. Red-necked Grayson 4 Oct remained in the area long South Central Grebe was also reported only from Kerr, enough to be counted the Mt Roger’s Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, a single bird seen at Palmer Pt. 8 Feb with CBC 2 Jan and was last observed on 4 Jan Halifax, Charlotte, Appomattox, loons (BB). The maximum count of (SJR). Twenty-nine Pileated Woodpeck- Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Bald Eagles was 11 imms. on 28 Jan ers and 10 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers Prince Edward, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, below the dam at Kerr (DS, et al.); several were high counts for both species on the Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, reports of fewer than 10 birds were also Wise CBC 17 Dec. Sixteen Eastern and Greensville Counties, and the cities received from Kerr (m. ob.). A Merlin Phoebes was the high count for that of Danville, Emporia, and Martinsville. was seen at Palmer Point, Kerr 16 Jan species on the Glade CBC 18 Dec. A (AD), and again 28 Jan (DS, et al.); one Loggerhead Shrike was observed was also found on the Banister River regularly during the winter months at Elk EDITOR—C. Michael Stinson, 437 CBC 18 Dec (MB, AD). Interesting here Garden in Russell (RKr). This declining Wildflower Lane, Dillwyn, VA 23936 at any season, one Sora was at Dick species is known to nest in the county. [email protected] Cross WMA Mecklenburg 29 Dec (MB) Eight hundred sixty-nine American eports for many locations and bird during the Kerr Lk. CBC. Three Crows were reported as a high count on Rspecies were unremarkable this Wilson’s Snipe found on the Banister R. the Tazewell CBC 30 Dec. Two Horned winter; ducks for example, were seldom Larks were recorded as unusual species reported from the larger lakes in the area. on the Breaks CBC 17 Dec (the species However there were highlights. The most was first recorded on that count in 2004 outstanding aspect of the season was the with 12 birds) and 11 was a high count loon show off Palmer Point, where three for that species on the Blackford CBC 30 species of loons, including a Pacific, were Dec. Sixty-four Carolina Chickadees seen by many observers in January and was a high count on the Mt Roger’s CBC February. 2 Jan. House Wren and Brown Thrash- Abbreviations: Kerr (John H.Kerr Res., er were unusual species for the Blackford Mecklenburg) CBC 30 Dec. Beginning 13 Dec and continuing for several days a Ruby- SWANS GULLS crowned Kinglet came to a suet feeder A single Mute Swan was found on the in the Breaks. (DR). A Yellow-rumped Banister R. CBC, Halifax 18 Dec; its Warbler also came to the mixture, which provenance is unclear. One Tundra contained berries, 12 Dec (DR). Thirty- Swan was seen 17 Dec at Staunton R. SP Merlin at Kerr Reservoir, photographed by three Golden-crowned Kinglets was a (JB), and four were at Dick Cross WMA, Adam D’Onofrio. Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 200611 CBC Halifax (JB) furnished the high concern over population declines in the about Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in count for the season. American species, there were some encouraging Virginia continued with 26 birds Woodcock courtship calls and flights reports of Rusty Blackbirds: 36 were identified during the survey at Piney were first noted 20 Jan near Chase City, found on the Banister R. CBC 18 Dec Grove Preserve, Sussex with translocated Mecklenburg (GM). Bonaparte’s Gulls (JB, et al.), 94 were in three groups on the birds present in six of seven clusters. appeared in low numbers; reports of a Darlington Heights winter bird count, Perhaps the most exciting bird of the few birds from Staunton R. SP Halifax 17 Prince Edward and Charlotte, 8 Jan (TD, et season was Richmond’s first Ash- Dec (JB) and lower Kerr Res. 16 Dec al.), and four were seen on Wolf Trap throated Flycatcher, which was dis- (AD) were the only ones received. The Rd., Halifax 12 Feb (JB). Two or three, covered during the James River Bird largest concentration of Ring-billed Baltimore Orioles visited feeders in Countand remained in the same location Gulls was 1330 on the Banister R. CBC Keysville, Charlotte 9 to 24 Jan (fide SD). for the rest of the period much to the Halifax 18 Dec (JB, et al.), with several Aside from the expected House delight of many birders who were able to other reports of hundreds at Kerr on Finches and American Goldfinches, see it. Another bird that remained in the various dates. Herring Gulls were fringillids were present in rather modest Region for the winter was a Rufous reported in small numbers, with a high of numbers this winter: the season’s high Hummingbird, first discovered at a six on the Banister R. CBC 18 Dec. (JB, et count for Purple Finches was at least 30 feeder in Chesterfield County in al.). in n. Lunenburg on 25 Dec (AD, SD), and November. Other interesting finds the maximum for Pine Siskins was four included Ross’s Goose, Cackling Goose, PASSERINES seen 23-24 Jan at feeders in n. Lunenburg Eurasian Wigeon, Iceland Gull, Glaucous The maximum Eastern Phoebe count (SD). Gull, Lincoln’s Sparrow and LeConte’s was 10 on the Banister River CBC, Sparrow. Halifax 18 Dec (JB, et al.). The number Observers: Brian Bockhahn, Jeff of Common Raven reports in the Blalock, Mike Boatwright, Thelma Abbreviations: Curles Neck (Curles region continues to build. Singles were at Dalmas, Adam D’Onofrio, Sue Neck Farm, Henrico); Dutch Gap Staunton R. Battlefield SP, Halifax 4 Dec D’Onofrio, Mark Johnson, Grace (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chester- (JB) and near Keysville in n. Lunenburg on McCrowell, C. Michael Stinson. field); Henricus (Henricus Park, Chester- 15 Jan (SD). One was also found 8 Jan field); HoCBC ( Hopewell Christmas just west of Cullen, Charlotte, on the Bird Count, 18 Dec); Shirley (Shirley Darlington Heights winter bird count, a Southeast Plantation, Charles City); Sunken Meadow (Sunken Meadow Pond, Surry); first for that count. The arrival of Tree Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, WiCBC (Williamsburg Christmas Bird Swallows was first reported 26 Feb at James City, New Kent, Prince George, Count, 18 Dec). Kerr (MJ). A single Marsh Wren was at Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Isle of Dick Cross WMA 29 Dec (MB) during Wight, and York Counties, plus Rich- GREBES NORTHERN BOBWHITE the Kerr L. CBC, the first reported from mond, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Thirty six Horned Grebes provided a the area in some time. Only occasionally Petersburg. new high count for that species on the found here in the winter, a Blue-gray HoCBC, which also recorded one Great Gnatcatcher was reported on 16 Jan EDITOR — Adam D'Onofrio, 25118 Egret. Four Mute Swans were seen at (AD) and 8 Feb (BB) from the tailrace Smith Grove Road, Petersburg, VA Sunken Meadow 21 Jan (AD, TT). Two area at Kerr. Brown Thrashers are 23803 Tundra Swans were noted at Shirley 8 typically more common in the southern [email protected] Jan (AB). Twenty-one Tundra Swans parts of this region than the north during he reporting period started off cold were counted at Sunken Meadow 17 Feb the winter; four found on the Banister R and wet with below average (AB). Three ROSS’S GEESE (ph. CBC, Halifax 18 Dec were consist with T temperatures and above average precip- LL)furnished a new high count and only this pattern (JB, et al.). A few reports of itation for the month of December. This the third count record of the species for American Pipits were received, with the trend was reversed in January and Feb- the HOCBC. The Ross’s were found maximum seen a group of about 100 on ruary. No severe winter storms were among 6000 Snow Geese, 4000 of Wolf Trap Road, Halifax 12 Feb (JB). noted and normal bird activity did not which were dark morph, at Curles Neck. The maximum count of Chipping appear to be altered by weather.Two The 6000 Snow Geese recorded was also Sparrows for the season was 30 in major Christmas Bird Counts were a high count for that species. A single Halifax on the Banister R. CBC 18 Dec conducted in the Region, both on Dec- CACKLING GOOSE was found on (JB, et al.); this is another species that is ember 18, 2005; the Hopewell CBC both the WiCBC at the Cheatham more common in the region’s southern tallied 110 species and the Williamsburg Annex, York and the HoCBC at Curles counties during the winter. Also on the CBC had 113 species. Highlights are Neck, providing a first record for Banister R. CBC, 25 Savannah Spar- included in this report. The good news Williamsburg and a second record for the rows were found (JB, et al.). Given recent 12 VIRGINIA BIRDSVOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 Hopewell. Only one Wood Duck was find in the same area 9 Jan (AB). The bird record for Chesterfield. Tree Swallows found on the HoCBC. Five hundred was seen again 13 Jan (AD) and then returned to the marsh at Henricus 19 Feb Gadwall were present at Sunken finally 27 Jan (AB, FD, LL). A Lesser (B&BS). A Red-breasted Nuthatch, Meadow 17 Feb (AB). A EURASIAN Black-backed Gull was recorded near the only one reported in the Region this WIGEON , found during the WiCBC, Jamestown during the WiCBC. Three winter, was seen at Forest Hill Park, was a first for that count. A Blue- Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Richmond City 26 Feb (RAS). A Brown- winged Teal was seen at Shirley 1 Jan College Creek, James City 15 Feb (TA). headed Nuthatch was a highlight during (PB) and 8 Jan (AB). A pair of Anywhere from 6-10 Lesser Black- a walk on the Green Springs Trail, James Redheads were seen at a private lake in backed Gulls were present this winter in City 1 Jan (WBC). Chesterfield 14 Feb (WE). Two Lesser the James R. Richmond City (AB). One Scaup and one Greater Scaup were Forster’s Tern was recorded on the WRENS FINCHES recorded on the HoCBC. Thirteen Lesser HoCBC. Single Forster’s Terns were also Four House Wrens were recorded Scaup were noted at Shirley 8 Jan (AB). seen at Henricus 28 Dec (JK) and at during the HoCBC, which also had a new A Long-tailed Duck was a highlight at Indian Field Creek off the Colonial high count of 36 Winter Wrens. Two Indian Field Creek off the Colonial Parkway, York 11 Feb (MB). A Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, very uncom- Parkway, York during the WiCBC. Three selasphorus hummingbird, discovered in mon in winter, were found during the Common Goldeneye were counted Nov at a residence in Chesterfield was HoCBC. Another gnatcatcher was during the HoCBC. A single female banded in late Dec and determined to be observed at Shirley 28 Jan (TM). A new Common Goldeneye was found at a female RUFOUS HUMMING- high count for American Robins was Crewes Channel, Henrico 12 Feb (AB). A BIRD. Originally, two hummingbirds achieved during the HoCBC with 4949 historical high count of 152 Bufflehead were reported from the same residence tallied. During the Colonial Williamsburg was recorded on the HoCBC. Twenty six but one left unidentified while the Rufous Robin/Grackle count, 50,000 American Red-breasted Mergansers and 75 ended up staying throughout the period, Robins were observed going to two Common Mergansers were tallied on visiting two maintained feeders on two different roost sites 17 Jan (BW, DC). the HoCBC. One female Common different streets (GC, NR, ph. LL, m.ob). The HoCBC tallied 14 Gray Catbirds Merganser was counted on the WiCBC. Only five Red-headed Woodpeckers and 495 American Pipits provided a An early Osprey was seen at Felgates were counted on the HoCBC. A winter new high count. Six Palm Warblers were Creek off the Colonial Parkway, York 9 survey, performed by biologists at Piney seen at Henricus 1 Jan (PB) and one was Feb (RB). A juvenile Northern Harrier Grove Preserve, Sussex identified 26 at the James R. Floodwall, Richmond was hunting at Pocahontas S.P. 14 Dec Red-cockaded Wood-peckers 16 City 17 Jan (AB). A Black-and-White (WE). Seventy six Bald Eagles (45 ads. originated in the preserve, nine were Warbler, rare in winter, was found at and 31 imms.) and 20 American translocated birds taken from the Shirley 8 Jan and was present there again Kestrels were tallied on the HoCBC. Carolinas since 2001 and one was of on 9 Feb (TM). Two Common That count also had a single Merlin unknown origin. The birds now occupy Yellowthroats were counted on the providing only thethird count record for seven cluster areas with translocated birds HoCBC. And a male was seen at Shirley the species; 2 Peregrine Falcons after being present within six of the seven. 8 Jan (AB). A Yellow-breasted Chat, none were observed the previous year; Biologists are optimistic for the 2006 rare in winter, was observed at the edge and 21 Northern Bobwhites which breeding season and the continued of a field near suburban housing in were a welcome find. success of the translocation program. Henrico 9 Dec (RK). Another rare winter Seventeen Eastern Phoebes were sighting was an ad. male Rose-breasted SHOREBIRDS NUTHATCHES recorded on the HoCBC. An ASH- Grosbeak, seen at a feeder in the west One Dunlin and one Least Sandpiper end of Henrico (JC). A LECONTE’S THROATED FLYCATCHER was were count week birds for the HoCBC. discovered in a train yard south of the SPARROW first observed on 27 Nov Fourteen Least Sandpipers were at Floodwall on the James R., Richmond at the Green Springs Trail, James City, Shirley 8 Jan (AB). One American City 7 Jan during the Richmond made another appearance in the same Woodcock was seen on the HoCBC. Audubon Society’s James River Bird location 1 Jan (BWi). A Lincoln’s Thirteen Bonaparte’s Gulls and 1,362 Count (J&CC, MS, ph. LL, m.ob). It Sparrow, found on the HoCBC, was the Laughing Gulls were counted on the remained in the same location for the rest second record of that species for the HoCBC. An ad. Laughing Gull was at the of the period and provided a first record count while 102 Swamp Sparrows were Floodwall Richmond City 11 Jan (AB). A of the species in the city of Richmond. a new high count. The count also juvenile Iceland Gull was found among Amazingly, a second Ash-throated recorded 6 Fox Sparrows and 30 White- the more common gulls on the James R. Flycatcher was discovered at Dutch Gap crowned Sparrows. It was a good winter at Browns Island, Richmond City 7 Jan 10 Jan (p.a. BR). This bird only remained for Baltimore Orioles in the Region. Six (ph.AB). Not to be outdone, a second one day. If accepted, this would be a first were tallied on the HoCBC, three winter Glaucous Gull was another great individuals were in James City 23 & 24 Feb Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 13 13 (BWi), one was at Shirley 1 Jan (PB) and Brant were observed in unusual circum- Chinc.(P&AL). WaCBC had the highest two were in Chesterfield yards 15 Dec (PB) stances, a probable response to lack of Brant count of 1144 on 17 Dec. Wildlife and 8 Jan (J&CC). One thousand and food resources in their Bay and lagoonal officials noted that a probable lack of ad- fifty-four Rusty Blackbirds was a new system habitats. Reported hummingbirds equate Chesapeake Bay and seaside la- high for the HoCBC. During the continued to tantalize, as well as provide goon system during the period may have Colonial Williamsburg Robin/Grackle intriguing material for speculation about been the cause for this species to graze count, 97,000 Common Grackles were the dynamics responsible for this trend. farmlands in unprecedented numbers. A recorded 17 Jan (BW, DC). Eleven An 11 February Brian Patteson pelagic Cackling Goose was noted for a sec- Purple Finches were seen at The James trip, which documented four alcid ond year at Crystal Lake in Cape Charles R. N.W.R. 18 Feb (RAS). species, added insights into a growing un- 24 Dec (NB).A Mute Swan on 2 Jan Note: In the Fall 2005 report it was stated that derstanding of the winter birdlife of our NaCBC was a precursortofour (2 ad., 2 the White Pelican was accepted by VARCOM offshore waters. There were no signifi- imm.) reported 10 Feb on the Nanse- as the second coastal plain record west of the cant snowfalls during the period. Decem- mond River (LW). The peak Tundra Chesapeake Bay. This should have read as the ber temperatures in Norfolk ranged from Swan count was 771 on 29 Dec ChCBC. second time since the review list was promulgated a high of 65º on the 4 December to a low WaCBC had the highest Wood Duck th in Jan 2004. I apologize for any confusion. — of 22º on 22. January was the 12 warm- count of 141 on 17 Dec. Eurasian Adam est on record and the warmest since Wigeon reports included one 30 Dec on 1974. February ended with a yearly rain- CCCBC and one at Ridgeway Park, Contributors: Tom Armour, Ruth Beck, fall deficit of four inches. Get-the-word- Hampton 21 and 28 Jan(BT, GW, WE). Paul Bedell, Meredith Bell, Arun Bose, out birds for the season were Pacific BBCBC had4 Blue-winged Teal 29 John & Caroline Coe, Greg Coolidge, Loon, Clark’s Grebe, Sooty Shearwater, Dec. Common Eider reports included 2 Dan Cristol, Fenton Day, Adam Manx Shearwater, American Golden- during 26 Dec CBCCB and one for 31 D’Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Julie Kac- Plover, Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull, Dec LCCBC. Among CBBT Harlequin marcik, Robert King, Larry Lynch, Tom Glaucous Gull, Allen’s Hummingbird, Duck reports were two on 3 Dec (JK) McCary, Bob Reilly, Naseem Reza, Rich- Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre, and and one 21 Jan (BT). The peak Long- mond Audubon Society, Ben & Betsy Cave Swallow. tailed Duck count was 1000+ off CBBT Saunders, Marsha Summerson, Tina Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay 4 Feb (JE). Wild Turkeys have become Trice, Bryan Watts, Bill Williams (BWi), a public nuisance in Newport News Williamsburg Bird Club. NWR, Virginia Beach); BBCB (Back Bay CBC); Cape Charles (Town of Cape where a remarkable 58 were tallied during Charles, Northampton); CCCBC (Cape 17 Dec NNCB. ChCBC had the highest Charles CBC); CBBT Chesapeake Bay Northern Bobwhite count of 44 on 29 Coastal Bridge and Tunnel, s. of Northampton); Dec. CCCBC had 6582 Red-throated Accomack and Northampton Counties; CBCBC (Chesapeake Bay CBC); ChCBC Loons 30 Dec, the second highest in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic (Chincoteague CBC); Chinc. (Chinco- 41-year history of that count. A PA- area; and the cities of Chesapeake, teague NWR, Accomack); Craney (Craney CIFIC LOON was well seen 29 Dec Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Island landfill, Portsmouth); ESVNWR during BBCBC. The season’s highest Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and (Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, Common Loon count was 220 during Virginia Beach Northampton); First Landing (First Land- an 11 Febpelagic trip off Virginia Beach (BP). Two Eared Grebes continued at EDITOR — Bill Williams, Center ing State Park, Virginia Beach); Fisher- Craney through at least 8 Dec (MAB, for Conservation Biology, College of mans (Fishermans Island NWR, BW). Red-necked Grebes were re- William and Mary, P. O. Box 8795, Northampton)Kiptopeke (Kiptopeke State ported on two separate CBCs with three Williamsburg, VA 23187 Park, Northampton); LCCBC (Little Creek each on 26 Dec CBCBC and 30 Dec [email protected] CBC); NaCBC (Nansemond River CBC); NNCBC (Newport News CBC); WaCBC CCCBC respectively. Two were observed ight Christmas Bird Counts docu- (Wachpreague CBC). at Kiptopeke 6 Jan(AD, MB, AW). For Ementing an impressive 195 species the fourth consecutive year a CLARK’S captured the essence of the region’s ex- WATERFOWL HERONS GREBE was found on the LCCBC, ceptional avian diversity during the first Snow Geese were in short supply during this one 31 Dec. A well described Sooty third of the reporting period. What was the period with a high count of only Shearwater off Back Bay 3 Feb (BA, JE), evident early on was that this season of- 7,630 for 29 Dec ChCBC. The highest constituted a tenth winter season report fered little in terms of large numbers of Snow Goose blue morph tally was 235 on for this species.A Manx Shearwater was birds. Snow Geese numbers for instance 17 Dec WaCBC. Ross’s Goose reports carefully observed during the 26 Dec were far below those of 2004 when included two at Chinc. 4 Dec (JK), one CBCBC, a first for that count, and one or 42,700 were recorded on a single count. 29 Dec on BBCBC, and one 22 Jan at two were noted offVirginia Beach 11 14 VIRGINIA BIRDS VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2 Feb (BP). That trip also recorded 400+ the same bird was observed 3 and 4 Feb (D&KS). Newport News hosted a male Northern Gannets (BP). The peak on CBBT islands 3 and 2 respectively (JE, Painted Bunting 14 Jan. A Dickcissel Great Cormorant count was 40 on 30 SH). Thepeak Lesser Black-backed made a brief stop at Sterling House B & Dec CCCBC. BBCBC had 18 King Rails Gull count was 100 at Back Bay 14 Feb B in Cape Charles 2 Dec (NB). A Lark and 5 American Bitterns 29 Dec. Not (DS). A first-winter Glaucous Gull was Sparrow was recorded on 29 Dec reported elsewhere for the period were 3 observed by two separate parties during BBCBC. WaCBC had 18 Ipswich Sa- Little Blue Herons and 2 Tricolored 30 Dec CCCBC. The only Black Skim- vannah Sparrows 17 Dec. NaCBC re- Herons located during 30 Dec CCCBC. mers reported during the period were six ported the peak Nelson’s Sharp-tailed A Green Heron was found on 29 Dec on 29 Dec BBCBC.The 11 Feb pelagic Sparrow count of 15 and the peak Salt- ChCBC and 83 White Ibis were noted trip off Virginia Beach yielded onebriefly marsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrow count of for 30 Dec CCCBC. observed COMMON MURRE , a 72 on 2 Jan. A Lapland Longspur was well studied THICK-BILLED MUR- noted for 30 Dec CCCBC,and 2 Snow RAPTORS ALCIDS RE , 111 Razorbills, and 2 Atlantic Buntings were observed during 31 Dec Wintering Ospreys included one for 17 Puffins (BP).Pending VARCOM accept- LCCBC. A Baltimore Oriole visited Vir- Dec NNCBC, two during 29 Dec ance, the Common Murre sighting would ginia Beach 24 Dec (RH). BBCBC, one for 30 Dec CCCBC,two constitute the state’s third record. Contributors: Irv Ailes, Bob Ake, Harry during 31 Dec LCCBC, and one 13 Jan DOVES FINCHES Armistead, Pat Blyer, Mike Boatwright, at Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach (DH). A Eurasian Collared-Dove reports in- Ned Brinkley, Mitchell Byrd (MAB), second year Golden Eagle was observed cluded twoatRoute 600 and Magotha Adam D’Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, near Wachapreague, Accomack 7 Jan (LW). Road, Northampton 2 Dec (VK, PB), and Steven Eccles, John Ennis, John Fox, A Black Rail was heard calling from a a high count of 27 during 29 Dec Mary Gustafson, Stephen Harris, Dave Bennett’s Creek, Suffolk marsh 2 Feb BBCBC. A tailless White-winged Dove Hewitt, Robert Hindle(RHi) , Renee (LW). Virginia Rail reports included Hudgins, David Hughes, Jay Keller, Val was carefully observed at Dixon Road, three at Magotha Road, Northampton 3 Kitchens, Glenn Koppel, Mary Alica Northampton 1 Dec (SE, RHi). A Barn Dec (JK) and a peak count of seven for Koeneke, Pat and Allen Larner, Larry Owl was noted 2 Janfor NaCBC, and 2 29 Dec BBCBC. The only Soras re- Meade, Brian Patteson, Bruce Peter- Short-eared Owls were found during 29 ported were four on 29 Dec BBCBC. john(BPt), Dick Roberts, Debbie and Dec ChCBC. The Rufous/Allen’s Hum- CCCBC had 11 Common Moorhens 30 Kurt Schroeder, Matthew Snow, Dorie mingbird present in Cape Charles from Dec. Highly unusual, though not un- Stolley, Paul Sykes, Russ Taylor, Brenda 26 October was captured and banded 11 precedented for winter,was an Ameri- Tekin, Andy Walker, Gerry Weinberger, Dec permitting its definitive confirma- can Golden Plover reported 17 Dec on Audrey Whitlock (AWh), Bill Williams, tion as the state’s second ALLEN’S WACBC. The Marbled Godwit count at Hayes Williams, Les Willis. HUMMINGBIRD (NB, MG, BPt). It Willis Wharf, Northampton ranged from remained through 30 DecCCCBC. At 125+ on 21 Jan (P&AL) to 100+ on 12 least four other Rufous/Allen’s were in Feb (LM). The maximum Red Knot the region during the report period in- count was 73 for 29 Dec BBCBC, likely cluding one each in Portsmouth and Vir- pushed south by ice and snow to the ginia Beach (fide NB), and two in York north. Thirty-six American Woodcocks County 24 Dec, one of which was were reported at Cape Charles 9 Dec recorded during 17 Dec NNCBC (HW). (NB); CCCBC had 51 on 30 Dec. There Blue-headed Vireo reports included were 3 Purple Sandpipers at Cape one 31 Dec for LCCBC, two during 2 Jan Charles 2 Dec (VK, PB). A Parasitic NACBC, and one at First Landing 6 Jan Jaeger off Virginia Beach 11 Febwas a (AD, MB, AW). Two CAVE SWAL- unique late winter report (BP). The peak Laughing Gull count was 249 on 17 LOWS were carefully studied and Dec NNCBC. Little Gull reports in- photographed (AWh) for 2 Jan NaCBC. Sedge Wren cluded one during 31 Dec LCCBC and BBCBC provided the high Orange-crown- two off Virginia Beach 11 Feb (BP).Two count of 31 on 29 Dec. ed Warbler four Black-headed Gulls were observed dur- reports included during ing 31 Dec LCCBC. A first winter Ice- 30 Dec CCCBC, 2 for 29 Dec BBCBC, land Gull wasreported during 29 Dec and four on NaCBC 2 Jan. One was at BBCBC. Another of the same agewas First Landing 6 Jan (AD, MB, AW). A Yellow-throated Warbler seen among thousands of larids feeding male was along the CBBT 30 Jan (BW).Possibly present in Virginia Beach 27-31 Dec Winter Reporting Period December 2005–February 2006 15 The Virginia Society of Or nithology thanks the following sponsors of Virginia Birds

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