The Birds of the Greater Rockbridge County, Virginia Area

Richard A. Rowe

Department of Biology Virginia Military Institute Accidental – A bird outside of its normal range (breeding or winter) or outside of its normal migration route Rare – A bird that is within its normal breeding or over-wintering range or its normal migration route, but should not be expected to be seen in the area on a yearly basis Unusual – A bird that is within its normal breeding or over-wintering range but is not reported on a regular basis in the county (1-5 sightings per year) Common – A bird that is regularly seen within the area but may not be present in large numbers or may have a restricted distribution (Locally Common) Abundant – A bird that is found in large numbers within the county but may have a restricted distribution (Locally Abundant) Transient – A bird that is seen in the area during migration or as a wandering sub-adult Year-round – A bird that is present in the area throughout the entire year and is usually a breeder Summer breeder – A bird that migrates into the area and breeds during the summer Winter migrant/resident – A bird that migrates into the area and over-winters and then leaves in the spring

Notes: Cameron’s Pond, which was located near the current Rockbridge County High School, drained naturally in 1936. Womeldorf Farm ponds are located just outside of Lexington in the new, Pond’s housing development. Lake Robertson and Lake Merriweather were created after Murray published his account of the Birds of Rockbridge County.

Organization: The taxonomic order and grouping of species follows the AOU 2016 checklist. This is the 17th supplement since publication of the 7th edition of the Check-list of North American Birds (American Ornithologists’ Union [AOU] 1998). It summarizes decisions made between April 15, 2016, and April 15, 2017, by the AOS’s Committee on Classification and Nomenclature - North and Middle America.

Photos – Except for a few species, all photos of species are from the Rockbridge Co. Virginia area or from surrounding counties.

Anseriformes: Geese, Swans, Ducks (All photos: Geese, Swans, and Ducks)

Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens):

Occurrence: Transient and winter migrant Dates: October through January Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring History: A single Snow Goose was located by Kerry Kilday at McCormick’s Farm in January of 2018. The bird moved to Willow Lake in February and was still present in March. Three Snow Geese, one blue phase and two white phase were located at Willow Lake on 25 November 2014. A single Snow Goose was present at Willow Lake for several weeks in December of 2016. A lone Snow Goose was reported at the Ponds housing development near Lexington on 11 March 2011 by Dick Rowe. A pair of Snow geese was seen at McCormick’s Farm on 24 November 2010. A Snow Goose was reported in the county during the winter of 2008. Dick Rowe found it at McCormick’s Farm on 18 October 2008, Paul Cabe observed one on a farm pond in the northern portion of the county (most likely the same bird), and John Burleson reported a Snow Goose on Big Spring about one month later (again, probably the same individual). Snow/Blue Geese were reported on the1976, 1966, and 1958 CBCs. Murray reports white phase individuals on 18 November 1948 on Womeldorf Pond and flying individuals 14 October 1950 and 23 September 1953. Blue phase individuals were reported by Murray on 16 November 1948 on Womeldorf Pond and on the Maury River near Alone Mill from mid-December 1956 to 11 May 1957. Status: Rare and should not be expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Ponds housing development (old Womeldorf Farm) near Lexington, VA on 11 March 2011. For additional photos: Snow Geese

Ross’ Goose (Anser rossii)

Occurrence: Transient and winter migrant Location: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Ponds Housing development, Buena Vista, Old Farm Rd. pond History: A single Ross’ Goose was located at McCormick’s Farm on 14 November 2010 by Dick Rowe. The bird appeared to be paired with a Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose hybrid. Allen Larner suggested that the two geese in the photograph were Ross’ Geese. After a discussion and review of photographs, Allen Larner, Barry Kinzie and I have agreed on the identification of the Ross’ Goose and the likelihood that the other bird is a hybrid. This is the first record of a Ross’ Goose in Rockbridge County. A second Ross’ Goose was found at Willow Lake on 27 and 28 March 2011. Both sightings were submitted to VARCOM and have been accepted as Category 1 records for the area. During the winter of 2016-17, two Ross’ Geese were present in the county. One was at Willow Lake and the other was near Lexington. Three Ross’ Geese were located during February 2018 at Old Farm Rd. pond. The birds moved about in the area and were seen at several different locations into March. Ross’ Goose has been reported once on the CBC in 2016. Status: Rare and not expected to be seen. Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 14 November 2010. For additional photos: Ross’ Goose

Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose Hybrid

Occurrence: Transient and winter migrant Location: McCormick’s Farm History: On 14 March 2010, a probable Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose hybrid was located at McCormick’s Farm by Dick Rowe. The bird appeared to be paired with a Ross’ Goose. In the photograph, the Ross’ Goose is on the left and the hybrid is on the right (note the distinct differences in head and bill shape). A good discussion of hybrids between Ross’ and Lesser Snow Geese can be found in: Trauger, D.L., A. Dzubin, and J.P. Ryder. 1971. White Geese Intermediate between Ross’ Geese and Lesser Snow Geese. Auk: 88 (4): 856-875. Hybrids are not recognized by VARCOM, and thus, no report was submitted. Status: Rare and not expected to be seen Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 14 November 2010. For additional photos: Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons):

Occurrence: Rare winter migrant and resident Dates: Mid-February to mid-March Location: Goshen Pass area, Ponds Housing Development, Willow Lake History: A single Greater White-fronted Goose was located at Meadow Lawn Farm, which is north of Lake Merriweather and the Boy Scout camps along Millard Burke Rd. The goose was first located by Brian Morse on 13 February 2013 and 2013 then relocated by Dick and Lucy Rowe on 14 February 2013. The goose was positively identified on 16 February 2013. The goose was mixed in with a flock of approximately 50 Canada Geese and remained in the area until early March (the last record was 2 March 2013). This sighting is the County record for this species. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. A second Greater White-fronted Goose was located at the Ponds Housing development on 22 February 2014 and again on 2 March 2014. This sighing was accepted by VARCOM and is the second county record. A third Greater White-fronted Goose was located at Willow Lake on 16 November 2014 by Dick Rowe. During the 2014-15 winter, three or four Greater White-fronted Geese were present at Willow Lake Status: Rare and not expected in the County. Photo: Ponds Housing Development, 22 Feb 2014 For additional photos: Greater White-fronted Goose

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis):

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 8 March 2008 to mid April 2008 Location: Willow Lake History: A single individual was located at Willow Lake on 8 March 2008. The goose was mixed in with a flock of Canada Geese and it remained on Willow Lake through the spring. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 3 record. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 14 March 2008. For additional photos: Barnacle Goose

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: 2-3 January 2013 Location: Willow Lake History: Dick Rowe located 8 Cackling Geese on Willow Lake on 2 January 2013. The Cackling Geese were mixed in with a large flock (150+) of Canada Geese. The Cackling Geese were present on the 3rd of January but were not located on the 5th. The Cackling Geese were most likely Richardson’s Cackling Geese (there are four subspecies of Cackling Geese). During January of 2015, a group of six Cackling Geese were present at Willow Lake. Cackling Geese were recognized as a separate species by the American Ornithologist’s Union in 2004 (45th Supplement to the AOU Check-list of N. A. Birds: Auk(3): 985-995, 2004). Prior to that time, they were considered as part of the Canada Goose complex. Status: Unusual and could be found in the winter Photo: Willow Lake, 2 January 2013 For additional photos: Cackling Goose

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident of the county Dates: Year-round Locations: Throughout the county History: There are several resident flocks in the county – Lexington Country Club, the Maury River near the locks on the Chessie Trail, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, and Big Spring and other individuals have been reported at Lake Robertson, on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, Barger’s Quarry Pond and on many farm ponds throughout the county. Canada Geese have been reported in 32 of 92 CBC with no records prior to 1974. Murray considered that Canada geese were transients seen from February to April and October to December flying over the county with a few seen on local ponds. Obviously, their status has changed from Murray’s time to the present day. Status: Abundant and should be seen in the county. Photo: McCormick’s Farm Pond, 18 November 2005. For additional photos: Canada Geese

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Occurrence: Accidental Date: 5 January 2012, 18 January 2018 Location: Willow Lake History: There are three records of Mute Swans in the county; all from the same location. On 5 January 2012, Dick Rowe found one at Willow Lake. The swan, which appeared to be a male, was present on and off for approximately 2 weeks. On 22 January 2012 a second individual, a female, was seen at Willow Lake. The swans remained in the area until late January. On 18 January 2018, Kerry Killday reported two Mute Swans, an adult male and an immature bird, at Willow Lake. The pair was present in early March. Mute Swans were introduced to the United States as early as the late 1800’s as “decorative” birds on ponds. Wild populations have been established in several parts of the county with the eastern coastal area from Maine to South Carolina as the largest breeding area. The Chesapeake Bay area is one of the major breeding areas. The Mute Swan is listed as a Category 5 species by VARCOM (Category 5. Species introduced into the Commonwealth of Virginia or into other parts of North America that are currently maintaining self-sustaining wild populations within Virginia). Status: Unusual and not expected in the county Photo: Willow Lake, 5 January 2012 For additional photos: Mute Swan Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus):

Occurrence: Transient and winter migrant Dates: November and December Location: Willow Lake, Big Springs, South River area History: There are a few recent reports of Tundra Swans in the area. On 8-9 November 2016, a large group of swans were present at Willow Lake. They were part of a larger waterfowl fallout that occurred over those two days. On 17 November 2011 a large flock of swans arrived at Willow Lake to sit out a storm system over the Blue Ridge Mountains. John Pancake counted 215 swans in the morning and at 3:00 pm there were 115 individuals. By 5:00 pm all of the swans had taken flight in groups of 50 individuals and continued their migration. A single individual was present at Willow Lake on the 18th of November, 2011. On 11 November 2012, two individuals were located on Willow Lake and on 17 November a female with a late season young was seen at Willow Lake. In 2013, an immature swan was located at Willow Lake and on the 26th of January the immature swan and the female with immature swan were seen at Willow Lake during a cold snap. In 2013 John Burleson saw a migrating flock flying over Big Spring on 15 November 1999, two individuals were seen on Lake Robertson in December of 1980 and a photograph by Nell Bolen was published in the Lexington News-Gazette (3 December 1980), and Elise Sheffield had a swan on a pond on her property during January and February of 2006. An individual was seen by Alex Merritt on Willow Lake on 13 November 2009, a second individual was seen by Barbara Rowe on 18 December 2004 on a pond at West Airslie Farm, and a third individual was seen flying south of Fairfield on 27 December 1997. Tundra Swans have been reported on five CBC (2004, 1997, 1984, 1980, and 1974). Murray does not report any records of Tundra Swans. Status: Rare and should not be expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Willow Lake, 24 March 2016 (upper), 17 November 2011 (lower) For additional photos: Tundra Swan

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Can be seen year-round but are most common from March through November/December Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Lake Merriweather, Maury River, Locher Tract, creeks and ponds throughout the county History: The earliest record for Wood Ducks is 14 February 2010 at Locher Tract. Wood Ducks are commonly seen in March and April and are seen through the summer in the county. Bob Paxton reports finding a hen with downy young at Cameron’s Pond on 19 May 1952. Individuals have been reported in November and December. They have been reported in 9 of 92 CBC. Murray reports Wood Ducks as being common in the spring and summer with individuals arriving in late March and April with young seen as early as May and remaining in the area from late September to November. Status: Uncommon and could be seen during the spring and summer. Photo: Maury River, 18 March 2011. For additional photos: Wood Duck

Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors):

Occurrence: Transient and primarily a spring migrant Dates: March through April Locations: Ponds Housing Development, Old Farm Rd Pond, Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, various ponds and streams in the county History: There are 11, recent records from McCormick’s Farm on 19 March 2000, 2 April 2005, 27 March 2005, 2 April 2011, and 7-8 April 2012; on Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, 3 April 2009, 5 April 2009, 1- 2 April 2011, and 7 April 2012; on the Maury River near Alone Mill on 30 August 2006; on Big Spring Pond on 17 April 2007; on Willow Lake; and one report from the county on 31 March (2001). Blue-winged Teal have been reported once on the CBC. Murray considers Blue-winged Teal as transients that are more common in the spring (15 March through 13 May). Status: Uncommon migrant. Photo: Willow Lake, 1 April 2011 For additional photos: Blue-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata):

Occurrence: Migrant and rare winter resident Dates: December through March Locations: Ponds Housing Development, Big Spring, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, South River area History: There are a number of recent records: Lake Robertson on 27 March 2003; a large group of 20 at McCormick’s Farm on 23 December 2003, at McCormick’s Farm on 27 March 2005; on Willow Lake on 3 March 2010; on the Maury River at Alone Mill on 20 March 2006; near Lake Merriweather on 11 February 2009; at Big Spring Pond on 9 December 2010, 18 December 2010, 26 December 2006, 1 March 2007, 4 January 2009, and 17 April 2007; and at the Ponds housing development on 31 October 2012. A lone female was present on OFRP for several weeks during November of 2011. Also, a group of 18 individuals was seen on Willow Lake on 17 November (due to the same storm system that brought the Tundra Swans to Willow Lake). Shovelers have been reported on the 1972, 1985, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2018 CBC’s. Murray notes that they are uncommon in the spring but present from mid-February to late April. He notes one fall record. Status: Uncommon migrant. Photo: Ponds housing development, 31 October 2012 For additional photos: Northern Shoveler

Gadwall (Mareca strepera):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: October through March Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, the Ponds Gadwalls have become regular visitors at McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake and Big Spring during the winter. They have been reported on a regular basis during the past few years (2003 – 2011) at these three locations. The earliest report is 23 October 2004 and the latest report is 5 April 2009. A large group of Gadwalls was present at Big Spring during the winter of 2010- 2011. Approximately 40 individuals were present beginning in mid-December. Gadwalls have been reported in 23 of 92 CBCs. Murray notes seven fall and winter records with individuals seen from 27 October through 10 March. Status: Locally common winter migrant and should be seen at McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, or Big Spring Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 15 February 2009. For additional photos: Gadwall

American Wigeon (Mareca americana):

Occurrence: Transient and winter resident Dates: November through April Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Ponds Housing Development, Big Spring History: Wigeons have been sighted on at McCormick’s Farm, on Willow Lake, at the Ponds, and at Big Spring. A pair of wigeons was present at McCormick’s Farm on 22 November 2011, and one individual was present on Willow Lake on 17 November 2011. Three individuals were seen at the Ponds housing development (former Womeldorf Farm) on 11 March 2011. Individuals were present between 20 November 2004 and 2 April 2005 on Willow Lake. A large group was in with a mixed flock of ducks on 31 October 2009. They have been reported in 17 of 92 CBC with the majority of the records between 1974 – 1984. Murray reports individuals seen from 17 September through 20 May. Status: Uncommon winter migrant and could be seen on some lakes and ponds. Photos: McCormick’s Farm, 5 January 2012. For additional photos: American Wigeon

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Locations: Throughout the county History: Permanent and common resident of the area. Mallards are seen throughout the area with sightings on the Maury River, James River, Barger’s Quarry Pond, and McCormick’s Farm. They have been reported in 73 of 92 CBC with an increase noted in the past 8 years. In 2005, 541 individuals were reported on the CBC. Although Murray regards Mallards as winter visitors with only a few nesting records, their status has changed and they are undoubtedly increasing in number and are common breeders in the area. Status: Common year-round breeder and should be seen in the county. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 1 November 2008. For additional photos: Mallard

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes):

Occurrence: Migrant and winter resident Dates: Late fall (November) through March Locations: Maury River, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather History: Black Ducks are present but not numerous in the county and may be residents along with Mallards. Individuals have been reported along the Maury River, Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather, and in Goshen Pass. Black Ducks have been reported on 70 of 92 CBC. Murray reports that Black Ducks are present from 28 August to 13 April with a few individuals seen throughout the year. Status: Winter migrant and is likely to be seen mixed in with groups of Mallards. Photo: Black Duck female (foregound) with Mallard female (backgound) at McCormick’s Farm, 1 November 2008. For additional photos: Black Duck

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta):

Occurrence: Migrant and winter resident Dates: November through February Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Maury River, Lake Merriweather, Ponds Quarry, Barger’s Quarry History: Recent records; 7 and 18 January 2004, 24 November 2009, 18 January 2010, 28 Jan 2011, 29 January 2012 at McCormick’s Farm, 12 November 2009 and 23 November 2009 at Willow Lake, 23 February 2004 at Barger’s Quarry Pond, on Lake Merriweather on 19 February 2009, 26 December 2010 at Pond’s Quarry, and 3 February 2018 eight individuals on the Maury River along River Rd. Pintails have been reported seven times on the CBC. Murray considers Pintails to be transients and more common in the spring (February to April) versus the fall (October through December). He notes there are eight records in the fall. Status: Uncommon winter migrant. Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 24 November 2009. For additional photos: Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca):

Occurrence: Migrant and winter resident Dates: September through April Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Old Farm Rd. pond, Chessie Trail along Maury River History: These teal are transients that are seen mainly during the winter and spring with sightings on 17 November 2011 at Willow Lake, 20 November 2004 at McCormick’s Farm and 2 April 2005, 18 October 2009, 12 November 2009, 3 November 2010 on Willow Lake, on 11 March 2011 at the Ponds development, and on 24 April 2012 on Old Farm Rd. pond. As a note, two females were seen for several weeks on Old Farm Rd Pond during September of 2010 and a group of eight individuals were at McCormick’s Farm throughout the fall of 2010. Individuals have been seen in the Maury River along the Chessie Trail. Green-winged Teal have been reported 32 out of 92 CBC. Murray reports them as winter visitors that are common between September and March. Status: Uncommon winter migrant. Photo: Pond housing development (old Womeldorf Farm) 11 March 2011. For additional photos: Green-winged Teal

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: November through March Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Ponds Quarry, Old Farm Rd pond History: Recently, Canvasbacks have been reported on Willow Lake on 12 November 2005, 12 November 2009, and 9 January 2009, two individuals at Big Springs on 1 March 2007, and one individual on a farm pond on 17 Feb 2008. During the winter of 2013-14, there was a large influx of Canvasbacks into the state and the Shenandoah Valley. Two groups of Canvasbacks were present in the area during January and early February. A group of 9 individuals were present on the quarry at the Ponds and an addition 4-5 individuals were present on Old Farm Rd Pond. During the winter of 2017-18, a few individuals were seen around the county: Ponds quarry, Barger’s Quarry, and Willow lake. In 1978 one individual was reported on the CBC. Murray reports four records: 24 March 1933 and 3 April 1935 on Cameron’s Pond, 28 March 1948 on the Maury River at Furr’s Mill, and on 30 January 1955 on Womeldorf Pond. Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Quarry at the Ponds, 1 Feb 2014. For additional photos: Canvasback

Redhead (Aythya americana):

Occurrence: Transient and winter Resident Dates: December through January and during spring migration in March and April Locations: Ponds Quarry, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake History: Redheads have become more common over the past few winters and have been regularly reported since 2013. During the winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, 2013-14 Redheads were found on the Pond’s quarry (the old Womeldorf Farm). Two individuals were found by Laura Neale on a farm pond on Borden Grant Rd. The pair remained at the pond for several weeks during November of 2011. A group of eight individuals were present in 2009-2010 and two individuals were present in 2010-2011. Redheads were reported on the 1999, 2008, 2010, and 2014 CBCs. Individuals were found on 8 January 09, 17 December 2009, 7 December 2010, and 8 December 2010 at Willow Lake and on 18 January 2010 at McCormick’s Farm. A single individual was present on Old Farm Rd. pond on 4 March 2012. One Redhead was reported in 1975 on the CBC. Murray reports five records: 20 March to 6 April 1929 on the Maury River near Lexington, 2 May 1932 on Cameron’s Pond, 19 March 1951, 23 to 25 October 1953 and15 January to 19 March 1956 on Womeldorf Pond. Status: Uncommon and often seen during the winter Photo: Quarry at the Ponds, 1 Feb 2014. For additional photos: Redhead

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris):

Occurrence: Winter migrant and resident Dates: October through March Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, Old Farm Rd Pond, Ponds Housing development, Big Spring History: Ring-necks are commonly seen on Willow Lake and McCormick’s Farm pond and less often on Lake Robertson, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather, and Barger’s Quarry pond. Many of the sightings at a particular location are most likely the same birds remaining in residence on the lake or pond over the winter. The earliest arrival date is 18 October 2009 at Willow Lake and the latest departure date is 20 April 2010 at Willow Lake. Ring-necked Ducks have been reported in 22 of 92 CBC with 23 individuals counted in 2004 and 21 individuals counted in 2001. Murray considers them common in the spring and notes five records in the fall between 31 October and 12 December. Status: Locally common winter migrant that could be seen in the county Photo: Willow Lake, 13 March 2009. For additional photos: Ring-necked Duck

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: December through March Locations: Willow Lake History: Recently, Greater Scuap have been reported at Willow Lake during November (2017), February (2014), and March (2013) Greater Scaup have been reported on four CBC’s (2005, 1997, 1984, 1980) and at Willow Lake on 8 March 2008, 14 November 2009, and 18 March 2011. Murray reports two records 4 April 1951 on Womeldorf Pond and 23 March 1953 on Cameron’s Pond. Status: Unusual and not expected in the county Photo: Willow Lake, 1 February 2014. For additional photos: Greater Scaup

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and winter resident Dates: November through April Locations: Willow Lake. McCormick’s Farm History: There are several recent sightings of Lesser Scaup on 22 January 2012, 13 March 2013, April 2013, 4 November through 15 November 2010, 23 March through 5 April 2009, 12 November 2005, 2 April 2005, 23 October 2005, and 24 March 2012 at Willow Lake with large groups of scaup seen on 13 November 2009 (200+) and 26 March 2010 (50+), 9 March 2003 at McCormick’s Farm, 1 April 2010 on Big Spring, and 24 February 2004 on the James River near the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge. A single scaup was seen on a farm pond on Borden Grant Rd. by Lucy and Dick Rowe on 26 December 2011 (the pond is outside of the Lexington CBC circle). Lesser Scaup have been reported in 10 of 92 CBC. Murray considered the Lesser Scaup to be the most common spring duck up until 1940 with numerous sighting records from around the county. He notes that after 1940 the duck became uncommon. Status: Sporadically common on ponds and lakes and could be seen. Photo: Willow Lake, 29 March 2010. For additional photos: Lesser Scaup

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: 29 – 31 October Location: Willow Lake History: On 29 October, John Pancake and Ann Olson located two Surf Scoters on Willow Lake. The timing of their appearance coincided with the passing of Hurricane Sandy. The two individuals, most likely females, remained at Willow Lake through 31 October. The record was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. Status: Accidental migrant and not expected to be seen Photo: Willow Lake, 29 October 2012 For additional photos: Surf Scoter

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)

Occurrence: Transient Dates: Location: Willow Lake History: There are three records for White-winged Scoters in the county. All three individuals were seen on from Willow Lake during February and March of 2014 (two individuals) and 16 January to 18 January 2018. The initial records from 2014 were accepted by VARCOM. Status: Rare or accidental migrant and not expected to be seen. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 February 2014 For additional photos: White-winged Scoter

Long-tailed Duck (Oldsquaw) (Clangula hyemalis):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: November through March Locations: Willow Lake History: There are six recent records. One individual was seen on 1 February 2004 on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, four individuals were seen on 11 November 2009 at Willow Lake, and on 17 November 2009 six individuals were still present on Willow Lake. During the winter of 2013-2014, three different Long-tailed Ducks were present on Willow Lake. One individual was seen in December, a second individual was present during February and March of 2014, and a third individual appeared in March. Oldsquaw have not been reported on any CBC’s. Murray notes three records in 29 November 1948 (Cameron’s Pond), 25 December 1933 and 14-15 April 1929 (Cameron’s Pond). Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the county. Photo: Willow Lake, 8 February 2014 For additional photos: Long-tailed Duck

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola):

Occurrence: Winter migrant and resident Dates: November through April Locations: Willow Lake, Ponds Quarry, Maury River, Lake Merriweather History: There are a number of recent records of Buffleheads in the area. Buffleheads have been reported at Barger’s Quarry Pond 13 February 2003, 11 February 2004 and 23 February 2004; on the Maury River in Goshen Pass 13 April 2003; on Lake Merriweather on 24 February 2009, on the Maury River along the Chessie Trail 13 February 2003 and 25 January 2005; on Willow Lake on 23 November 2011, from 18 November to 1 December 2010, on 7 November 2010, 3 March 2010, from 31 October to 14 November 2009, 4 November 2007, 23 November 2009, 3 February 2009, 14 February 2009, and 1 April 2011; at the Ponds housing development on 22 November 2011, 27 March 2011 and 1 April 2011; and on the James River at the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge 24 February 2004. Buffleheads have been reported in 12 of 92 CBC. Murray notes 12 spring records between 8 March and 21 April and seven records for November and December. Status: Uncommon winter migrant and could be seen in the county. Photo: Willow Lake; right photo, male; left photo, female, 14 Feb 2009. For additional photos: Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: December through April Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Willow Lake, Big Spring, Ponds Housing development History: There is one record on 1 February 2004 on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Three individuals were seen on 27 March 2011. Two females were located at Willow Lake and one female was located on the ponds at the Ponds Housing development. None of the birds were found located on 28 March. A female Goldeneye was located at Big Spring on the 2013 CBC by Lucy and Dick Rowe. Five Common Goldeneyes were present on Old Farm Rd. pond during February, 2014. Goldeneyes have been reported in 10 of 92 CBC with six of the records between 1988 and 1976 and one record in 2014. Murray reports 10 spring records between 17 February and 29 April and 4 winter records from December through January. Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the county. Photo: Photo taken at Old Farm Rd Pond, 15 February 2014 For additional photos: Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: November through mid-April Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather, Ponds Quarry History: There are numerous recent records of birds on the Maury River in Goshen Pass and along the Chessie Trail, on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and at McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Big Spring, and Barger’s Quarry Pond. These sightings range from 2 November (2007) through 21 April 2012. Hooded Mergansers have been reported on 32 of the 92 CBC with a peak number of 262 seen in 2017. Murray considers Hooded Mergansers to be common in March and April with records from November through March. Status: Locally common winter migrant and likely to be seen. Photo: Buffalo Creek, 14 Jan 2011. For additional photos: Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and breeding Dates: December to April Locations: Lake Merriweather, Maury River, Buffalo Creek, Kerrs Creek, Willow Lake History: There are numerous recent reports of Common Merganser’s in the county during the winter and early spring. In addition, during 2015, 2016 and 2017, females with young were seen in the Goshen Pass area (reported and photographed by John Pancake and Ann Olson on 21 June 2015) and along South River near its confluence with the Maury River (reported by Elise Sheffield reported on 3 July 2015). During the winter, Common Mergansers have been consistently reported on the Maury River between Buena Vista (Glen Maury Park) and Balcony Downs. A group of approximately 20 was located on the Maury River off of River Rd on 2 March. Individuals were seen in the Maury River in Goshen Pass on several different occasions. A group of Common Mergansers was present on Lake Merriweather from 11 February through 30 March 2009, and a group of 11 individuals was seen on the 2011 CBC. A group of four individuals (one male and three females) were seen on the Maury River near the old Furrs Mill from 19 through 26 April. 2010, a single female was seen at this spot on 13 November 2011, and a lone female was seen on the Maury east of RT 11 on the CBC in 2011 (perhaps the same individual). Two individuals were seen in the Maury River in Goshen Pass on 19 April 2009. A lone female was seen on Willow Lake on 26 February 2008. Elise Sheffield reported three males and two females on South River on 11 March 2011. Three individuals were seen at Willow Lake on 1 April 2011 and five individuals were seen on the quarry at the Ponds Housing development on 8 April 2011. There are ten reports on the CBC with individuals seen on nine of the past ten years. In 2017, John Pancake and Ann Olson counted 172 Common Mergansers at Lake Merriweather on count day. Murray reports Common Mergansers as being fairly common on the rivers of the county in winter and spring. Status: Becoming more common especially along the Maury River and at Lake Merriweather. Photo: Maury River along River Rd, 3 March 2013. For additional photos: Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: November through April Locations: Willow Lake History: There are five recent reports of Red-breasted Mergansers in the county. A single female was seen on Willow Lake on 18 November 2011, and four individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 11 March 2011. A flock of 18 individuals was seen on Willow Lake on 25 March 2010, two individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 5 April 2009, four individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 12 November 2009 and one individual was reported on the CBC in 1976. Murray reports five records from the Maury River in Rockbridge Baths 13 December 1934, near Lexington 15 December 1937, and at Furr’s Mill in December 1937; at Big Springs 28 May 1938; and at Cameron’s Pond 3 April 1935. Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Lake Shenandoah in Harrisonburg, VA, 2 March 2014. For additional photos: Red-breasted Merganser

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: November through April Locations: Willow Lake, Ponds Quarry, Old Farm Rd pond, History: Ruddy Ducks have been reported on Willow Lake: a group of five on 30 November (2003), about 30 individuals on 20 November (2004), 30-40 individuals on 12 November (2005), 5 individuals on 23 October (2005), a small group on 22 October (2006), from 27 October through 17 December 2009, 5 March through 27 March 2010, 23 October through 8 December 2010, 40 individuals on 8 March 2009, and two individuals were seen on 5 April 2011. Also, four individuals were seen at McCormick’s Farm on 4 November 2007, one individual was seen on the Old Farm Road Pond on 18 November 2010 and a single individual was seen here on 23 November 2011, a single individual was seen on Barger’s Quarry Pond for the CBC in 2005, and a single individual on the Pond’s quarry on 24 December 2010. Ruddy Ducks have been reported in 11 of 92 CBC’s with Ruddys seen five of the past ten years. Murray notes 23 records with most of the sightings in October and November with some individuals seen in April and December. Status: Locally common winter migrant/resident that should be seen in the county. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 December 2012. For additional photos: Ruddy Duck

Galliformes: Quail, Pheasant, Grouse, and Turkey (All photos: Quail, Pheasant, Grouse, and Turkey)

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder in the area with spotty distribution. Dates: Year-round resident Locations: Fields and fence rows in the county History: There has been a decrease in the quail population over the past 40 years. Formerly, quail were common along fence rows and edges of woods. The decline in numbers is likely associated with habitat destruction. There are only a few recent records, but Bobwhite’s are probably more common than these few records indicate. During the summer of 2010, a male Bobwhite was seen and frequently heard on the Kendall property. Overall, Bobwhite’s are more likely to be heard than seen. Bobwhites are a managed species by DGIF. There are a number of initiatives to increase population numbers or to re-introduce individuals to area within their former range. Hunting season is from early November through January. Bobwhites have been reported in 52 CBC’s but have only been recorded in six years since 1984. Murray considers them to be common and a permanent resident. Status: Uncommon permanent resident in the county and not expected to be seen.

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus):

Occurrence: Introduced species and local sightings probably represent escapees Dates: Year round Locations: BRP 1, BRP 2 History: There are two, recent reports along the Blue Ridge Parkway (2003 and 2009). There is one pheasant reported from the CBC in 1976. Murray notes that pheasants were introduced into the county about 1930. Status: Introduced and rare, and not expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 51, 8 June 2009. For additional photos: Ring-necked Pheasant

Ruffed Grouse (Bonsa umbellus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder and a managed game species Dates: Year-round resident Locations: Higher elevations within the county History: Grouse can be found in the wildlife management area at Goshen Pass and North Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. These birds can be found/flushed while hiking and are occasionally seen driving along the Parkway. Grouse hunting season is from late October to mid-February. Ruffed Grouse have been reported in 38 of 84 CBC. Ruffed Grouse have not been reported on the CBC since 2006. Murray considers grouse a permanent resident primarily of the rougher areas. Status: Common resident in the area and could be seen in the county. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 25 April 2008. For additional photos: Ruffed Grouse

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder of the county and a managed game species Dates: Year-round resident Locations: Throughout the county History: Turkeys can be found throughout the county with sightings ranging from roads just outside of Lexington to the Blue Ridge Parkway to the wildlife area at Goshen Pass and North Mountain. Turkey hunting season in the fall is from late October to early November and from early December to 1 January and in the spring from early April through mid- May. Turkeys have been noted in 36 of the 92 CBC with a high count of 44 in 2016 and have been reported every year since 1993. But, Turkeys were rarely reported on the CBC before the mid-1970’s. Murray reports turkeys as being common. Status: Common resident in the area and could be seen in the county. Photo: Near Lexington, 23 September 2012 For additional photos: Wild Turkey

Podicipediformes: Grebes (All photos: Grebes)

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps):

Occurrence: Common winter migrant during late fall, winter, and spring Dates: Earliest arrival – 1 October Departure – 24 April Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, Old Farm Rd pond, Barger’s Quarry, Maury River History: Pied-billed Grebes have been reported on Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, the Maury River along the Chessie Trail, Lake Merriweather, Barger’s Quarry pond, McCormick’s Farm, and Big Spring. In 2012 a breeding pair was present on Old Farm Road Pond (6th breeding record for the Mountains-Valley region of Virginia). The pair with four young were discovered on 16 June. One to two individuals remained on the pond through the fall. There are numerous recent records of Pied-billed Grebes on Willow Lake with individuals arriving as early as 16 October and being seen on the lake as late as 24 April. Their presence during the winter is affected by the lake freezing over, as it did during the winter of 2010-2011. Birds have been reported on 30 November 2003 and 23 December 2003 on Willow Lake, 23 February 2004 on the Maury River, March 2010 on Big Springs, and 26 December 2009 at Lake Robertson (8 individuals). Pied- billed Grebes have been reported in 32 of 84 CBC with a high count of 14 individuals seen in 1998. Murray reports individuals seen from 30 August through 18 May. Status: Uncommon during the winter and scarce when ponds and lakes freeze-over. Photo: upper photo: Willow Lake, 5 April 2011; lower photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 16 June 2012 For additional photos: Pied-billed Grebe

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: November into May Locations: Lake Merriweather, Willow Lake, Barger’s Quarry History: There are twelve recent records of Horned Grebes in the area. An individual was observed on 13 February and 11 March 2003 at Barger’s Quarry Pond and on 5 April 2005 on the James River near the AT Foot Bridge. An individual was present on Lake Merriweather on 11 February 2009, 18 March 2009, and on 30 March 2009. There are a number of reports of Horned Grebes on Willow Lake; 23 March 2009, 13 and 14 November 2009, 14 December 2010, one to four individuals were present from mid March through early April 2011, and an individual present between 7-9 May 2013. Horned Grebes have been reported in 11 of 84 CBC. Murray reports 13 records from 5 October through 1 May with individuals seen in the Maury River, Lexington Reservoir, Woods Creek, and Cameron’s and Womeldorf Pond. Status: Uncommon and not expected in the county. Photo: Upper photo, Willow Lake 9 May 2013; lower photo, Lake Merriweather, 19 March 2009 For additional photos: Horned Grebe

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: 18 March 2009 Location: Lake Merriweather, Maury River History: Only two individuals have been reported in the county. Alex Merritt one individual on Lake Merriweather on 18 March 2009. Mike Stinson located one on the Maury River near Buena Vista. Status: Rare and not be expected in the county. Photo: Lake Merriweather, 19 March 2009. For additional photos: Red-necked Grebe

Columbiformes: Pigeons and Doves (All photos: Pigeons, Doves, and Cuckoos)

Rock Pigeon (Columbia livia):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout Rockbridge County History: Year-round residents of the county and can be found in most areas except forests. Rock Pigeons have been reported every year on the CBC since 1974 excepting 2003. A high count of 657 individuals was recorded in 2005. Prior to 1974, it appears that they were not included rather than being absent from the county. Status: Abundant/common species in the area and should be seen Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 17 March 2011. For additional photos: Rock Pigeon White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

Occurrence: Accidental Date: 7 August 2015 Location: Near Brownsburg History: There is only one record of a White-winged Dove in the county. Jerry Jackson reported a White-winged Dove at his bird feeders on 7 August 2015. Status: Accidental and not expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Brownsburg, 7 August 2015 (photo courtesy of Jerry Jackson)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout Rockbridge County History: Common residents that are seen throughout the county. Mourning Doves are often found in medium to large flocks in the fall and winter. Mourning Doves have been reported in 81 of 92 CBC. Murray reports eggs found from late March until September. Mourning Doves are a game species with a three-part hunting season from early September to early January. Status: Abundant/common species in the area and should be seen. Photo: Willow Lake, 4 August 2009. For additional photos: Mourning Dove

Cuculiformes: Cuckoos (All photos: Pigeons, Doves, and Cuckoos)

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus):

Occurrence: Summer breeder Dates: 25 April through 21 October Location: Throughout Rockbridge County History: There are numerous recent records of Yellow-billed Cuckoos from the county with the earliest record of 29 April 2000 with most birds in the area by mid-May. The latest departure record is 18 September 2010. Cuckoos can be found in wooded areas of the county including Lexington, Goshen Pass, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Murray considers Yellow- billed Cuckoos to be common summer residents arriving about 25 April and departing about 21 October. Nests with eggs have been found from 13 May through 1 August. Status: Common summer breeder and could be seen in the county. Photo: Goshen Pass, 7 May 2011 For additional photos: Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalamus):

Occurrence: Summer breeder in the area Dates: May through September Location: Throughout Rockbridge County History: There are sporadic reports of Black-billed Cuckoos in the area. During the spring of 2013 one or two Black-billed Cuckoos were located at the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course by Wes Teets. Dick Rowe located one individual along Hyde Rd. near its intersection with RT 252. Individual birds were reported during 2012 in the Kerrs Creek area and at Sky Farm near Lexington. One individual was found near Old Farm Rd pond by Dick Rowe on 2 May 2017. Considered to be a summer resident but uncommon by Murray, he notes that they are found between 3 May and 23 September above 1500 feet. He reports nests in May near Lexington and Goshen Pass. Status: Uncommon summer breeder that could be seen. Photo: Hyde Rd, 26 May 2013 For additional photos: Black-billed Cuckoo

Caprimulgiformes: Nighthawks and Whip-poor-wills (All photos: Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, Swifts, and Hummingbirds)

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor):

Occurrence: Formerly a summer resident/breeder but now may only be a migrant Dates: Arrival 10 April through 18 May Locations: Rockbridge County History: Formerly, Nighthawks were considered to be summer residents and were commonly seen over the parade ground at VMI and Lexington. Currently, there is no evidence of breeding in the area, and Nighthawks are seen only during migration. The earliest arrival date is 10 April 1996. Murray notes arrivals between 23 April and 18 May and nests located in June and July. Status: Uncommon migrant and seen during migration

Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferous):

Occurrence: Summer residents/breeders Dates: Early arrival date of 22 March 1948 with birds seen and heard through July Locations: Rockbridge County, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: There are several recent records from the county: 17 April 2009, 18 April to 10 May 2009 near Rockbridge Baths, 20 April to 4 May 2010 near Rockbridge Baths, 28 April 2007, 2 May 2007, and 18 July 2006. Paul Moosman located a nest with two eggs on 16 June 2011 in the Kerrs Creek area. Whip-poor-wills can be seen early morning (pre-dawn) in certain areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway in June. Murray notes that Whip-poor-wills are locally common and notes an early arrival date of 22 March 1948. Formerly, Whip-poor-wills were wide-spread throughout the county, but recently they are only heard or seen in the forested areas especially along North Mountain and Goshen Pass. Status: Locally uncommon summer resident and breeder and could be found in the area Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 27June 2011 For additional photos: Whip-poor-will

Apodiformes: Swifts and Hummingbirds (All photos: Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, Swifts, and Hummingbirds )

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Arrival (5 April 1952 and 17 April 2004) and departure (10 October 2010 and 24 October Location: Rockbridge County History: Chimney Swifts are common in the area. They can be seen on a regular basis beginning in the third week of April (the earliest arrival date is 17 April 2004) until early October (late date of 9 October 2010). Swifts are seen throughout the area with individuals being observed at the top of Apple Orchard Mountain (4000 feet) down to the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway (670 feet). Murray reports arrival dates for Swifts ranging from 5 April (1952) to 17 April and nest building beginning in May. Murray reports that swifts have been seen as late as 24 October. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Old Farm Rd pond, 10 September 2011 For additional photos: Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early arrival date of 19 April in 1957 and 2005 and late departure date of 2 October 2006 and 12 November 1956. Locations: Rockbridge County History: Hummingbirds can be found throughout the area. Individuals have been seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a nest found at Yankee Horse Ridge pull-off (26 May 2009), in Lexington, Goshen Pass, Willow Lake, and farms in the area. These birds arrive in late April to early May with individuals regularly reported during the third week of April. During September of 2010, a large number (10+) of hummingbirds cab be seen along Marl Creek at McCormick’s Farm. Murray. The earliest arrival date of 19 April (1957 and 2005) and Murray reports a departure date of 28 September (1950) and I have seen a hummingbird on 2 October (2006). He observed one individual on 12 November 1956. Murray reports that nests were found in May in the area. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 11 September 2010. For additional photos: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus):

Occurrence: Accidental migrant Dates: 25 September 2011 Location: Near Lexington History: A single individual was present at a hummingbird feeder near Lexington for one day during September, 2011. Melinda Robinson photographed the bird, and the photographs provided sufficient detail on tail feather morphology to conclude it was a Rufous Hummingbird (reference: Peter Pyle, Identification Guide to North American Birds, 1997, Slate Creek Press, Bolinas CA.). During the fall of 2012, a female Rufous Hummingbird was present at Betty Besal’s house in the county from 15 October through 15 November. In addition another individual was seen near Lexington at Kerry Hill Farm. Status: Rare and not expected in the county. Photo: Left photo, Jacob’s Ladder Rd, 25 September 2011 by Melinda Robinson; Right photo, Shake Rag Rd, 9 November 2013. Additional photos: Rufous Hummingbird

Gruiformes: Rails, Gallinules, Moorhens, and Coots (All photos: Rails, Gallinules, Coots, and Cranes)

Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis):

Occurrence: There have been no recent sightings Dates: Murray reports two sightings, one in 1937 and one in 1954. He considers Yellow Rails to be rare in the area. Location: Lexington area History: Both reports were from wet/marshy areas near Lexington Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans):

Occurrence: There have been no recent sightings Dates: 9 November Location: Rockbridge County History: Murray reports finding a dead Clapper Rail on 9 November 1928. There is no indication that this species normally occurs in the area, and Murray suspected that the bird may have been shot along the coast and disposed of in the county. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

King Rail (Rallus elegans):

Occurrence: There have been no recent sightings Dates: 15 May Location: southern Rockbridge County History: Murray reports one sighting on 15 May 1940 on South Buffalo Creek. A second, unconfirmed sighting was reported from Big Spring in August of 1929. There have been no recent sightings. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola):

Occurrence: There are two reports of a Virginia Rail in the county (1932 and 1953). Dates: 26 September and 17 November Location: Big Spring, James River in Glasgow History: Murray reports seeing a Virginia Rail at Big Spring on 26 September 1932. Bob Paxton found a Virginia Rail in Glasgow on 17 November 1953. There have been no recent sightings. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Sora (Porzana carolina):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: 13 April to 27 May and 12 August to 5 November Locations: Cameron’s Pond, Big Spring, James River in Glasgow, Old Farm Rd pond History: A juvenile Sora was located at Old Farm Road Rd pond 14 August 2011 by Lucy Rowe, Dick Rowe, and Kerry Kilday. On 1 September 2012, an adult Sora was located at Old Farm Rd. pond by Dick Rowe. Murray reports that Soras were common in the spring (13 April to 27 May) and fall (29 August to 5 November) between 1928 to 1932 on Cameron’s Pond. Between 1932 and 1948 he notes that it was less common at Cameron’s Pond. Soras were also seen at Big Spring until 1932. Bob Paxton reported a sighting on 17 November 1953 in Glasgow. The draining of Cameron’s Pond undoubtedly has had an impact on the movement of Soras through the area. Status: Uncommon and not expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 1 September 2012. For additional photos: Sora

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus):

Occurrence: One sighting in 1940. Dates: 16 May 1940 Location: Southern Rockbridge County History: Murray reports one sighting on South Buffalo Creek on 16 May 1940. There have been no recent sightings. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata):

Occurrence: There are three reports from the late 1920’s and early 1930’s and one report in August 2016.

Dates: April and May Locations: Big Spring, Lexington, Willow Lake History: Murray reports three records; 1 May 1927 near Lexington, 19-25 April 1929 at Big Spring, 3 May 1932 at Big Spring. Dick Rowe located a Common Gallinule at Willow Lake on 25 August 2016. The Gallinule remained at Willow Lake for several days. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 25 August 2016 For additional photos: Common Gallinule

American Coot (Fulica americana):

Occurrence: Migrant and frequently seen in the winter Dates: October (earliest sighting 22 October at Willow Lake) through March (latest sighting 27 March at Willow Lake) Locations: Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, Old Farm Rd pond, Barger Quarry pond, the Ponds History: There are numerous sightings of Coots in the county (Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, and Barger Quarry Pond) with 22 October 2006 as the earliest fall date and 27 March 2005 as the latest spring date. A flock of 20+ Coots has been reported on Willow Lake during the winters of 2003-04, 2004-05, and in 2006. On 1 November 2009 a group of 15 Coots was seen at Willow Lake. Single individuals were reported during the late fall of 2010 on Big Spring, Pond’s quarry, and Willow Lake. November seems to be the most common month to see Coots, especially at Willow Lake. Twenty reports of Coots are listed in the CBC with most of the reports from the early and mid-1980s, but Coots have been reported on seven of the past ten CBC. Murray considers Coots to be transients and seen in the spring between 20 March and 15 May and in the fall between 23 September and 13 December. Status: Fall and spring migrant and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 21 April 2012. For additional photos: American Coot

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis):

Occurrence: There is a single, confirmed record of a Sandhill Crane in the county Dates: 5 September 2012 Locations: Old Farm Road pond History: On 5 September 2012 Dick Rowe located a single Sandhill Crane at Old Farm Rd. Pond. The crane was mixed in with a group of Canada Geese. The bird remained at the pond for approximately 10 minutes. The crane represents a county record. A report was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. Status: Rare migrant and not expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 5 September 2012 Additional photos: Sandhill Crane

Charadriiformes: Plovers, Killdeer, Sandpipers, Snipe, Woodcock, Phalaropes, Gulls, and Terns (All photos: Plovers, Killdeer, Sandpipers, Snipe, Woodcocks, Phalaropes, Gulls, and Terns)

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant Dates: 6 May 1967 and 12 – 16 September 2012, 15 October 2014 Location: Ponds Housing Development (former Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Road Pond History: Joshua Womeldorf located six Avocets on his farm on 6 May 1967. The identification was verified by JJ Murray. A report of this sighting was published in the Raven (v: 38:36). On 12 September 2012, Dick Rowe located an Avocet on a pond at the Ponds housing development (the former Womeldorf Farm). The bird remained in the area until 22 September 2012. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. John Pancake located an Avocet at Old Farm Rd pond on 15 October 2014. The bird was only seen on the 15th. Status: Rare migrant and not expected in the area. Photo: Ponds housing development, 12 September 2012 For additional photos: American Avocet

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola):

Occurrence: Transient during migration, but there have been no recent sightings Dates: May and August through September Locations: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm) History: There are four sightings near Lexington with three of the sightings at the pond at Womeldorf farm (18 August 1955, 28 August 1949, and 7 September 1953). The sighting in 1949 was associated with a costal hurricane that may have affected the migration of these birds. The other sighting was from north of Lexington on 25 May 1935. Status: Accidental and should not be expected to be seen in the area.

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: May and August and September Locations: Old Farm Rd Pond, Cameron’s Pond and Womeldorf Farm History: Two individuals were located on Old Farm Road pond on 27 August 2011 by Dick Rowe. The birds were not present the next day, suggesting that they were passing through during migration. On 26-27 August 2012, an individual was located at Old Farm Rd. pond. On 7 May 2013 and individual was located at the Ponds Housing development. Murray reports Semipalmated Plovers as transients that are seen between 2 to 27 May and 6 August to 23 September. He notes that most of the records were from Cameron’s Pond, but a flock of 25+ was seen on 20 May 1954 on Womeldorf Pond. Status: Rare migrant and not be expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 27 August 2011 For additional photos: Semipalmated Plover

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident Dates: Throughout the year with higher population numbers during the spring and summer Locations: Throughout the county History: Killdeer are permanent residents of the county with individuals seen all year. There are numerous recent records of Killdeer in the area. Many of the sightings are in March and April and may represent migrants passing through the area. Killdeer are commonly seen around Willow Lake. Killdeer have been noted in 67 of 85 CBC with as many as 42 individuals seen in 1979. Murray reports several nests of Killdeer in the county. Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 19 March 2009. For additional photos: Killdeer

Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda):

Occurrence: Transient and potential breeder, but there have been no recent sightings. Dates: 22 March through 18 October Location: Rockbridge County History: Murray reports that Upland Plovers are fairly common as transients and uncommon as summer residents. He notes their presence from 22 March through 18 October and that nests with you were located in 1930 (3 June) and 1935 (27 May). Status: Rare and not expected in the area.

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa):

Occurrence: One county record Dates: 29-30 July 2014 Locations: Willow Lake History: Dick Rowe located a Marbled Godwit at Willow Lake on 29 July 2014. The bird was seen by several other individuals and remained at Willow Lake for two days. Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the area Photo: Willow Lake, 29 July 2014 For additional photos: Marbled Godwit

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres):

Occurrence: Two records for the county. Dates: 28 August 1949 and 20 May 1954 Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm) History: Murray notes two records (28 August 1949 and 20 May 1954) from Womeldorf Pond. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus):

Occurrence: Transient during fall migration. Dates: September through mid-October Location: LEX (Cameron’s Pond), McCormick’s Farm History: There are only three records for Stilt Sandpipers in the area. Dick Rowe located a Stilt Sandpiper on the back pond at McCormick’s Farm on 1 September 2012. (As a note, the back pond at McCormick’s Farm is not in Rockbridge County, but it is in Augusta Co. The county line passes through the front pond at McCormick’s Farm.) Murray reports two records from Cameron’s Pond, 13 October 1947 and 22-30 September 1949. Status: Rare and not expected in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 1 September 2012 For additional photos: Stilt Sandpiper

Sanderling (Calidris alba):

Occurrence: One record from 1950 and one record from 2011. Dates: 20 August 1950 and 12 August 2011 Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Rd pond History: A single Sanderling was located by Dick Rowe on Old Farm Rd. pond on 12 August 2011. The bird was not located the following day. Murray reports one Sanderling at Womeldorf Pond on 20 August 1950. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 12 August 2011 For additional photos: Sanderling

Dunlin (Calidris alpina):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration. Dates: 21 and 29 May and 22- 27 September and 30 October, 2-10 November Location: RC History: Dick Rowe located a Dunlin at Old Farm Rd pond on 2 November 2013. The bird remained at the pond for eight days. Murray reports four records: 29 May 1950, 21 May 1954, 22-27 September 1952, and 30 October 1957. Status: Rare and not expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 2 November 2013 For additional photos: Dunlin

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration Dates: April through mid-June and August through mid- October Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Ponds Housing development History: Several individuals were spotted on the pond on Old Farm Rd. on 5 September 2010 and were present until 30 September 2010. In 2011, three individuals were located on OFRP on 12 August. Individuals were located during the fall of 2012 at Old Farm Rd pond and in the spring of 2013 at the Ponds Housing development, Old Farm Rd. pond, and at Henry Hills subdivision. Murray reports that Least Sandpipers are common transients occurring between 2 April and 13 June and 8 August to 10 October. He provides no specific dates or locations. Status: Common migrants and should be seen during migration periods. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 12 August 2011 For additional photos: Least Sandpiper

White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration, but there have been no recent sightings. Dates: 21 and 31 May 30 and 30 September to 1 October 1940 and 5-6 November 1953 Locations: LEX, BS History: Murray considers White-rumped Sandpipers to be transients through the area. He reports seven spring records occurring between 21 and 31 May. In addition, he reports two fall records: 30 September to 1 October 1940 near Lexington and 5-6 November 1953 at Big Spring. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: 3 to 8 April 1931 and 26 May 1950 and 2 September 2006 Locations: OFRP, BS History: There have been several recent sightings. One individual was seen 2 September 2006 at Big Spring and there have been several sightings on Old Farm Rd Pond between 14 September and 18 September 2010 and 5 September 2012. Murray reports two spring records: 3 to 8 April 1931 and 26 May 1950. He considers them to be uncommon in the fall with an occurrence between 23 July and 12 November. Status: Uncommon migrant but should be found during migration. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 5 September 2012. For additional photos: Pectoral Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration Dates: May and August through September Location: Old Farm Rd pond, Ponds Housing development History: There three recent records of Semipalmated Sandpipers in the county. Two records are from the Old Farm Road Pond. Alex Merritt found an individual on 15 September 2010, and Dick Rowe found an individual on 3 September 2011. For both sightings, the bird only remained in the area for one day. On 19 May 2013 a single individual was located at the Ponds Housing development by Dick Rowe. Murray reports that Semipalmated Sandpipers are fairly common transients in the spring occurring between 3 and 31 May and that they are uncommon in the fall occurring between 8 August and 22 September. Status: Transient and only expected during migration. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 3 September 2011. For additional photos: Semipalmated Sandpiper

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri):

Occurrence: One record from 1951 and one, probable record from 2012 Dates: 9 July 1951 and 25 August 2012 Location: LEX (Cameron’s Pond), OFRP History: Barry Kinzie, John Pancake, Mike Stinson, and Kent Davis located a single Western Sandpiper at Old Farm Rd pond on 25 August 2012. Murray reports one record from Cameron’s Pond on 9 July 1951. Status: Rare migrant and not expected in the area.

Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: 20 May and 17 September Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Road Pond History: On 11 May 2014, Dick Rowe located a Short-billed Dowitcher at Old Farm Rd. Pond. The bird was only seen on the 11th of May. Murray reports two records from Womeldorf Pond, 20 May 1954 and 17 September 1957. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 11 May 2014 For additional photos: Short-billed Dowitcher

American Woodcock (Scolopax minor):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and summer migration and breed in the area. Dates: Mid-March to mid-April and November through December Locations: Rockbridge County History: There are a number recent records for the area. The earliest record for the county is 3 March 2010 and an additional early record is from the Pedlar Reservoir nearby in Amherst County on 12 March 2000. An individual was seen on Apple Orchard Mountain on 20 May 2006. Alex Merritt reports a number of sightings in March and April of 2009 and 2010 from a farm near Rockbridge Baths. He reports display flights from this location. The latest record (excluding the CBC) is 14 November (2005). Peenting grounds have been reported along Borden Grant Rd and Fredricksburg Rd. Woodcocks have only been reported 8 of 84 years on the CBC. Murray considers Woodcocks transients and notes that they have been seen in every month excepting October, January, and February. The wide-spread occurrence of Woodcocks suggests that they may breed in the area. There are reports of peenting grounds and breeding in nearby counties. Status: Uncommon species seen mainly during spring migration and not expected to be seen in the area but can be heard and seen during courtship.

Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata):

Occurrence: Migrant and occasional winter resident Dates: September through May Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Rockbridge County, Kerrs Creek, Lexington History: There have been a number of recent records for Snipe on 29 April 2000 and 29 May 1996 from the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, on 19 March 2007 near Rockbridge Baths, on 9 April 2010 at Willow Lake and at Big Spring, on 26 September 2010 on Old Farm Road Pond, and on 8 March 2010 and 18 December 2010 near Brownsburg. In addition, Snipe have been observed on the CBC 61 of the 92 years. Murray notes Snipe are seen in the spring between 20 February and 14 May and in the fall and winter from 9 September through January. Status: Uncommon winter species and migrant that could be seen in the area. Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 14 January 2011. For additional photos: Wilson's Snipe

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant with previous records of breeding in the area. Dates: April and May and August and September Locations: South River, Old Farm Rd pond, Big Springs, Locher Tract, Willow Lake, History: There are a number of recent records: 11 April 2001, 26 April 2007, 24 April 2010, 24 April 2011, 25 April 2008, 28 April 2010, 5 May 2010, 10 May 2010, 12 May 2009, 13 May 2009, 16 May 2009, 17 May 2003, 30 July 2009, 12 August 2006, 21 August 2011, 8 September 2009, 17 September 2009, and 13 November 2009 of Spotted Sandpipers in the area. Murray reports that Spotted Sandpipers are a common, summer resident with sightings between 16 April and 24 September. He notes that downy young were found in May. There are no recent records of breeding in the area. Status: Seen during migration especially in the fall. Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 17 April 2011. For additional photos: Spotted Sandpiper

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant Dates: Late March through May and July and September Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Old Farm Rd pond. Locher Tract, South River History: Solitary Sandpipers are seen nearly every year. They are commonly seen at Old Farm Rd pond and McCormick’s Farm during migration. Two individuals were seen at McCormick’s Farm on 30 July 2006 and one individual on 22 August 2009. A single individual was seen along South River near the confluence with the Maury River on 28 April 2010. Two individuals were seen on 24 April 2011 with one at Willow Lake and the other along the South River near the Chessie Trail. A group of six individuals were present on the Old Farm Rd. Pond in from 10 September to 18 September 2010. Murray considered Solitary Sandpipers to be very common in the spring occurring between 29 March and 28 May. He reports two sightings in July (6 July and 9 July 1951). Status: Common migrant and should be seen during migration Photo: Old Farm Pond, 18 April 2015. For additional photos: Solitary Sandpiper

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes):

Occurrence: Migrants through the area Dates: Late March through late May and July through November Locations: Old Farm Rd Pond, Willow Lake History: There are several, recent records for Lesser Yellowlegs, and most are from Old Farm Road pond. A Lesser Yellowlegs was located by Dick Rowe on 19 August 2011 and on 17 August 2013, and Alex Merritt Located one on 26 September 2010. Lesser Yellowlegs were considered by Murray to be common transients in the spring between 27 March to 23 May but uncommon in the fall occurring between 21 July to 14 November. Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen in the area. Photo: Old Farm Road pond, 17 August 2013 For additional photos: Lesser Yellowlegs

Willet (Tringa semipalmata):

Occurrence: Single county record Dates: 9 August 2014 Locations: Old Farm Rd pond History: Dick Rowe located a Willet at Old Farm Road pond on 9 August 2014. The Willet remained at the pond for approximately 30 minutes and then flew. The record was submitted to and accepted by VARCOM as a category 1 record. Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the area Photo: Old Farm Rd pond, 9 August 2014 For additional photos: Willet

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca):

Occurrence: Migrants through the area Dates: March through June and late August through late November Locations: Willow Lake, Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Rd pond History: There are three recent sightings on 12 and 13 November 2009 by Alex Merritt at Willow Lake (probably the same bird). This is the same time frame that a large number of unusual ducks were forced down onto Willow Lake by a passing hurricane. Also, one individual was located at the Old Farm Road Pond on 13 September 2010, and one individual was found on 11 April 2011 by Dick and Lucy Rowe. One individual was present at Willow Lake for several days during November of 2013. Murray reports that Greater Yellowlegs are uncommon transients occurring in the area between 28 March to 1 June and between 28 August and 18 November. He notes that a flock of about 75 birds was present on Womeldorf Pond on 17 September 1957. Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 November 2013. For additional photos: Greater Yellowlegs

Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and there is one recent Dates: 30 September and 1 October, 8 May 2013 Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond and Womeldorf Farm), Henry Hills subdivision History: Murray reports two records from the area. An individual was seen at Cameron’s Pond on 30 September 1940 and one at Womeldorf Pond on 1 October 1957. On 8 May 2013, Dick Rowe located an individual at a pond next to the Henry Hills subdivision. Between 6 and 9 May of 2013 there was a spectacular fall-out of phalaropes around the State. The fall-out was due to a major low pressure system off the East coast. This weather system brought a number of unusual birds to the Shenandoah Valley (see Caspian Tern and Cattle Egret) Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Henry Hills subdivision, 8 May 2013 For additional photos: Red Phalarope

Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration. Dates: Late March through April and October through early December. Locations: Willow Lake History: There have been a number of recent sightings of 10-12 individuals at Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, two individuals at Willow Lake on 13 December 2010, four individuals at Willow Lake on 1 April 2011, nine individuals at Willow Lake on 5 April 2011, a single adult on 24 April 2011, a single adult on 4 November 2012, and a single adult on 21 April 2015. Bonaparte’s Gulls have been reported once (1978) on the CBC when a flock of 15 was sighted. Murray reports 11 spring records between 28 March and 29 April, 2 fall records between 8 – 31 October 1951, and 2 winter records on 4 December 1955 and 8 January 1932. Status: Uncommon migrant and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 21 April 2015 For additional photos: Bonaparte’s Gull

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla):

Occurrence: Transient and there are no recent sightings Dates: 11 March Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm) History: Murray reports one record on 11 March 1952 on Womeldorf Pond. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis):

Occurrence: Transient that could be seen anytime of the year but most commonly seen during the spring Dates: March through April and late September to November. Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather, Barger’s Quarry History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Ring-billed Gulls in the area. A flock of 32 gulls was seen at Lake Merriweather on 26 December 2011 during the CBC. Individuals were seen at Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, a flock of about 60 individuals was observed on 6 December 2008, a single individual on 2 November 2009, a flock of 15 on 12 November 2009, a single individual on 9 December 2009, a single individual on 18 November 2010, 8 individuals on 7 December 2010, and a large flock of 139 individuals on 13 December 2010. A flock of about 20 individuals flying over Lexington on 12 March 2005, two individuals at Barger’s Quarry Pond on 30 March 2004, two individuals were seen at Big Spring on 29 March 2010, and three individuals were seen in the Wal-Mart parking lot on 18 April 2010. On 28 February 2016, Dick Rowe located a very large group of Ring-bills along RT 501 near Balcony Downs just north of Glasgow. There were approximately 1,500 gulls in the field. Ring-billed Gulls have been reported on 10 of 84 CBC with a flock of 57 observed in 2001. Murray notes that Ring-billed Gulls are fairly common in the spring occurring between 1 February to 6 June with a flock of 11 individuals seen at VMI on 4 April 1954, and uncommon in the fall occurring between 24 September to 1 November. He reports one winter record on 6 December 1937. Status: Uncommon transient and could be seen in the area. Photo: Upper photograph – Big Spring, 29 March 2010; lower photograph – Willow Lake, 6 December 2008. For additional photos: Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration and as wandering individuals. Dates: March and December Locations: Willow Lake, Rockbridge County History: There is one recent report of a Herring Gull at Willow Lake. Dick Rowe found an immature individual on 3 November 2012. An immature Herring Gull was seen on 4 November and is likely the same individual. There is one report on the CBC (1976). Murray notes only five records of Herring Gulls: 1 February, 4 March, and 19 March 1951; 18 March 1955; and 14 December 1956. Status: Accidental transient and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 3 November 2012 For additional photos: Herring Gull

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia):

Occurrence: Accidental with two records in the area (1947 and 2013). Dates: 13 October 1947 and 8 May 2013 Location: LEX (Womeldorf Farm), WL History: Murray reports one record on 13 October 1947 at Womeldorf Pond. He notes that the bird was in poor health. On 8 May 2013 Dick Rowe located a Caspian Tern at Willow Lake. The tern was seen flying and feeding over the lake. The presence of the Caspian Tern coincided with a large low pressure system off the East coast that brought a number of unusual species to the area. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 8 May 2013 For additional photos: Caspian Tern

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger):

Occurrence: Accidental during spring and fall migration. Dates: 10-26 May and 23 July to 6 October Location: Willow Lake, Rockbridge County History: Murray reports that Black Terns are transients and uncommon in the area. He has 13 records occurring between 10 – 26 May and 23 July to 6 October. On 8 May 2013, Fenton Day located at Black Tern at Willow Lake. The Black Tern was brought in by a large low-pressure system off the East coast of Virginia. On 6 May 2017, Kerry Kilday found a Black Tern at Willow Lake. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 6 May 2017 (courtesy of Kerry Kilday)

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo):

Occurrence: Transient during migration. Dates: 20 May 1952 and 11 June 1955, 16 and 18 October 2009, 9 October 2016 Location: Willow Lake, Womeldorf Farm History: Alex Merritt reported two individuals at Willow Lake on 16 October 2010 and one individual at Willow Lake on 18 October 2010. Dick Rowe located a Common Tern at Willow Lake on 9 October 2016. Murray reports two confirmed records on 11 June 1955 at Womeldorf Pond and on 20 May 1952 near Lexington. Status: Rare and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 October 2016 Additional photos: Common Tern

Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Date: 16 – 24 April 2011, 18 October 2009 and 8 September 2010 Location: Willow Lake, Locher Tract History: Alex Merritt found one individual at Willow Lake on 18 October 2009 and one individual on a pond on R.E. Lee road (near Locher Tract) on 8 September 2010. An individual was seen at Willow Lake on several occasions between 16 April and 24 April 2011. A single individual was seen at Willow Lake on 30 October 2012. Two Forster’s Terns were present at Willow Lake on 8 April 2014. Status: Uncommon and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 8 April 2014 For additional photos: Forster’s Tern

Gaviiformes: Loons (All photos: Loons)

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration Dates: 12 November 2009 Location: Willow Lake History: There is only one, confirmed record of a Red- throated Loon in Rockbridge County. Alex Merritt found this individual at Willow Lake. The bird was subsequently photographed by Lucy Rowe. The loon arrived following a strong low pressure system that moved through the area. This system brought in a number of unusual species to Willow Lake. Status: Rare and not expected in the county Photo: Red-throated Loon (left) with Common Loon (right) at Willow Lake, 12 Nov 2009. For additional photos: Red-throated Loon

Common Loon (Gavia immer):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration Dates: November through May Locations: Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather, Maury River History: There have been several recent sightings of loons in the area. On 7-8 May 2013, up to six Common Loons were present on Willow Lake. These loons were part of a fall-out of birds associated with a large, low-pressure system off the East Coast. Dick Rowe saw one individual on the James River near the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge on 31 March 2001 and Kieran Kilday saw one on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway on 17 April 2009. John Burleson sighted a loon on Big Spring Pond on 17 April 2007. Single individuals have been seen at Willow Lake by Dick Rowe on 22 May 2009, on 29 October 2011, and on 22 December 2011. A single bird was seen along the James River near the Locher Tract on 10 April 2011. Alex Merritt reported a flock of 24 individuals on Willow Lake on 12 November 2009 and nine individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 13 November 2009 by Lucy Rowe. Alex Merritt reported a single bird at Lake Robertson on 7 November 2010. These birds were associated with the passing of the remnants of tropical storm Ida through the area. One Common Loon was reported during CBC count week in 1933. Murray notes five records: on the Maury River in 1890, 8 May 1921, and 1923; and Woods Creek on 13 December 1932 and 7 January 1937. Status: Rare and should not be expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Willow Lake, 8 May 2013. For additional photos: Common Loon Ciconiiformes: Storks

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana): Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 25 July 1979 to 29 August 1979 Location: Kerrs Creek History: A flock of seven to 19 birds was spotted on Kerr’s Creek from late July through late August of 1979. A photograph showing 2 storks taken by Nell Bolen was published in the 8 August 1979 edition of the Lexington News-Gazette. Status: Accidental and not expected.

Suliformes: Cormorants (All photos: Cormorants)

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus):

Occurrence: Spring and fall transient on lakes and the Maury River but does not breed in the area. Dates: Earliest arrival – 16 March 2011 Latest departure – 26 December 2008 Locations: Willow Lake, Maury River, Lake Merriweather, James River, Big Sping History: Cormorants can be seen along the James River (commonly seen along the James River from AT Foot Bridge to the Blue Ridge Parkway), portions of the Maury River, Willow Lake, Lake Merriweather, and Big Springs. The earliest record is 16 March 2011 with four individuals located on the Maury River south of Buena Vista. On 20 March 2011, 11 individuals were seen in the same location. Individuals are regularly seen from the last week of March until the fall with one late sighting of 12 November (2005). One individual was reported in 2001 and 2008 for CBC. Murray reports two individuals in 1924 and 1939 in Lexington. Status: Common on the James River but less common on lakes and rivers in the county. Photo: Willow Lake, 19 September 2008. For additional photos: Double-crested Cormorant

Pelicaniformes: Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, and Ibis (For all photos: Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, and Ibis)

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: 8 April 2002, mid-April through mid-May and November Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway at the James River, Popular Hill area of the County History: One individual was seen on 8 April 2002 along the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway. From mid-April to mid-May 2003 an individual was in the Poplar Hill area near Lexington. Murray reports eight records in late March through mid-May, 4 November 1937 and 2 December 1954. One individual was reported in 1987 on the CBC Status: Rare and not expected in the county.

Least Bittern ( Ixobrychus exilis):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: 16 May 2011 and 4 – 6 September 1948 Locations: Locher Tract and Cameron’s Pond, which no longer exists. History: There are only two confirmed reports in the area. Kieran Kilday located a Least Bittern at Locher Tract on 16 May 2011, and Murray reports one individual present from 4 to 6 September in 1948 on Cameron’s Pond. Status: Rare and not expected in the area.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident in the area. Nesting rare. Dates: Year-round Locations: Along creeks, rivers, and ponds throughout the County History: Great Blue Herons are reported year-round in the area. They are seen along many of the creeks, rivers, and ponds in the area (reports from Woods Creek, the Maury River along the Chessie Trail, McCormick’s Farm, Goshen Pass and the James River). In 2002, Paul Cabe located the first recorded nest along South River near Nature Camp. The nesting tree appears to have been up-rooted by a flood. Great Blue Herons have been reported in 63 of 92 CBC and seen every year since 1979. Murray reports individuals seen throughout the year but no breeding records. Status: Common and should be seen Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 24 July 2011. For additional photos: Great Blue Heron Great Egret (Ardea alba):

Occurrence: Summer resident and transient Dates: May through October Locations: Willow Lake, South River, ponds scattered throughout the County History: One individual seen flying along the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway on 4 May 2002 and two individuals were seen along the James River in 2006 (8 July at the James River and Blue Ridge Parkway and 6 August near the AT Foot Bridge). One individual was seen at Willow Lake 14 June 2008, another individual was reported on South River near the Maury on 25 July 2009, and a third individual was reported along Buffalo Creek on 2 October 2006. There is no record of Great Egrets nesting in the county and many of the sightings may represent post-nesting dispersal into our area. Status: Unusual but may be seen along creeks and rivers or lakes during the summer. Photo: South River near confluence with the Maury River, 25 July 2009. For additional photos: Great Egret

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: June through September Locations: Cameron’s Pond, which no longer exists History: Murray reports that Little Blue Herons are “fairly common” in the area. Individuals are reported from 17 June to 8 September, and a flock of 20 was noted. Bob Paxton reports that most of the Little Blue Herons seen in the area are likely to be juveniles that are moving away from summer nesting areas before migrating south for the winter. There have been no recent records for the area. Status: Rare with no reports since 1992. Not expected in the area.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis):

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 7-8 May Location: Buena Vista area, Willow Lake History: A single Cattle Egret was located in the Wheatlan subdivision outside of Buena Vista by Anne and John Alerding. The bird was part of the fallout of birds in the area due to a strong low pressure system off the East coast. The bird remained in the area for 2 days. Paul Cabe located a single Cattle Egret at Willow Lake on 27 April 2017. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area Photo: Wheatlan subdivision, 7 May 2013 For additional photos: Cattle Egret Green Heron (Butorides virescens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Earliest arrival – 12 April Latest Departure – 2 October Mid April through July Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County along creeks, rivers, and ponds History: Green Herons are seen locally along creeks and rivers as well as ponds and lakes. The earliest record is 12 April 2004, and individuals are seen commonly beginning in the first week of May. Individuals are reported throughout the summer and into August, September, and October (2 October 2006). One individual was reported for the 1971 CBC. Murray reports individuals seen from March through October. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 19 July 2009. For additional photos: Green Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: Early April through mid-May and August - September Location: Willow and Old Farm Rd pond History: There are four recent records for the county. All records are for juveniles found with three at Willow Lake and one located at Old Farm Rd pond. One individual was located on 12 September 2010, another individual was present from 1 Aug 2011 until 14 August 2011. The third record is for a single individual present at Willow Lake on 12 and September 2012. A single individual was located at Old Farm Rd pond during September 2017. Murray reports eight records from five different locations in the area, but no specific dates or location were provided. One was reported in 1984 on the CBC. Status: Rare and not expected in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 1 Aug 2011. For additional photos: Black-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: May through August Location: South River and Willow Lake History: An adult was present along South River from mid-August through mid-September, 2010. An adult was seen in the same area on 23 July of 2011 and again in late July and early August of 2012. An immature Yellow-crown Night Heron was present at Willow Lake between 3 and 10 August 2013. Two sightings were reported by Murray. One individual on 26 July 1950 near Lexington and one by Robert Paxton and Royster Lyle on 3 May 1953 on Cameron’s Pond. Status: Rare and not expected in the area. Photo: South River, 1 August 2012. For additional photos: Yellow-crowned Night Heron

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus):

Occurrence: Transient Dates: 13 – 26 July, 2011 Location: South River and Buffalo Creek History: A single juvenile was located on Buffalo Creek on 13 July 2011. The individual remained in the area for two days. This bird represents the first record of White Ibises in the county. On 21 July 2011, three juveniles were located on South River near the Maury River. The individuals were present through 26 July 2011. Reports were submitted to VARCOM on both sightings and were accepted as confirmed records. A single individual was reported at a private pond during 2017. It should be noted that White Ibis were reported in some of the surrounding counties during the late summer of 2011. Status: Transient and not expected Photo: South River, 26 July 2011 For additional photos: White Ibis

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus):

Occurrence: Accidental, three County Records Dates: late 1970s, August and April 2014 and 2016 Location: Lexington and Mackey’s Pond near Fairfield History: A small group of Glossy Ibis’ was found in a temporary pond along RT 39 across from the current Virginia Horse Center. A single Glossy Ibis was located by Laura Neale at Mackey’s Pond on 10 August 2014 and a pair of birds was located at the pond by Laura on 24 April 2016. Status: Accidental and not expected. Photo: Mackey’s Pond, 24 April 2016 For additional photos: Glossy Ibis

Cathartiformes: Vultures (For all photos: Vultures, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident of the county Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Individuals can be seen throughout the county. There are several large groupings with one near/in Lexington and one near Glasgow. Murray considered Black Vultures to be common and year-round residents. They have been reported in 78 of 92 CBC. Status: Stable and large population and should be seen. Photo: Kendal, 26 December 2008. For additional photos: Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident of the county. Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Individuals are seen throughout the year in the county and have been reported in 90 of 92 CBC. There is a large roost near/in Lexington. Murray considered Turkey Vultures to be year-round residents Status: Stable and large population and should be seen on a regular basis. Photos: Near Vesuvius, 22 December 2008. For additional photos: Turkey Vulture

Accipitriformes: Kites, Eagles, and Hawks (For all photos: Vultures, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks )

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration along rivers and creeks and larger ponds Dates: April and May and September through October Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Maury River, South River, Buffalo Creek, Kerrs Creek History: Osprey are reported along the rivers and large creeks in the county and on the larger ponds/lakes during the spring and again in the fall. In the spring they are seen from the first week in April through mid-May (eleven records between 4 April (2002) and 12 May (2003)). In the fall Osprey are seen from the end of August through December (eight records between 31 August (2006) and 20 December (1998)). Most of these sightings are along the Maury River near or in Goshen Pass or Alone Mill and along Kerr’s Creek and Buffalo Creek. In addition, individuals have been reported at Willow Lake and McCormick’s Farm and there is one record is from the South River near Nature Camp. There is one, unusual summer record of an Osprey on the Maury River at the Ben Salem Wayside on 30 July 2009. There are no records of Osprey on the CBC during the 92 years of counting. Murray reports 14 fall records ranging from early August to November and from 1 April to 15 May along the Maury River. Osprey are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 145 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from mid to late September). Status: Common migrants/transients during the spring and fall, unlikely to be seen during other times of the year. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 23 August 2009. For additional photos: Osprey

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus):

Occurrence: Accidental (two records for the county) Dates: Summer; 10 – 31 Aug. Location: South Buffalo, Oxford Church areas History: Four Swallow-tailed Kites were located in the Oxford Presbyterian Church area during August of 2012 (10 August through 31 August). The kites were seen circling and feeding over the fields in that area. A report on the four kites was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a category 1 record. The previous record, cited by Murray, reports that two kites were seen in the Brushy Hill area during the summer of 1890. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area. Photo: North Buffalo Rd and Blue Grass Trail, 22 August 2012. For additional photos: Swallow-tailed Kite

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis):

Occurrence: Accidental (two records for the county) Dates: 21 May and 19 September. Location: Maury River, South Buffalo area History: On 19 September 2012, Vic Laubach and Peter Nebel located a Mississippi Kite with the Swallow-tailed Kites seen in the Oxford Church area. Their sighting has been submitted to VARCOM. Murray reports seeing a Mississippi Kite along the Maury River near the Lime Kiln Bridge on 21 May 1951. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident with the likelihood of one or two breeding pairs in the county Dates: Year-round with most of the sightings in the fall and winter Locations: Lake Merriweather, Maury River History: There have been a number of recent records of Bald Eagles in the area. There were two sightings along the James River at the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge on 27 December 2003 and 11 February 2004 and at the Blue Ridge Parkway on 11 February 2004 (undoubtedly the same individual seen on that day at the AT bridge) and on 5 April 2005. Two individuals were reported along the Maury River near Alone Mill on 19 March 2006, a single individual was seen at the same location on 5 September 2006 and 1 October 2006. I photographed two, immature birds at Lake Merriweather on 23 January 2009, a pair of adults at Willow Lake on 9 January 2009, a single individual at the confluence of South River and the Maury River on 24 December 2010, and two adults in Rockbridge Baths and one adult and a juvenile at Lake Merriweather on 8 January 2011. Bald Eagles have been seen several times at Willow Lake and in the Fairfield area. In addition, two adult and one juvenile Bald Eagle were reported on the 2010 CBC and were seen again on 8 January in the Goshen Pass and Lake Merriweather area. During the spring of 2011, a nest was located along the Maury River near Rockbridge Baths. One eaglet was present in the nest in May, and it fledged later in the summer. This is the first confirmed nesting record of Bald Eagles in the county. More recently, a pair has nested along the Maury River south of Buena Vista, and it is likely that there are two to three nesting pairs in the county. Other eagles have been reported near Fairfield on 13 June 2004 and flying over the top of Apple Orchard Mountain on 23 April 2005. Bald Eagles have been reported on 20 of 92 CBC. Most of the sightings have occurred in the past 20 years: 1992-1996, 2000, and 2003- 2017. In 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2010 three individuals were reported in the CBC. On the 2017 CBC, John Pancake and Ann Olson counted 15 Bald Eagles at Lake Merriweather. There was a mixture of immatures/sub-adults and adults. Murray reports 10 records from various parts of the county between 1929 and 1950. Bald Eagles are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 38 individuals per year). Status: Uncommon year-round resident and could be seen at Lake Merriweather, Willow Lake, or flying along the Maury River. Photos: Upper photograph at Willow Lake, 9 January 2009 (by Lucy Rowe); and lower photograph at South River, 24 December 2010. For additional photos: Bald Eagle

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: December through March Location: Throughout the county, open fields History: There have been a few recent sightings in addition to the CBC sightings. Individuals were reported in the county on 9 and 10 March 2007, on 20 and 25 September 2010, and 22 October 2010 near Rockbridge Baths, on 31 January 2002 along the Chessie Trail, at Willow Lake on 22 December 2008, and several individuals were seen around the county during the late fall of 2010 with two of these individuals seen in the Brownsburg area. Harriers have been reported on 26 CBC with individuals reported most years from 2003 – 2017. Murray reports one sighting in May of 1945. Harriers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 40 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from late September to mid-October). Status: Uncommon winter migrant and is unlikely to be seen in the area. Photo: Ridge Rd. near Raphine, 24 February 2013. For additional photos: Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Sharp-shinned Hawks are residents of the county although they are not present in large numbers. Sharp-shinned Hawks are seen more often in the winter and this may be due to northern migrants entering the area. Sharp- shinned Hawks are reported in 58 of the 92 CBC and have been reported every year since 1990. Murray considers them to be common and notes two nests found. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 989 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from early to mid- October). Status: Year-round resident and breeder, not numerous and more commonly seen during the winter months Photo: Lexington, 14 February 2009. For additional photos: Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder Dates: Year-round with a majority of the sightings during the winter Location: Throughout the county History: Cooper’s Hawks are residents of the county that are not present in large numbers. There are many recent records primarily from the Lexington area. A pair could be found on the back parts of Washington and Lee’s campus during the 1990’s, but no nest was located. More recently, a pair has been seen around the Kendal Retirement Community. Cooper’s Hawks have been reported in 40 of 92 CBC. Murray considers Cooper’s Hawks to be fairly common and reports one nest found. Cooper’s Hawks are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 162 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring in October and early November). Status: Year-round resident and breeder but not numerous and could be seen in the county. Photo: Harrisonburg, VA, 24 December 2011. For additional photos: Cooper's Hawk

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis):

Occurrence: Accidental Date: 5 November 2008 History: Alex Merritt found a Goshawk near Rockbridge Baths on 5 November 2008. This is the first record of this species in the county. Status: Accidental and not expected.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: There are many recent records of Red-shouldered Hawks in the area. A pair has been reported on a regular basis at Goshen Pass where the pair is likely nesting in the area west of the Swinging Bridge. During the winter of 2003-04 an individual was seen several times along Woods Creek and on the Kendal property in Lexington. An adult or pair can be seen around Kendal throughout the year and is likely nesting in the area. During the fall and winter of 2010, one juvenile and two adult Red- shouldered Hawks were seen in the Kendal area. Red-shouldered Hawks are reported on 49 or 92 CBC’s with six individuals seen in 2001 and seven seen in 2007. Murray notes 40 records and one nest located in the county (near the present day Kendal development). Red-shouldered Hawks are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 31 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring in early November). Status: Year-round resident and breeder but not numerous and could be seen in the county. Photo: Lexington, 13 February 2010. For additional photos: Red-shouldered Hawk Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: April through September (earliest arrival 9 April 2009) Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, North Mountain, Kerrs Creek History: These are hawks of the forest and are often seen along forest roads. There are numerous recent records of Broad-winged Hawks in the area. They arrive early in April and are expected by the third week of April. They remain in the area until at least mid September (the latest record is 24 September 2009). A nest was located in the Kerrs Creek area during 2015 and the young hawks were seen in the area for several months after the end of the nesting season. Murray notes that Broad- winged Hawks are seen between April and November and are transients with a few summer residents. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 7,716 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from mid to late September. Although in 2010, an extraordinarily large Broad-winged migration occurred with 32,490 individuals counted and most passing by on three different days). Status: Common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the forests in the county. Photo: Kerrs Creek, 2 August 2015. For additional photos: Broad-winged Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: This is the most common hawk in the area and is a permanent resident. There are numerous recent records from around the county with sightings in every month. During the winter, the number of Red-tailed Hawks in the area increases due to an influx of individuals from northern areas. Red-tailed Hawks have been reported in 75 of the 92 CBCs with a high count of 46 individuals seen in 2011 and 2004. Since 1999, an average of 28 Red-tails has been reported on the CBC. Murray notes that these hawks are common and nest in the area. He notes three nests found. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 1,077 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from late October to early November). Status: Common year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the county. Photo: Left photo, Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 28, 16 October 2010; right photo, near Lexington, 1 November 2009. For additional photos: Red-tailed Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus):

Occurrence: Winter transient and migrant Dates: December through March Locations: Lake Robertson, northern Rockbridge County History: This is a rare hawk in the area with one record 7 January 1999 and January 2015 in the Brownburg area. There are five reports of Rough-legged Hawks on the CBC (2011, 2008, 1993, 1980, and 1976). During the winters of 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012, a Rough-legged Hawk was seen on a regular basis near Stuart’s Draft. Murray reports one record on 6 December 1948 near Lexington. Status: Rare and should not be expected to be seen in the county. Photo: Near Stuart’s Draft, 5 January 2012. For additional photos: Rough-legged Hawk

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos):

Occurrence: Winter migrant but transients/juveniles could be seen any time Dates: December through February with one record in June Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Buffalo Creek History: There are several recent sightings of Golden Eagles in the area. One or two Golden Eagles were present in the vicinity of Meadow Lawn Farm north of Lake Merriweather during the winter of 2012-2013. Paul Cabe and Leigh Ann Beavers saw a juvenile above Nature Camp (Vesuvius area) on 3 February 2002. Dick Rowe saw an immature bird on 31 January 2004 and 2 February 2004 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mile Post 45, and one individual near Mile Post 28 (Nature Camp area) on 21 June 2005. Three reports of Golden Eagles are noted in the CBC with the most recent in 2004. Murray notes three sightings in the county in 1934 and 1945. A few Golden Eagles are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 6 individuals per year). Status: Rare and not be expected in the county.

Strigiformes: Owls (All photos: Owls)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba): Occurrence: Year-round residents and breeders in the area with some migratory individuals Dates: Year-round Location: Rockbridge County History: Barn Owls are likely distributed throughout the county. Recently, a pair has been nesting in a silo west of town and two barns have had pellets but no owls in residence. During 2017, a nest at this location successfully reared one owlet. Barn Owls have been reported on three CBC (2017, 2005, 1949) and during the count week in 2006. Murray considers Barn Owls to be common and notes two nests near Lexington. Historical records suggest that there has been a decline in the Barn Owl population in the area. Status: Unusual year-round resident of the county and not be expected to be seen. Photo: Rockbridge County, 3 December 2017 For additional photos: Barn Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio):

Occurrence: Year-round residents and breeders in the area. Dates: Year-round Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County History: There are numerous recent records of Screech-Owls in the area. Screech-Owls are common throughout the county and often can be heard calling in the winter and early spring. Several young were seen in Lexington during a rain storm in 1996. Both the red-phase and gray-phase color morphs are present. The red- phase morph is more common. Screech-Owls have been reported every year since 1972 on the CBC and overall are noted in 58 of 92 years. A record high count of 20 individuals was reported in 2001. Most of the Screech-Owls are red phase. Murray reports a number of sightings and nesting attempts. Status: Common, year-round resident of the area and could be seen or heard. Photos: Left photo – Lexington, VA, 8 October 2012; Right photo – Rockbridge Co., 25 October 2012. For additional photos: Eastern Screech-Owl

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder in the area Dates: Year-round Locations: Rockbridge County History: Great Horned Owls can be found in wood lots throughout the county, but they are not present in large numbers. There are only a few recent reports of Great Horned Owls in the area. Two individuals were heard calling on 26 February 2011 in Lexington, one individual was heard along Woods Creek in Lexington on 1 May 2010, one was heard calling on 24 December 2010 in Lexington, a record of an owl along the Maury River on 11 October 2009, one record from Goshen Pass (Hunter Access Road) on 24 February 2009, and one record of a DOR individual on 1 October 1995. Great Horned Owls have been reported on 27 CBC and every year from 1992 to 2007. Murray notes that they are a permanent resident and common in large timber. Status: Uncommon, year-round resident that could be seen or heard in the area.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus):

Occurrence: Two, possible records from 1890 and 1920 Dates: None available, but the sightings would have been during the winter Location: Rockbridge County History: Murray notes two reports in 1890 and 1920 of probable Snowy Owls in the area. Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Barred Owl (Strix varia):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder in the area. Dates: Year-round Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Brushy Hill History: There are numerous recent records of Barred Owls primarily from forested areas along the Blue Ridge and Goshen Pass. Barred Owls can be heard calling during the day. Barred Owls have been reported in 14 of 84 CBC. Murray considers them to be fairly common and permanent residents. Status: Unusual, permanent resident of the county and could be seen or heard in forested areas. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 4 June 2011. For additional photos: Barred Owl

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus):

Occurrence: Transient with two records for the area Dates: December 1951 and in 1929 Location: Rockbridge County History: One Long-eared Owl has been reported on the CBC in 1951. There is one unconfirmed sighting of a Long-eared Owl on House Mountain in November of 2008. Murray notes several were seen in 1929 near Lexington and one on 26 December 1951 (CBC date). Status: Accidental and perhaps a migrant but not expected in the area.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus):

Occurrence: Transient/winter migrant. Dates: December through March Location: Brownsburg History: A Short-eared Owl was located by Fenton Day and Allen Larner near Brownsburg on 26 December 2012. The same individual was seen in the area over the subsequent few weeks. One Short-eared Owl has been reported on the CBC in 1949. Murray notes six records; fall of 1922, 11 and 12 March 1929, the fall of 1934, 28 December 1949 and 2 January of 1950, and January 1953. It is worth noting that Short-eared Owls are reported on a yearly basis in an area just north of Staunton. Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the area. Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus):

Occurrence: Migrant through the area Dates: 20 December and 22-25 February Locations: South River, Rockbridge County History: There are two recent reports of Saw-whet Owls in the area. On 20 December 2008 a Saw-whet along South River Road near Nature Camp, and on 2 June through 5 June 1998 a Saw- whet Owl was present at the Burleson’s house along Kerrs Creek. Murray reports one Saw-whet from 22 to 25 February in 1937 on the Washington and Lee Campus. There is a long-term Saw- whet banding program that is organized by Dr. Clair Mellinger of Eastern Mennonite University. He bands a large number of owls each fall and it is likely that Saw-whet Owls continue their migration through our area. Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected to be seen.

Coraciiformes: Kingfishers (All photos: Kingfishers)

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Locations: Maury River, creeks, streams and ponds in Rockbridge County History: Kingfishers are year-round residents in the area and are found along creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Sighting records occur in every month and individuals are seen throughout the county. They have been reported on 87 of 92 CBC and have been reported every year since 1946. Murray notes that nests were found in mid-March and young in May. Status: Common year-round resident/breed and should be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 1 August 2011. For additional photos: Belted Kingfisher

Piciformes: Woodpeckers (All photos: Woodpeckers)

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus):

Occurrence: Uncommon summer resident/breeder with some individuals migrating into the area during the winter Dates: May through January, perhaps year-round in specific locations Locations: Locher Tract, Hyde Rd, New Providence Rd, South Buffalo History: Red-headed Woodpeckers are uncommon in the area. Since 2014, a pair has nested at Locher Tract and has successfully produced offspring. The male may over-winter there. Paul Cabe located a Red- headed Woodpecker along New Providence Rd. in the northern part of the county in November of 2011. A second bird was found in the area during the spring of 2012. Dick Rowe located two immature birds on Hyde Rd on 16 August 2012. There is one report of an individual near Kyger’s Hill on 31 March 2006, and another individual was seen along Buffalo Creek near Blue Grass Trail (Kyger’s Hill area) on 16-18 January of 2010. Alex Merritt reported an individual near Rockbridge Baths on 28 September 2009. Red-headed Woodpeckers have been reported in 24 of 92 CBC with two individuals seen in 2014 and one individual seen in 1998, 1993, and 1992 and then not seen until the late 1970s. Murray considers Red-headed Woodpeckers as uncommon summer residents. Bob Paxton notes that a pair was seen for several years near Big Spring. He noted nests on 24 May 1929, 8 June 1931, 4 July 1930, and 10 September 1929. Status: Red-headed Woodpeckers are not expected to be seen unless specific locations are visited. Photo: Both photos from Locher Tract; upper photo, 26 May 2014; lower photo, 3 August 2015 For additional photos: Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a common, year-round resident of the area and can be found in residential areas, farms and fence rows, as well as forests. Individuals have been reported during every month. They have been recorded on 78 of 84 CBC with a high count of 42 in 2002 and have been reported every year since 1942. Murray reported finding nests in early May. Status: Abundant, year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 19 December 2009 by Lucy Rowe. For additional photos: Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius):

Occurrence: Winter resident Dates: Earliest arrival date of 19 September 2004 and late departure date of 10 April 2001 and 2 May (Murray) Location: Throughout the county History: Sapsuckers are common winter residents and can be found throughout the area. The earliest arrival date is 19 September 2004 and a late departure date of 10 April 2001 has been recorded with most reports occurring from late December through the first week of April. Sapsuckers have been reported in 77 of 92 CBC and every year since 1988. The record count for sapsuckers was 65 individuals reported in 1977. Murray reports an early arrival of 29 October 1942 and a departure date of 2 May. He reports individuals during the summer in adjoining Amherst Co. Status: Common winter resident in the area and should be seen. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 March 2008. For additional photos: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Downy Woodpeckers are a common, year-round resident found throughout the area. They have been reported on all 92 CBCs for the Lexington area. They were one of twenty-one species recorded on the first CBC in Lexington in 1922. Murray notes nests and young in May and June. Status: Abundant, year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 1 November 2008. For additional photos: Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Hairy Woodpeckers are year-round residents of the area and are typically found in more wooded areas than Downy Woodpeckers. They have been reported in 74 of 92 CBCs and continuously since 1968. Murray notes nests in May and June. Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in forested areas of the county. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 30 December 2009. For additional photos: Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Flickers are common, year-round residents of the area and can be found in residential, farmland, or forested areas of the county. They have been reported in 79 of 92 CBCs with a high count of 39 individuals in 2007. Murray reports that nesting begins in late March with nestlings in mid-June. They were formerly called Yellow-shafted Flickers but have been re-named as Northern Flickers Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 28 April 2012 For additional photos: Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Pileated Woodpeckers are common, year-round residents of the area. They can be found in residential and wooded areas of the county. Pileated Woodpeckers have been reported in 87 of 92 CBCs with a high count of 48 individuals reported in 2017. Status: Common year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Locher Tract, 12 March 2012. For additional photos: Pileated Woodpecker

Falconiformes: Kestrels, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons (For all photos: Falcons)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Kestrels are open field birds and are most often seen on wires and fence posts along the open farm roads of the county. There are numerous recent records from around the county mainly in the late winter and spring (February through April). Kestrels have been reported in most months of the years and are likely breeding in the area. There is an obvious influx of birds in the winter months indicating that the area is a wintering area for northern birds. Kestrels have been reported in 83 CBCs with a peak of 21 individuals seen in 2001. Murray notes seven nesting records and considers Kestrels to be a common resident. Kestrels are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 122 individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from late September to mid-October). Historical records suggest that Kestrels are now less common. Status: Common year-round resident and breeder with winter migrants and should be seen in the county. Photo: Near Stuart’s Draft, 22 December 2010 (by Lucy Rowe). For additional photos: American Kestrel

Merlin (Falco columbarius):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: September through May Locations: Throughout the county History: Alex Merritt saw a Merlin on 14 October 2010 in the Jonestown area of the county. Dick and Lucy Rowe located a Merlin at Willow Lake on 1 May 2011. During the winter of 2017-2018, a Merlin was seen in several locations near Lexington: the Ponds, Borden Grant, and Mount Vista. In addition, there are four records from the CBC (2017, 2013, 2009, 1991). Murray reports five records: 13-14 April (1933), 3 May (1948), 22 September (1941) and 13 September (1948). The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 16 individuals per year migrating along the Blue Ridge Mountains with the peak migration occurring from mid to late October. It is likely that individuals could be seen migrating south along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall. Status: Rare migrant through the area and not be expected to be seen. Photo: Ponds Housing development, 13 January 2018. For additional photos: Merlin

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus):

Occurrence: Transient and migrant through the area Dates: Fall migration (September through February) Locations: McCormick’s Farm and northern Rockbridge County History: There are three recent sightings. One by Paul Cabe in the Raphine area on 13 February 2007, one by Kieran Kilday on 8 September 2010 at McCormick’s Farm, and one by Alex Merritt and Kieran Kilday on 18 November 2010 at McCormick’s Farm. In addition, DGIF reports a successful breeding in the county during 2011 (two nestlings were fledged). Two reports of Peregrine Falcons have been noted in the CBC in 1958 and 1951. Murray reports that a nesting pair was in the county (a nest found by Bob Paxton near the entrance to Goshen Pass in 1975) but gives no date or location and notes that he had seen individuals between April and September. The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 24 individuals per year migrating along the Blue Ridge Mountains with the peak migration occurring in late September. The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch observation station would be the best location for seeing a Peregrine Falcon during the fall. Status: Uncommon and often seen as migrant through the area and not be expected to be seen. Passeriformes: Tyrannidae Flycatchers (For all photos: Flycatchers)

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi):

Occurrence: Transient or fall migrant Dates: May and August and September Locations: Rockbridge County, Natural Bridge, Rockbridge Baths, Maury River at Lime Kiln Bridge History: There are few records of Olive-sided Flycatchers in or near the county. George Tolley reported one in the Rockbridge Baths area on 3 October 2012. Wes Teets reported a single individual present between 17 and 20 May 2013 on the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course. Murray notes that an individual was seen on 7 September 1942 near Lime Kiln Bridge over the Maury River and an individual was seen on 1 August 1937 in Montebello in Nelson County. Status: Unusual migrant and not expected in the area.

Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early arrival date is 3 May and late departure date is 28 August Locations: Throughout the county History: Pewees are common summer residents of the forests in the county especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway but they are found at Boxerwood, McCormick’s Farm, along the Chessie Trail, and woodlots behind VMI and W&L. They are seen and heard regularly beginning in the third week of May. The earliest arrival date is 3 May 2010, and the latest departure date is 1 October 2010. Murray reports that Pewees are found from 28 April to 13 October with eggs present by late May. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in forested areas. Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn, 14 September 2013. For additional photos: Eastern Wood-Pewee

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris):

Occurrence: Transient, perhaps a migrant through the area. Dates: May and August Locations: LT, RC History: One individual was reported from Locher Tract on 14 September 2010. Murray notes three records; 18 to 26 May 1928, 18 May 1940, and 31 August 1935. Status: Unusual and not expected in the area. Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens):

Occurrence: Migrant and summer resident/breeder Dates: Early arrival date is 3 May and a late departure date of 14 September. Locations: Throughout the county History: These flycatchers are often found along small streams in the forest. The recent records for Acadian Flycatchers indicate 15 May 2004 as the earliest arrival date. Murray considers Acadian Flycatchers to be common summer residents arriving 3 May and departing 14 September. Nests have been reported in late May and early June. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 45, 20 May 2015 For additional photos: Acadian Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii):

Occurrence: Transient and summer breeder Dates: May through September Location: Sky Farm, Hyde Rd. History: There are several records of Willow Flycatchers in the county. Dick Rowe located one at from Sky Farm in 2015, 2013, and 2013 during May. Breeding pairs were located along Raphine Rd during the VSO Foray in 2015. A second individual was located along Hyde Rd. near Brownsburg on 18 July 2012. The individual on Hyde Rd. was present for several days. Status: Locally common and breeding in the county Photo: Sky Farm, 6 June 2014 For additional photos: Willow Flycatcher

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus):

Occurrence: Transient and scarce summer breeder. Dates: May through September Locations: BRP AO History: Least Flycatchers have been found near the top of Apple Orchard Mountain, 30 May 2010 and 17 May 2012, at Locher Tract on 21 September 2010, and along other edges in the mountains. The presence of the photographed bird in late May suggests the possibility of breeding in the area. Murray considers Least Flycatchers to be uncommon transients and scarce residents. He reports their occurrence in the area from 14 May to 22 September. Status: Unusual and not expected to be seen in the area. Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn, 17 May 2012. For additional photos: Least Flycatcher

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe):

Occurrence: Year-round resident although scarce in the winter. Common breeder during the summer. Dates: Year-round, but migrants arrive by mid-March Location: Throughout the county History: Phoebes are common summer residents, and a few individuals over winter in the area. Phoebes have been reported during every month of the year. Typically, birds arrive by mid-March with sightings increasing during the first week of March. Phoebes are commonly seen on the CBC, occurring in 69of 92 years. A high CBC count of 15 birds was recorded in 1986. Murray notes eggs in nests as early as 30 March in 1945. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen during this time of year. Uncommon winter resident and could be seen during the winter. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 12 April 2010. For additional photos: Eastern Phoebe

Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through September Location: RC History: Great Crested Flycatchers are a common summer resident in the area and are often heard singing from the tops of trees. They arrive in the area during the fourth week of April. The earliest, recent arrival date is 25 April 2000. Murray reports that Great Crested Flycatchers arrive 19 April and depart 25 September with young in nests on 15 June 1931. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 16 June 2012. For additional photos: Great-crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/ breeder Dates: Mid-April through August and September Locations: Throughout the county History: Kingbirds are commonly seen along fences and pastures in the county. The earliest arrival date is 11 April (2001) along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mile Post 62 and 17 April (2002) near Goshen Pass. The late occurrence date is 1 September 2010. Murray reports birds present from 20 April to 14 September with nesting 13 May and eggs on 9 July. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Rockbridge County, 14 August 2011 by Lucy Rowe. For additional photos: Eastern Kingbird

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana):

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 12 November 2007 Location: Bethany Church Road near Turkey Hill History: A single individual was found in the Turkey Hill region of the county and was present for two days during November of 2007. The report was submitted to VARCOM Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Passeriformes: Laniidae Shrikes

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus):

Occurrence: Uncommon winter migrant/resident with evidence of summer residence Dates: Typically seen in the winter but no arrival or departure dates are available Locations: RB, SR, RC History: Loggerhead Shrikes have been reported in small numbers (less than 10 individuals) on the CBC with reports from 65 of 84 CBC. They were reported every year between 1942 and 1986 with nine individuals reported in 1954 and 1975. Recently, they have only been reported in three of the past 10 CBC’s. Clearly, there has been a change in their winter distribution since the mid-1980’s. Shrikes are most often seen along fence rows and on wires in the county. Loggerhead Shrikes have been reported during the summer in the area with a potential nesting pair in the north eastern part of the county in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. There is one report of a bird that was present for several weeks around the 18th of July in 2006. Murray reports shrikes as migrants through the area although he notes that he saw young being fed in early July but gives no location for this observation. Status: Uncommon winter migrant/resident and not expected in the area.

Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)

Occurrence: Rare winter migrant/resident Dates: Location: Brownsburg area of Rockbridge County History: A Northern Shrike was seen outside of Brownsburg during the winter of 2011-2012. On 26 Dec 2012, Jerry Jackson located a Northern Shrike at his home outside of Brownsburg. The bird remained at his home for the day and was seen again on 27 January 2013. A report of the bird was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. Status: Rare and not expected in the area Photo: Brownsburg, 26 December 2012 by Jerry Jackson. Passeriformes: Vireonidae Vireos (All photos: Vireos, Jays, Crows, and Ravens)

White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Natural Bridge, McCormick’s

Farm History: There are a number of recent records from Lexington, Goshen Pass, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The earliest arrival date is 17 April 2009, and the latest recent record is 4 August 2009. Nesting pairs were found near Natural Bridge on the new State Park property. Murray reports that White-eyed Vireos are present from 19 April to 20 September. He notes that there are 30 sighting records and very few were seen prior to 1937. Status: uncommon summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 20 April 2014. For additional photos: White-eyed Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through September Locations: Chessie Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Boxerwood History: There are a number recent records with the majority of the sightings along the Blue Ridge Parkway north of mile post 45, along the Chessie Trail, at Locher Tract, and there are a few sightings at Goshen Pass. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2009 along the Parkway and a late sighting of 22 September 2010 near Irish Gap on the Parkway has been reported. Murray considers these to be fairly common summer residents present from 19 April to 12 October. He reports breeding activity in late May. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Sky Farm, 22 May 2013. For additional photos: Yellow-throated Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late March though October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, throughout the County History: Blue-headed Vireos are a common inhabitant of the forests in the area. Blue-headed Vireos arrive in late March with an early arrival date of 24 March 2004 near Mile Post 44 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue-headed Vireos are frequently seen beginning in early to mid April and are found throughout the forests of the county. Blue-headed Vireos have been reported as late as 24 October in 2004 and in 2009. Murray notes that Blue-headed Vireos (Solitary Vireos) are fairly common with 4 April as an arrival date. He reports a nest near the top of Apple Orchard Mountain on 6 June 1949. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Yankee Horse Ridge, 26 Apr 2009. For additional photos: Blue-headed Vireo

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus):

Occurrence: Transient mainly during the fall Dates: County records are from September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake, Goshen Pass, Rockbridge Baths History: Alex Merritt reported Philadelphia Vireo’s along the Blue Ridge Parkway on 12 and 14 September 2010 and in Goshen Pass (Hunter’s Access Road) on 1 October 2009. Dick Rowe located one at Willow Lake on 12 Sept 2012. George Tolley reported a Philadelphia Vireo near RT 39 on 31 August 2010. Murray reports two records on 8 September 1952 and 4 September 1956. Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen during migration. Photo: Willow Lake, 12 September 2012 For additional photos: Philadelphia Vireo

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Big Spring, McCormick’s Farm, Maury River History: There are eighteen recent records from the Blue Ridge Parkway, at the James River, along the Maury River in several locations, Locher Tract, near South River, McCormick’s Farm, and from Big Spring. Breeding pairs have been located at Big Spring and McCormick’s Farm. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2004 and the late departure date is 14 September 2010. Murray considers Warbling Vireos to be a locally common summer resident arriving 23 April and departing 4 October. Nests were reported on 18 May 1933 and 29 June 1931. Status: Locally common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 29 April 2013. For additional photos: Warbling Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid-April through mid-October Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County History: Red-eyed Vireos are very common in the forests of the county especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Goshen Pass and North Mountain areas. The early arrival date is 12 April 2008 near Arcadia (Botetourt Co.). Birds are commonly seen beginning in the third week of April. The latest sighting is 19 October 2006. Murray reports birds present from 21 April to 17 October with eggs present on 24 May. Status: Abundant summer resident and should be seen in the area. Photos: Goshen Pass, 1 May 2016. For additional photos: Red-eyed Vireo

Passeriformes: Corvidae Jays, Crows, and Ravens (All photos: Vireos, Jays, Crows, and Ravens)

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: RC History: Blue Jays are permanent residents of the area and can be found throughout the county. They have been reported in 79 of 84 CBC with an average of 93 birds seen per year. Murray reports a peak of 131 birds on the CBC in 1954. The recent peak counts were 430 in 1979, 310 in 2005, and 403 in 2007. Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 19 December 2009 (by Lucy Rowe). For additional photos: Blue Jay

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: RC History: Crows are a common species found throughout the county. During the fall and winter, it is common to see large flocks of crows. One flock seen near McCormick’s Farm in November of 2010 had 100+ individuals. Crows have been reported on 66 of 84 CBC and continuously since 1947. The peak count was 3800 in 1967 and a recent high count of 1859 birds in 1999. The average number of crows seen on the CBC is 481. Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Sunrise Stables, 12 December 2009. For additional photos: American Crow

Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and perhaps a breeder in the area. Dates: Year-round Locations: Rockbridge County, Lexington History: Fish Crows can be found throughout the county, but they are more commonly heard and seen around Lexington, the Maury River, and some ponds. While Fish Crows are more common east of the Blue Ridge, they are found in increasing numbers throughout the county. Fish Crows have been reported on 29 of 92 CBC and always in small numbers, although 181 individuals were reported in 2013. Murray considers Fish Crows to be residents but uncommon. Status: Uncommon year-round resident and could be heard in the area. Photo: Lexington, 18 June 2012 For additional photos: Fish Crow

Common Raven (Corvus corax):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year round Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County, common at higher elevations History: Ravens are a permanent resident of the area and are often heard and seen at higher elevations although several reports of Ravens flying over Lexington have been noted. Ravens are commonly seen and heard along the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile posts 44-45, in the Goshen Pass area, North Mountain, and Old Farm Rd pond (suggesting they may nest around Barger’s Quarry). They have been reported in 67 of 92 CBC. Murray gives information on several nests that were used yearly in the county. Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Sunset Fields, 22 May 2008 (upper photo), Blue Ridge Parkway, 9 February 2007 (lower photo). For additional photos: Common Raven

Passeriformes: Alaudidae Larks (All photos: Larks, Martins, and Swallows)

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder with some winter migrants. Dates: Year-round Locations: Throughout the county History: There are thirteen records of Horned Larks in the area. There is, most likely, a resident breeding population with some migrants coming to the area during the winter. Horned Larks are most likely to be seen when there is snow on the ground and the birds congregate at open areas within pastures. During the winter of 2009-10 that had a significant snow fall and snow remained on the ground for several weeks, a flock of 40-50 birds was seen outside of Fairfield. During the 2010 CBC, 35 individuals were located in pastures near Sunrise Stables. Horned Larks have been reported on 48 of 84 CBC, and their numbers are sporadic suggesting periodic influxes. Murray reports nests from 12 March (1935) to 14 May (1934). Status: Uncommon resident and could be seen in the area especially during the winter. Photo: Sunrise Stables, 26 December 2009. For additional photos: Horned Lark

Passeriformes: Hirundinidae Martins and Swallows

Purple Martin (Progne subis):

Occurrence: Summer breeder and transient in the area. Dates: May and August Locations: Willow Lake, Fairfield History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Purple Martins in the area. There are several, small colonies in the Fairfield, VA, area at a homes with martin houses. Most of the recent records are from Willow Lake. On 9 June 2009 a flock of about 20 birds was seen on the lake, on 4 August 2009 two individuals were found, and during August 2011 individuals were regularly seen at the lake. Both of these sightings probably represent post-nesting dispersal and early migration. Alex Merritt reports finding six Purple Martins along South River near Cornwall on 16 May 2009, one individual near Fairfield on 12 May 2010, and one individual near Rockbridge Baths on 22 August 2009. Murray reports Purple Martins as rare. He notes that three breeding colonies were present in the county up until 1935 and that after 1940 only three sightings were reported. Status: Locally common breeder and transient. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 July 2012. For additional photos: Purple Martin

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early March through late October Location: Throughout the county History: Tree Swallows are, now, a common summer resident. Tree Swallows arrive in early March (the earliest arrival date of 1 March 2007 at the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River and 23 March 2004 at Balcony Falls). Breeding pairs are seen commonly throughout the county especially at Bluebird boxes. A flock of tree swallows were seen on 23 October 2004 at Willow Lake. The late record is from Willow Lake on 29 October 2011. Murray considers Tree Swallows as transients with 24 March to 15 May migration dates and 5 August to 19 October fall migration dates. Clearly, their status has changed since Murray’s book was published. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 15 June 2009. For additional photos: Tree Swallow

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Along waterways within the county History: Rough-winged Swallows are locally common in the area. There has been a colony under the Guy’s Run bridge on Rt. 39 west of Goshen Pass, a group on South River near its confluence with the Maury, in Glasgow along the Maury near its confluence with the James River, and on Willow Lake. The earliest arrival date in the county is 20 March 2009 at Big Spring. Murray considers Rough-winged Swallows to be common summer residents arriving 24 March (1952) and departing 9 September. Nests were located in 1931, 1941, and 1953. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 13 June 2011 by Lucy Rowe. For additional photos: Northern Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: April through September Locations: Willow Lake History: An uncommon summer resident that is locally abundant. Bank Swallows are occasionally seen at Willow Lake during migration. Bank Swallows arrive in early to mid April with the earliest arrival date 9 April 2000 along the Chessie Trail near Lexington. In the 1990’s there were several pairs at VMI near the football stadium. Murray reports only two spring records, 29 April 1948 at Cameron’s Pond and 20 May 1952 at Womeldorf Pond. He notes five fall records 14-15 September 1935, 28 August and 2 September 1936 and 9 September 1940. Status: Uncommon summer resident that could be seen in the area.

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late March through October Locations: Glasgow, Rockbridge Bath, Kerrs Creek, McCormick’s Farm History: There is a large colony of Cliff Swallows under the Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge over the James River. A colony has been recently established on the bridge over the Maury River outside of Glasgow. There were approximately 25 nests during the summer of 2011. In addition, a colony has been present at the bridge over Hays Creek along Hays Creek Rd. north of Rockbridge Baths, VA for about 10 years. A large flock was seen at Willow Lake on 5 September 2009. Cliff Swallows have been reported along the Maury River near Turkey Hill on 19 April 2009 and near Rockbridge Baths on 5 May 2010. The earliest arrival for Cliff Swallows is 29 March 2003 with early to mid April as a more common arrival time. The latest occurrence is 10 October 2010 (two individuals seen at Willow Lake). Murray considers Cliff Swallows to be localized summer residents and uncommon. He notes residence between 20 April and 21 September. Murray notes records of several breeding colonies in the area and several previous colony sites. None of these breeding sites have been confirmed as being active. Status: Locally common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 26 May 2013. For additional photos: Cliff Swallow

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early April through September Locations: Throughout the county History: Barn Swallows are common throughout the county and are seen frequently beginning in the second week of April. Large colonies have been found at a barn on Route 39 near Rockbridge Baths and at the Interstate 64 bridge on North Mountain. Barn Swallows are found frequently in smaller breeding groups throughout the county especially at farms, along creeks, and near ponds. The earliest recent arrival date for Barn Swallows is 30 March 2010 at Big Spring. Murray reports an early arrival date of 14 March 1946 and nests with eggs by 27 April. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Sunrise Stables, 19 May 2010. For additional photos: Barn Swallow

Passeriformes: Paridae Chickadees and Titmice (All photos: Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Creepers, Wrens, Gnatcatchers, and Kinglets )

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout Rockbridge Co. History: Carolina Chickadees can be found at all elevations in the county and are widespread. They have been reported in 83 of 92 CBC with an average of 64 individuals seen each count. The highest, recent count was 118 individuals reported in 2002. Murray reports nests with eggs present from 24 April through 29 May. Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 27 February 2009. For additional photos: Carolina Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder at higher elevations and in the western portion of the county. Dates: Year-round Locations: There are a number of recent records of Black-capped Chickadees. Most of the records are from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Goshen Pass area, but in 2010 there was either an expansion of their range or a large winter migration. Typically, Black-caps are more common on the western edge of the county. Portions of Rockbridge County represent a hybrid zone between Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees. During 2010, Black-capped Chickadees were seen in large numbers throughout the area. The 2010 CBC recorded the second highest count, 62, for this species. Black-capped Chickadees have been reported on 68 of 92 CBC with an average of 14 individuals seen each count. Murray considered Black-capped Chickadees to be winter visitors to the area. Status: Locally common (western portions of the county) year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 23 January 2009. For additional photos: Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: A common, year-round resident of the area. The Tufted Titmouse has been reported on 90 of 92 CBC with an average of 64 individuals seen each count. The highest, recent count was 176 individuals reported in 2006. Murray reports nests in early May. Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 19 March 2008. For additional photos: Tufted Titmouse

Passeriformes: Sittidae Nuthatches

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis):

Occurrence: Transient and winter resident Dates: Early October through early April Locations: Throughout the county but often found at higher elevations History: There are a number of recent records of Red- breasted Nuthatches. Red-breasted Nuthatches are most often seen in November and December which coincides with fall migration. They have been reported as early as 5 September 2009 along the Parkway and as late as 5 April 2006. They are found, commonly, along the Blue Ridge Parkway north of milepost 45 during late fall and winter. It is not uncommon to see them at lower elevations and visiting bird feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been reported on 38 of 92 CBC with 23 individuals seen in 2001, but none were seen in 2008 or 2009. Their presence in the area is highly cyclical. Murray notes them as winter visitors present in the mountains from 12 September to 30 April. Status: Unusual winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Whetstone Ridge, 3 January 2009. For additional photos: Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: White-breasted Nuthatches are a common, year-round resident in the area. They can be found throughout the county in forested and residential areas. White-breasted Nuthatches have been reported on 89 of 92 CBC. They have been reported on the CBC every year since 1962. Murray reports nest as early as 3 May in 1928. Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 44, 3 January 2009. For additional photos: White-breasted Nuthatch

Passeriformes: Certhiidae Creepers

Brown Creeper (Certhia americana):

Occurrence: Transient and winter resident Dates: Mid-November through early April Locations: CT, BS, LEX, LR, GP, RC History: Brown Creepers are common winter residents of the area. The earliest arrival date is 7 October 2010 and the birds are commonly seen beginning in the third week of November. They remain in the area as late as 10 April (2011). Brown Creepers have been reported on 68 of 92 CBC. Murray reports that Creepers are present in the area between 2 October and 26 April. Status: Common winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 17 October 2012. For additional photos: Brown Creeper

Passeriformes: Troglodytidae Wrens (All photos: Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Creepers, Wrens, Gnatcatchers, and Kinglets )

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon): Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early April through September Location: Throughout the county History: House Wrens are a common, summer resident in the area. House Wrens are commonly seen beginning by the third week of April (earliest arrival 8 April 2002) and can be found throughout the county and at all elevation. House Wrens have been reported six times on the CBC with the last record in 1994. Murray reports an arrival date of 4 April and a departure date of 18 October. He notes that eggs have been found as early as 2 May and I have a record of young in the nest as late as 26 July 2007. Murray also notes two winter records, 23 December 1952 and 28 December 1952 to 3 January 1953. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 21 September 2013. For additional photos: House Wren

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes):

Occurrence: Winter resident and transient Dates: Mid-October through May Location: Throughout the county History: There are a number of recent records of Winter Wrens in the area. The earliest record is 18 October 2003 in Lexington and the latest occurrence is 31 May 1996 at the top of Apple Orchard Mountain. Typically, Winter Wrens arrive in the first week of December and remain in the area through mid-March. They are commonly seen and heard along the Maury River/Chessie Trail. Winter Wrens have been reported in 78 of 92 CBC with an average of 3 individuals seen each year. Murray reports a range of occurrence from 21 September to 4 May. Status: Uncommon winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area. Photo: Locher Tract, 3 January 2012 For additional photos: Winter Wren

Sedge Wren (Short-billed Marsh Wren) (Cistothorus platensis):

Occurrence: Accidental or transient Dates: May and October Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond) History: Murray reports two records of Sedge Wrens at Cameron’s Pond from 2 May to 27 May 1935 and on 14 October 1935. Wes Teets reported a Sedge Wren at the Old Natural Bridge Gold Course on 19 May 2013. Status: Accidental and not expected to be seen in the area.

Marsh Wren (Long-billed Marsh Wren) (Cistothorus palustris):

Occurrence: Transient primarily during fall migration Dates: May and late August through November Location: Old Farm Rd pond, Natural Bridge State Park History: Murray reports this bird as being a transient in the fall and uncommon. He notes occurrence dates of 25 August to 26 November. He provides no locality data or years for the sightings. Wes Teets reported a Marsh Wren at the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course on 17 May 2013. Dick Rowe located one at Old Farm Rd pond on 15 October 2016. Status: Rare and should not be expected in the area. Photo: Old Farm Road pond, 15 October 2016 For additional photos: Marsh Wren

Carolina Wren (Thyothorus ludovicianus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Carolina Wrens are a common, permanent resident in the area. They can be found throughout the county and at all elevations. Carolina Wrens are commonly seen on CBC being reported in 91 of 92 counts with an average of 38 individuals seen each year. Murray reports eggs by 29 March. He notes that the “wren is not often seen above 2000 feet…”, although I have numerous records (11) of individuals above 2000 feet in elevation. Status: Common, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 1 June 2008. For additional photos: Carolina Wren

Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii):

Occurrence: Formerly summer resident/breeder but no longer found in the Appalachian or Allegany mountains Dates: Location: Formerly Lexington, Goshen Pass History: Bewick’s Wrens were common in the Appalachian region through the mid-1950s. By 1980, only a few restricted breeding populations were found along the Appalachian Mountain chain. Bewick’s Wrens are no longer found in the area. Murray reports that Bewick’s Wren is a fairly common summer resident with nests found in an area west of Lexington. Status: No longer present.

Passeriformes: Polioptilidae Gnatcatchers

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early April through mid-August to September Locations: Throughout the county History: Blue-gray Gnatchatchers are one of the early spring arrivals. They are commonly seen beginning in the first week of April and are reported through mid-August and into September. The earliest recent arrival date is 3 April 2003 and the latest recent record is 9 October 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. Murray reports arrival date of 1 April and a departure date of 19 September. Nesting occurs in early May. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: South River, 20 May 2010. For additional photos: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Passeriformes: Regulidae Kinglets

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant Dates: Mid-October through early April Locations: Throughout the county History: Golden-crowned Kinglets are a common, winter resident in the area. They are often found in mixed feeding flocks with chickadees, titmice, and juncos. They are frequently seen along the Chessie Trail, at Willow Lake, at McCormick’s Farm, at Locher Tract, and Boxerwoood. The earliest arrival date 13 October 2008 and the latest departure date is 15 April 2009. Golden-crowned Kinglets have been reported in 86 of 92 CBC with a yearly average of 40 individuals peak number of 266 reported in 1990. Murray reports occurrence dates of 4 October to 2 May for the area. Status: Common winter resident Photo: Willow Lake, 3 November 2012. For additional photos: Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula):

Occurrence: Common winter resident and transient Dates: October through late April Location: Throughout the county History: Ruby-crowned Kinglets are a common, winter resident in the area and are seen and heard more often in the spring, but they are not present in the area in large numbers. The earliest arrival date is 29 September 2010 along the Parkway near Irish Gap and the latest departure date is 30 April 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. They can be seen from mid-October through late April. Ruby-crowned Kinglets have been reported in 58 of 92 CBC with an average of 4 to 5 individuals seen each year. Murray considers Ruby-crowned Kinglets to be transients rather than residents of the area. He notes a fall occurrence between 19 September and 29 November and a spring occurrence between 3 March and 8 May. My records indicate that kinglets are in the area from October through April, but there is a peak in sightings from late March through mid-April. Status: Uncommon though regular winter resident and migrant through the area and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 6 November 2010. For additional photos: Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Passeriformes: Turdidae Bluebirds, Thrushes, and Robins (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds, Starlings, Waxwings, House Sparrow, and Pipits)

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year round Location: Throughout Rockbridge County History: Bluebirds are a permanent resident of the area and have increased in number over the past 25 years primarily due to conservation efforts. Bluebirds have been reported in 82 of 92 CBC with a noticeable increase in reporting beginning in 1978. A high CBC count of 281 was reported in 2011. Murray notes a decline in bluebirds in the 1950s. He reports nests as early as 25 March in the area. Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 26 December 2008. For additional photos: Eastern Bluebird

Veery (Catharus fuscescens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early May through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway (Yankee Horse Ridge and Apple Orchard Mountain) History: Veerys are a common, summer resident of the higher elevations in the area. They are unusual below 3000 ft. They are heard and seen regularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Yankee Horse Ridge pull off (MP 35) and along the gravel road leading to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain. The earliest arrival date is 4 May 2002 on Apple Orchard Mountain, and they are regularly seen by the third week in May. The latest departure date is 13 September 2010 at the Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff on the Parkway. Murray reports that Veerys are found in two areas of the county, Thunder Ridge (Apple Orchard Mountain area) and Rocky Mountain along the Blue Ridge. He reports nests in mid to late June. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder. Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn near mile post 76, 17 May 2012 For additional photos: Veery

Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: May and September Location: Goshen Pass, Locher Tract, Blue Ridge Parkway History: Dick Rowe located one Gray-cheeked Thrush along the Blue Ridge Parkway on 16 September 2012. Alex Merritt reports finding two Gray-cheeked Thrushes in Goshen Pass (Hunter Access Road) on 1 October 2009 and another individual at Locher Tract on 21 September 2010. Murray considered them to be a transient and rare in the area. He notes occurrences between 13 and 25 May and 18 and 25 September. Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and not expected. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 16 September 2012 Additional photos: Gray-cheeked Thrush

Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and rare winter resident Dates: September through May Locations: Chessie Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: Swainson’s Thrushes are migrants through the area with a few individuals remaining in the area throughout the winter. A group of about 20 individuals was located along the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 45 by Dick Rowe on 16 September 2012. A single individual was found at McCormick’s Farm on 10 September 2011 by Dick Rowe. During the fall of 2010, a large group of 25-30 birds was found near Yankee Horse Ridge pull off (mp 35) along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have six records; 12 February 2001 along the Chessie Trail, 13 February 2000 in Goshen Pass, 4 March 2002 in Lexington, 7 April 2000 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 4 May 2002 and 23 May 1996 on Apple Orchard Mountain. Swainson’s Thrush has been reported once on the CBC (1931). Murray notes that they are fairly common in the spring with migration between 29 April and 26 May. Status: Migrant and possible winter resident in the area and not expected. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 16 September 2012 Additional photos: Swainson’s Thrush

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant Dates: October through May Locations: Throughout the county, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract History: Hermit Thrushes are often seen during the winter in the area and during migration. In the fall, migrants pass through the area beginning in early October. There are 13 records from December, January and February. There are a few records during the late spring and summer (17 May 2000 and 19 May 2000 along the Blue Ridge Parkway and 28 June 2005 at Goshen Pass). They have been reported in 66 of 92 CBC with high counts 36 individuals seen in 2009 and 39 individuals seen in 2000. Murray reports Hermit Thrushes as transients that are present between 12 October and 27 April. Status: Common winter resident and migrant through the area and should be seen during the winter. Photo: Goshen Pass, 23 January 2009. For additional photos: Hermit Thrush

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through mid-October Locations: Forest throughout the county, Blue Ridge Parkway History: Wood Thrushes are heard and seen in the deeper woods of the area especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wood Thrushes arrive in the area in third week of April (earliest record 20 April 2009) and are regularly seen by the fourth week of April. Wood Thrushes have been reported as late as 10 October (2006). Murray reports a 19 April arrival date and a departure date of 9 October in 1953. He notes nests with eggs were found on 15 May. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 May 2015 For additional photos: Wood Thrush

American Robin (Turdus migratorius):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round with migrants entering the area during the winter. Location: Throughout the county History: Robins can be found in all areas of the county throughout the year. It is likely that some individuals are permanent residents and that others migrate to the area to overwinter or breed. During the winter of 2003-04 a large flock of about 1000 birds could be found along the Chessie Trail. Large numbers of overwintering birds were reported for the CBC in 2000 (3,775 individuals), 2003 (8,782 individuals), and 2008 (2,233 individuals). On the 1976 CBC, 27,422 individuals were counted with most of these recorded by George Tolley in the Brushy Hill area. Robins have been noted in 74 of 92 CBC with an average 914 birds per year. Murray reports nests with eggs as early as 4 April. Status: Abundant, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area 27422 Photo: Lexington, 12 January 2010. For additional photos: American Robin

Passeriformes: Mimidae Catbirds, Mockingbirds, and Thrashers (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds, Starlings, Waxwings, House Sparrow, and Pipits)

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with a few individuals overwintering in the area Dates: Early April through early October Location: Throughout the county History: Catbirds are common summer residents in the area and can be found throughout the county and at all elevations. An early arrival date of 6 April (1996) has been recorded and they are commonly seen by the fourth week in April. Catbirds are commonly seen through September and into October (late date of 6 October 2010). I have a record of a Catbird at Kendal on 12 January 2010. Catbirds were recorded five times on the CBC in 2017, 2008, 2005 and twice the 1970s. Murray reports an early arrival date of 17 April 1948 and a departure date of 15 October. He notes one winter record on 26 December 1942. Nests with eggs were found on 13 May. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Lexington, 12 January 2010. For additional photos: Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late March through September Locations: Throughout the county History: Brown Thrashers arrive in the area in late March or early April (earliest arrival date 28 March 2007) and are regularly seen by the second week of April. They are present throughout most of the lower elevations in the county and especially along fence rows and thickets. One individual was reported along the Chessie Trail near South River on 17 November 2009. During a snow storm on 21 February 2015, a Brown Thrasher was present at a bird feeder in Lexington. Thrashers have been reported on 14 of 92 CBC. Murray notes a 20 March to 7 October (1950) occurrence range. Murray reports that nests with eggs have been found on 13 May. Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Lexington, 15 May 2008. For additional photos: Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Mockingbirds are a common throughout the county and can be found in open habitats including yards, fencerows, and edges of fields and pastures. While they are present, they are not common higher in the mountains where forest predominates. They have been recorded in 81 of 84 CBCs with an average of 41 birds seen per year. In 1956, 209 individuals were counted. The high count in the past 20 years was 88 individuals in 2004. Murray notes nests with eggs as early as 20 April. Status: Common, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 28 January 2012. For additional photos: Northern Mockingbird

Passeriformes: Sturnidae Starlings

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Starlings are a common, year-round resident in the area. Large flocks can be found in the fall and winter. Murray notes that the first recorded nest in the area was found in 1919 by C.O. Handley, Sr. (Starlings were introduced to the United States in New York City in 1890). Starlings have been found on all 92 CBC with an average of 1,678 individuals seen each year. The record high count was 10,079 individuals seen in 1993. Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Lexington, 4 August 2009. For additional photos: European Starling Passeriformes: Bombycillidae Waxwings (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds, Starlings, Waxwings, House Sparrow, and Pipits)

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Cedar Waxwings are a year-round resident of the area and are commonly seen in small flocks during the winter and spring. These birds have a large distribution within the county and they have been seen on top of Apple Orchard Mountain as well as at lower elevations such as Lexington. A recently fledged juvenile was photographed on 18 September 2010 suggesting either late nesting or a second nesting attempt that year. They have been reported on 55 of 92 CBC with an average of 59 individuals seen each year. Murray reports nests on 22 June 1931 and 12 June 1944 Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Near Whetstone Ridge, 25 January 2009. For additional photos: Cedar Waxwing

Passeriformes: Passeridae House Sparrow

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: RC History: House Sparrows are a permanent resident of the area. They have been reported on 76 of 84 CBC with an average of 98 birds reported each year. Murray reports nesting as early as 1 February 1943 with eggs present on 7 April. Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 20 April 2006. For additional photos: House Sparrow

Passeriformes: Motacillidae Pipits

American Pipit (Anthus rubescens):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and winter resident Dates: December through January or later Locations: Farm field throughout the county History: American Pipits are not commonly seen in the area. They are birds of open fields that can be seen “running” across the ground. They are often seen with other birds such as White-crowned Sparrows and Song Sparrows. American Pipits have been reported on four CBC’s (2010, 2009, 1995, and 1958). Eighteen individuals were reported from four locations in 2010, nine individuals were reported from two locations on the 2009 and two individuals were seen in 1995. Four individuals were found in the Collierstown area on 18 December 2010. Status: Rare migrant or winter resident in the area and not expected. Photo: Collierstown area, 18 December 2010. For additional photos: American Pipit

Passeriformes: Fringillidae Finches (All photos: Finches, Siskins, Goldfinches, and Snow Buntings)

Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus)

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident Dates: November through April Where to find it: Murray reports flocks of varying sizes that remained in the area during the winters of 1943-44, 1945-46, 1950, 1951-52, 1954-55, and 1956. Evening Grosbeaks are normally found farther north during the winter and their movement into our area is sporadic. They have been reported on 26 CBC’s, but the last sighting was in 1993. Between 1968 and 1987, Evening Grosbeaks were reported almost every year with a high count total of 246 in 1975. Status: Rare winter resident/migrant and not expected to be seen in the area.

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: House Finches have become a common, permanent resident of the area. They can be found throughout most of the areas in the county and at all elevations. House Finches are a western species that was introduced in 1940 in Long Island. Since that time, they have spread throughout most of the eastern United States. Data from the CBC suggest that House Finches arrived in Lexington in 1974, and they have been continuously reported since 1977. The average number of individuals reported each year is 65, and the highest count total is 472 individuals reported in 1986. Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington: left (male) 23 January 2011, right (female) 20 March 2008. For additional photos: House Finch

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant through the area Dates: Mid October through late April Location: Throughout the county History: Purple Finches are seen most winters but their numbers vary dramatically from year to year. They can be uncommon in some years and abundant in others. The earliest arrival date is 9 October 2010 and the latest departure date is 21 April 2009. During the winter of 2003-04 Purple Finches were abundant in the area. We had 20 – 25 individuals at our feeders for most of the winter. George Tolley reported 200+ individuals at his feeders during the 2003-04 winter. Purple Finches have been reported on 78 of 92 CBC with an average of 48 individuals reported each year. Murray reports an occurrence range of 10 October 1957 through 5 May. Status: Common to sporadically abundant winter resident and should be seen in the area Photo: Lexington; left photo, male; right photo, female; both photos, 19 December 2008. For additional photos: Purple Finch

Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 29 January 1978, 19 February 1978 Location: LEX History: Redpolls were seen at two, different feeders in Lexington during the winter of 1978. There was an explosion of Redpolls into Virginia that year. Status: Accidental and not expected.

Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)

Occurrence: Transient during the winter Dates: Late December and early January Locations: BRP 1, LR History: There are three, recent reports of Red Crossbills in the area. A single individual was located in Fairfield by Barry Kinzie and Kent Davis on 18 November 2012. A group of eight individuals was seen at Lake Robertson on the 2007 CBC (26 December 2007). A group of five individuals was seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 44 on 3 January 2005. Murray reports three records, two of which were in April, 1941, and May, 1955, and no dates were given for the third record. Status: Rare winter species and not expected to be seen.

White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)

Occurrence: Rare winter resident Date: 17 November 2012 Location: Natural Bridge History: Wes Teets located a single White-winged Crossbill in the parking lot at the Natural Bridge Visitor’s Center. White-winged Crossbills were reported in small numbers throughout the State in November of 2012. A number of different northern finch species were reported in November of 2012 with large numbers of Pine Siskins being reported. Status: Single record and not expected in the area.

Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant into the area Dates: October through February Locations: RC History: Pine Siskins are a winter resident or migrant into the area. Their numbers vary greatly from year to year, but they rarely are present in large numbers. Recent records are on 29 December 2004 in Lexington, 5 February 2004 in the Kerrs Creek area (Coalter), 19 December 2008 in Lexington, 7 February 2009, and 24 December 2010 in Lexington. During the winter of 2012-2013, large numbers of Pine Siskins were reported in the area. Individuals were reported as late as 9 May 2013 at Willow Lake and 16 May in southern Rockbridge Co. Siskins have been reported on 17 of 84 CBC. They have been reported on four of the last ten counts, but in 2008 Siskins were common in the area and 88 individuals were reported. Murray reports that Siskins are a scarce winter visitor with flocks reported on 2 November 1919, 10 December 1933, 22 January 1947 and 11 April 1949. Status: Uncommon winter migrant/resident and not expected. Photo: Lexington, 24 October 2012. For additional photos: Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: RC History: Goldfinches are a permanent resident of the area. They are found in flocks until late spring. Goldfinches have been reported on 76 of 84 CBC with an average of 68 individuals seen each year. The highest count total is 297 individuals reported in 2008. Murray reports nests with eggs by 18 July. Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: left photo, Lexington, male in breeding plumage, 2 June 2010; right photo, McCormick’s Farm, winter coloration, 6 November 2010. For additional photos: American Goldfinch

Passeriformes: Calcariidae Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Occurrence: Transient during fall migration Dates: 11 November – 18 November Location: Willow Lake History: A single individual was found at Willow Lake on 11 November 2010 by Dick and Lucy Rowe. It appears that this bird remained in the area for only one day. On 17 November 2012, Allen Larner and Fenton Day found a Snow Bunting in the same area of Willow Lake. A previous record of Snow Buntings was reported by George Tolley in the Brownsburg area during the mid-1980’s. Laura Neale reported a Snow Bunting from Spy Rock in Nelson County on 7 November 2005. Status: Rare migrant and not expected. Photo: upper photo, Willow Lake, 11 November 2010 by Lucy Rowe; lower photo, Willow Lake 17 November 2012 by Dick Rowe. For additional photos: Snow Bunting

Passeriformes: Passerellidae Towhees, Sparrows, and Juncos (All photos: Towhees, Sparrows, and Juncos )

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with migrants through the area and a few over-wintering individuals Dates: April through October, although individuals can be found year- round Location: Throughout the county History: Towhees are found throughout the county and at all elevations. It is not uncommon to find individuals throughout the winter (winter of 2009-10 and 2002-03 in Lexington). Towhees have been reported on 37 of 84 CBC. Murray reports that Towhees occur from 22 February to 24 October with six winter (December and January) records. He reports nests with eggs between 22 May and 7

July. Status: Abundant during spring and summer and uncommon during the winter, but should be seen in the area Photo: McCormick’s Farm; upper photo, male, 22 March 2015; Kiawah Island, SC, lower photo, female, 25 December 2012, For additional photos: Eastern Towhee

Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis)

Occurrence: Former breeder in the area but no longer present. Dates: 14 and 24 April Location: Rockbridge County History: Murray reports three sightings of Bachman’s Sparrow in the area: 14 April 1939, 24 April 1948, and a third sighting with no date. The 24 April date coincided with a VSO meeting. A number of VSO members saw and heard the bird. There are no recent reports. Status: Accidental (absent) and not expected.

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea):

Occurrence: Winter resident/migrant in the area Dates: December through February Locations: Lexington, Goshen Pass, Chessie Trail, Brownburg History: Tree Sparrows are winter residents that are seen most winters (64 of 92 CBC) but their numbers vary. The average number seen on the CBC is 2.1 birds with 25 seen in 1995 and 200 noted in 1962. They were almost always reported on the CBC prior to 1979, but recently there have been very few sightings on the CBC. Recent records are on 13 February 2000 in Lexington and Goshen Pass, on 6 February 2010 in the northern part of the county, 9 -10 February 2010 near Fairfield, 15 February 2010 in the southern part of the county, 10 March 2010 near Rockbridge Baths, and 4January through 24 March, 2013 at Old Farm Rd. Pond. Murray notes that Tree Sparrows are common between 9 November and 9 April. Status: Uncommon winter resident that could be seen. Photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 5 January 2013 For additional photos: American Tree Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with a few individuals seen during the winter months Dates: March through October Locations: Throughout the county History: Chipping Sparrows can be found in open areas throughout the county and at all elevations. The earliest record is 11 February 2010 at our feeders in Lexington. Chipping Sparrows have been reported on six CBC (2016, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2003, and 1992). While individuals have been found in December and February, the average arrival time is mid to late March. Murray considers Chipping Sparrows to be an abundant summer resident present from 14 March until 4 November. He reports nests on 24 April 1948 and 25 July 1845. Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 13 June 2009. For additional photos: Chipping Sparrow

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: Late April – early May Location: Willow Lake History: A single individual was found by Alex Merritt on 28 April 2011 at Willow Lake and represents the first record for this species in the County. The sparrow was in a mixed flock of Chipping Sparrows and Palm Warblers when it was first located. The sparrow was still present on 1 May 2011 and was in a mixed flock of Goldfinches, House Finches, and Chipping Sparrows that were feeding on dandelion seeds. This sighting was accepted as a Category 1 record by VARCOM, and it represents the first record for the Mountains and Valley region of Virginia. Status: Accidental species and not expected in the county. Photos: Willow Lake, 1 May 2011 For additional photos: Clay-colored Sparrow

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Locations: Throughout the county History: Field Sparrows can be found throughout the area and at all elevations. During the late fall and winter, Field Sparrows tend to form small flocks. I have records of Field Sparrows in December and January through March and April. They have been reported on 77 of 92 CBC with an average of 30 individuals seen each year. The highest, recent count was 171 individuals seen in 2004. Murray reports nests with eggs as early as 7 May and as late as 5 September. Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in the area Photo: Lexington, 12 January 2010. For additional photos: Field Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid-March through mid-November Locations: Rockbridge County History: There been several recent sightings of Vesper Sparrows in the area. One individual was seen near Rockbridge Baths on 11 April 2009, three individuals were seen at Willow Lake on 29 March 2010, one individual was found at Sky Farm on 1 April 2012 and one individual was found near Bustleburg on Hyde Road on 11 July 2012. An individual was found at McCormick’s Farm on 29 May 2014. Murray reports that Vesper Sparrows are a common summer resident and breeder. He reports nests with eggs or young found in May. Murray also notes that Vesper Sparrows are abundant as transients through the area. The status of this species in the area is unclear. Recent sightings suggest that breeding individuals may be present. Status: Uncommon summer resident and could be seen. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 29 March 2014 For additional photos: Vesper Sparrow

Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)

Occurrence: Accidental Dates: 11 February 1932 Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond) History: Specimen collected by Murray at Cameron’s Pond on 11 February 1932 Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sanwichensis):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration, summer breeder Dates: February through October with a few found year-round Locations: Throughout the county History: Savannah Sparrows have been reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway at the James River (11 April 2001), at Old Farm Pond (9 October 2010), and on five CBCs (2015, 2013, 2012, 2009 and 1977). Murray considers Savannah Sparrows as an abundant transient passing through the area between 21 February and 20 May and 8 September and 14 November. Status: Common transient through the area and should not be expected to be seen. Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 27 January 2017. For additional photos: Savannah Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid April through October Locations: Throughout the county History: Grasshopper Sparrows are found in the pastures and grassy areas of the county. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2002 near Brownsburg. Murray reports that Grasshopper Sparrows are a common summer resident with an occurrence range of 12 April to 20 October. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Sky Farm near Lexington, 8 June 2014. For additional photos: Grasshopper Sparrow

**Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)

Occurrence: Accidental, No longer recognized as this species. It is either a Nelson’s Sparrow or a Saltmarsh Sparrow Dates: 17 October 1928 Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond) History: One individual was observed at Cameron’s Pond on 17 October 1928 by Murray. Status: Accidental and not expected.

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca):

Occurrence: Transients through the area during spring and fall migration and in small numbers during the winter. Dates: November to early April Locations: Lexington, Locher Tract, Blue Ridge Parkway, throughout the county History: Fox Sparrows migrate through the area and are commonly seen in the early spring. The earliest arrival date is 2 November 2010 along the Chessie Trail near South River and the late departure date of 9 April 2009 in Lexington. Sightings of Fox Sparrows are more common in late February and March. Fox Sparrows have been reported on 46 of 92 CBC. Murray reports that they are transients passing through the area between 22 February and 6 April. Status: Common during migration especially in the spring and should be seen in the area. Photo: Locher Tract, 12 March 2012. For additional photos: Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Song Sparrows can be found throughout the area and at all elevations. They have been reported on 81 of 84 CBC with an average of 51 individuals seen each year. The highest, recent count was 157 individuals reported in 2004. Song Sparrows were one of 21 species recorded in the first Lexington area CBC in 1922. Murray notes that nests with eggs have been found on 30 April and reports a nest with large young on 4 September 1948. Status: Abundant, year-round resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Hyde Road near Brownsburg, 6 January 2010. For additional photos: Song Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: September through November Locations: There are a few recent records of a Lincoln’s Sparrow in the area with a number of sightings in October, 2012. One individual was seen at a bird feeder in southern parts of the county on 14 May 2005, 3 April 2007, and between 12 and 14 May in 2010. One individual was seen near Rockbridge Baths on 13 October 2009, another individual was seen along the Chessie Trail near South River on 15 October 2010. In 2012, individuals were reported in Brownsburg, 7 October 2012; near Lexington, 13 October 2012; and at McCormick’s Farm, 13 October 2012. An individual was found along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Whetstone Ridge on 15 October 2016. Murray reports individuals were seen on 18 October 1933, 21 and 29 September 1933, 28 September 1936, 22 November 1936, and 18 May 1936. Status: Seen as a migrant mainly during October Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Whetstone Ridge, 15 October 2016 For additional photos: Lincoln’s Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

Occurrence: Migrant through the area and winter resident Dates: March to May and September to December Locations: Goshen Pass, Old Farm Rd Pond, McCormick’s Farm, Locher Tract History: Swamp Sparrows have been located at Goshen Pass (19 March 2009), near Lexington at Old Farm Pond (9 October 2010), at McCormick’s Farm, and at Willow Lake. They have been reported on 36 of 92 CBC with a highest count total of 89 in 1974. Recently, the highest count total is 11 individuals reported in 2012. Status: Common transient during migration and could be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 3 November 2012. For additional photos: Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant through the area Dates: Early October through late April Locations: Throughout the county History: White-throated Sparrows are a winter resident and can be found in all areas of the county during the winter. The earliest arrival date is 5 October 2010 and late departure dates are 28 April 1996 in Lexington and 29 April 2000 at the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River. White-throated Sparrows have been reported on 91 of 92 CBC. The yearly average is 200 individuals, but for the last ten counts the average is 411 individuals. The maximum number of individuals reported was 1,008 in 1979. Murray notes a 28 September to 25 May occurrence range. Status: Abundant winter resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 22 February 2016. For additional photos: White-throated Sparrow

Harris’ Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)

Occurrence: Accidental winter migrant Dates: 1974 and 2009-10 Locations: Brownsburg History: This species has only been reported twice in the county. During the winter of 2009-10 an individual was located mixed in with a flock of White-crowned Sparrows on Hyde Rd near Brownsburg. The winter of 2009-10 had heavy snow and the Harris’ Sparrow remained in the area for several months. Status: Accidental and not expected. Photo: Hyde Rd, January 2010 (Courtesy of Brenda Tekin) For additional photos: Harris' Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant through the area Dates: October through early May Locations: Throughout the county History: White-crowned Sparrows are often found in around farms and hedge rows during the winter throughout the county. The recent earliest arrival date is 5 October 2010 near Fairfield the latest departure date is 1 May 2011. They have been reported on 73 of 92 CBC with an average number seen of 29. The highest count was 164 individuals reported in 1964. Recently, the highest count is 85 individuals reported in 2003. Murray reports that White-crowned Sparrows arrive on 2 October 1950 and depart as late as 15 May 1945. Status: Common winter resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Brownsburg, 2 December 2017. For additional photos: White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and migrant into the area Dates: Year-round with migrants arriving in early November and departing in late April Location: Throughout the county History: Juncos are considered to be a winter resident in the area, but breeding individuals can be found at higher elevations in the county. It is possible that there is a small, permanent population in the area that moves up into the mountains during the spring to breed. The earliest arrival date for the winter residents is 4 November 1999 along the Chessie Trail. The winter residents depart in mid to late April (latest date in Lexington is 17 April 2000). Juncos are often seen at higher elevations (above 3000 feet) throughout the summer. Courtship and mating have been observed on 23 April 2004 on Apple Orchard Mountain and other sightings from that and other locations have been made in June and July. Juncos have been reported on 83 of 84 CBC with a yearly average of 316 individuals reported. The highest recorded count was 1,158 individuals in 1979. Murray reports that winter residents arrive 8 October and depart 1 May. He notes that breeding birds can be found above 2800 feet and reports a nest in Amherst County on 6 July 1933. Status: Abundant winter resident and common summer resident/breeder above 3000 feet in elevation and should be seen in the area. Photo: Lexington, 16 January 16 For additional photos: Dark-eyed Junco

Passeriformes: Icteridae Bobolinks, Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, and Orioles (All photos: Chats, Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Orioles, Blackbirds, Cowbirds, and Grackles )

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: May through August Locations: Goshen Pass, Sky Farm, Willow Lake History: Yellow-breasted Chats have been reported in the At Sky Farm outside of Lexington during the summers of 2012 and 2013, at Old Natural Bridge Golf Course in 2013, Goshen Pass area (10 May 2010, 14 May 2005, 15 May 2004, 9 August 2006), near Rockbridge Baths (30 April through 10 June 2009 and 27 April through 10 May 2010), in Lexington (May 2010), and in the Arcadia area (1 May 2006). Murray reports that Chats are an abundant, summer resident of the area. He reports nests with eggs between 16 May and 17 June. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and could be seen in the area. Photo: Sky Farm near Lexington, 20 May 2016 For additional photos: Yellow-breasted Chat

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration Dates: Early May and September Where to find it: Bobolinks have been reported mainly during spring migration in the area. Records for Bobolinks are from the first, two weeks in May. This date is consistent with migration through the state. Two recent reports are from the Turkey Hill area (2011 and 2007). In 2012, Dick Rowe located a Bobolink at the Ponds housing development on 12 September. During the spring of 2013, Bobolinks were reported at Old Farm Rd. pond and at Willow Lake. During early May of 2015, a large group of Bobolinks was located by Laura Neale along Borden Grant Rd. Murray reports that Bobolinks are common in the spring with dates ranging from 25 April to 27 May and are uncommon in the fall with dates ranging from 21 August to 23 September. He does not give location data for his sightings. Status: Rare spring migrant and not expected. Photo: upper photo, Willow Lake, 9 May 2013; lower photo, Ponds housing development 12 September 2012 For additional photos: Bobolink

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder with many individuals leaving the area during the winter Dates: Year-round with increased sightings from April through November Locations: Throughout the county History: Meadowlarks are found in fields and pastures at lower elevations throughout the county. They are common in the spring and summer and tend to form small flocks in the winter. It is likely that many individuals leave the area during the winter. Meadowlarks have been reported on 68 of 92 CBC with an average of 16 individuals reported each year. The record high count is 136 individuals reported in 1975. More recently, the high count for the past ten years is 51 individuals in 2005. Murray reports nest on 14 May 1934 and 25 June 1944. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen during the summer. Meadowlarks are an uncommon winter resident that could be seen in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 15 March 2011. For additional photos: Eastern Meadowlark Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurious):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through July Locations: Throughout the county History: Orchard Orioles can be found along waterways in the county. Recently, individuals have been reported from 23 April 2004 to 27 July 2004. Murray reports an occurrence range from 26 April to 19 September with a nest with eggs on 20 May. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and could be seen in the area Photo: left, male. Low Bridge Ln, 7 May 2013; right photo, female, 6 May 2010. For additional photos: Orchard Oriole

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through September Location: Throughout the county History: Baltimore Orioles can be found throughout the lower elevations of the county. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2004 at the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River. They are commonly seen and heard by early May. The recent late departure date is 28 September 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. During early February of 2010, an individual was seen for several days at a bird feeder near Lexington. Murray reports an occurrence range of 22 April to 12 September with nests on 13 May and 26 May. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 29 April 2013. For additional photos: Baltimore Oriole

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late February through September with a few individuals in the area through December Locations: Throughout the county History: Red-winged Blackbirds are found in the lower elevations in the county especially in marshy or wet areas, although some individuals can be found in upland locations. The earliest arrival date is 17 February 2008 at Kendal. By mid-April they are abundant. Red-winged Blackbirds have been reported on 26 of 84 CBC with a peak number of 30 seen in 1998. Murray reports them as being abundant summer residents with an occasional individual overwintering. He reports them as occurring in every month except January with a normal occurrence range of 22 February to 13 December. He reports nests with eggs between 24 April and 27 July. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. During the winter they are uncommon and not expected. Photo: Willow Lake, 9 June 2010. For additional photos: Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area with a few individuals remaining throughout the winter Dates: Early March through November with individuals reported in December, January, and February Location: Throughout the county History: Cowbirds can be found throughout the area and at all elevation. Individuals have been reported on 27 January 2004, 16 February 2003, and 5 March 2005, but the average arrival date is between 8-10 April. Cowbirds have been reported on 21 of 84 CBC with a peak number of 452 individuals seen in 2000. Murray reports an occurrence range of 5 March to 25 November. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. During the winter, they are uncommon and not expected. Photo: Lexington, 18 May 2017. For additional photos: Brown-headed Cowbird

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus):

Occurrence: Transient during fall and spring migration Dates: October through April Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Goshen Pass, Lexington History: Rusty Blackbirds are migrants through the area although some individuals may overwinter. Individuals have been reported at Locher Tract on 25 March 2010, 7 April 2010, and 10 November 2010; at Willow Lake on 29 March 2010 and 27 October 2012, and along the Chessie Trail near South River on 29 April 2010; in Lexington on 27 January 2004; in Goshen Pass on 10 April 2004; and at McCormick’s Farm on 15 March 2011, 6 November 2011, 11 November 2010, 17 October and 31 October 2012. Rusty Blackbirds have been reported on 22 CBC with 34 individuals reported in 2000. Murray considers them to be transients with an occurrence range of 30 September through 25 April. Status: Uncommon transient in the spring and scarce in the fall and not expected. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 31 October 2012. For additional photos: Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Late February through mid October Location: Throughout the county History: Grackles are found throughout the area during the summer. They are one of the early arrivals in the spring with an earliest arrival date of 23 February 2004. During the late summer, fall, and into early winter, Grackles form flocks that move through the county. Grackles have been reported on 22 CBC with and average of 19 individuals seen each year. The highest count is 750 individuals seen in 2006. In 2009, 727 individuals were reported. Murray notes an occurrence range of 13 February 1949 to 12 November. Murray reports nests with eggs by 19 April. Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. During the winter they are uncommon and not expected. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 9 June 2009. For additional photos: Common Grackle

Passeriformes: Parulidae Warblers (All photos: Warblers )

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area. Dates: Mid-April through mid-October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn, Goshen Pass, North Mtn History: Ovenbirds are a common, summer resident of the forests in the area, especially at higher elevations. The earliest recent record is 13 April 2010 near Big Hill with a late departure date of 8 October 2006. Murray reports that Ovenbirds are abundant at all elevations with an arrival date of 20 April and a departure date of 15 October. He reports nests on 27 May 1931, 17 June 1935, and 20 June 1933. Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 77, 5 May 2013. For additional photos: Ovenbird

Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Mid-April through August. Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, North Mtn, Locher Tract History: Worm-eating Warblers are a summer resident of the area and are often found along creek beds in dense vegetation. The earliest recent record is 17 April 2002 in Goshen Pass and the latest recent record is 24 September 2009 at Locher Tract. Murray reports an occurrence range of 24 April to 22 September. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 27 April 2017. For additional photos: Worm-eating Warbler

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: April through mid-September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Locher Tract, Kerrs Creek, Goshen Pass History: These are common, summer residents in the area and are found along creeks and rivers. They are one of the early arriving warblers with an arrival date of 28 March 2009 and sightings are common by 15 April. An individual was seen on 18 March 2010 just outside of the county along the James River on the Appalachian Trail. Murray notes an early arrival date of 2 April 1848 and a departure date of 21 September. He reports nests on 26 May 1934, 17 June 1935, and 18 May 1944. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Locher Tract, 3 April 2016. For additional photos: Louisiana Waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration. Dates: Mid April through mid May and late August through October Locations: Locher Tract, McCormick’s Farm History: Recently, Northern Waterthrushes were reported along the James River at Locher Tract on 14 September and 18 September 2010 and one at McCormick’s Farm on 11 October 2010. Murray reports that Northern Waterthrushes are uncommon transients through the area. He reports a spring migration between 16 April and 20 May and a fall migration between 24 August and 27 October. Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and not expected.

Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: May through August Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: The recent records for Golden-winged Warblers are from Goshen Pass west of the swinging bridge along RT 39 and from the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 27 (this is just outside of the county). Golden-winged Warblers have fairly specific habitat requirements (low, scrubby trees often found in disturbed areas), and as a result their distribution changes with maturing habitats. The area along RT 39 has had Golden-winged Warblers for the past several years. The Blue Ridge Parkway site had Golden-winged Warblers from 2004-2006, but none have been found at that site for the past few years. Murray notes three records; 30 July 1940 near House Mountain, 18 August 1952 west of Lexington, and 23 August in Goshen Pass. Status: Unusual in the area but can be locally common. This is a species that could be seen in the proper habitats.

Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and could breed in the area. Dates: April through May and September Locations: Goshen Pass, Natural Bridge State Park History: There a number recent records of Blue-winged Warblers in the area. Wes Teets located four singing males at the Natural Bridge State Park during the spring of 2013. Three are from the Goshen Pass area (near the swinging bridge on 29 May 2006 and 30 April 2011 and from the Wind River housing development on RT 39 on 29 May 2006. The other sighting was on 29 April 2000 along the Blue Ridge Parkway at the James River. In addition, a singing male was reported by Alex Merritt from 26 April to 10 June 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. Murray reports three sightings: 3 May 1948 west of Lexington and 7 September 1949. Status: Rare migrant and perhaps breeder and not expected. Photo: Old Natural Bridge Golf Course, 5 May 2013 For additional photos: Blue-winged Warbler

Brewster’s Warbler (Blue-winged Warbler x Golden-winged Warbler hybrid):

Occurrence: Migrant or perhaps a breeder in the area Dates: April and early May Locations: Goshen Pass History: A single male was found by Dick Rowe along the Goshen Pass Hunter’s Access road on 30 April 2011. The male was singing along the road near a recently clear-cut area. Status: Unusual migrant or breeder and not expected Photo: Goshen Pass, 30 April 2011 For additional photos: Brewster’s Warbler Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area. Dates: Early April through October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Boxerwood, Lexington, Goshen Pass History: Black-and-white Warblers are a common, summer resident in the area. The earliest recent arrival date is 7 April 2000, and birds are commonly seen and heard by 15 April. The latest departure date is 1 Oct 2006. During breeding season, Black-and-whites are commonly found along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mountains of Goshen Pass. Post breeding season, Black-and-white Warblers can be found throughout the county. Murray reports a 5 April arrival date and a 21 October departure date. He reports nests with eggs on 30 May 1932. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 44, 19 April 2008. For additional photos: Black-and-white Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and perhaps a summer resident Dates: Three records on 30 April 2005, 1 May 2006, and June 2010 Locations: South River, Blue Ridge Parkway at James River, Arcadia History: There is one record for Prothonotary Warblers in the county. A male was singing in a swampy area along South River near its confluence with the Maury during June of 2010. The other, two sightings were at Solitude Swamp near Arcadia (1 May 2006), which is outside of the county, and from the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Status: Rare and unlikely to be seen in the county.

Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: May and August through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Locher Tract, Willow Lake, Goshen Pass History: Tennessee Warblers pass through the area during September and into early October. The recent records are primarily from the Parkway between Whetstone Ridge and Route 60. A few reports are from Locher Tract. Alex Merritt has 17 sightings of Tennessee Warblers along the Parkway ranging from 4 September 2010 to 29 September 20009 and 2010. There are six recent records for Tennessee Warblers. Murray reported six records during May, but noted that they were abundant during fall migration (records from 28 August through 17 October). Status: Unusual and occurs only as a transient and appears to be more common during fall migration. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 3 October 2014 For additional photos: Tennessee Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: Early May Locations: Rockbridge County History: Paul Cabe located an Orange-crowned Warbler in northern Rockbridge County on 5 May 2011. This is the first record of this species in the county. A likely Orange-crowned Warbler was seen at Natural Bridge Park on 4 May 2014. Status: Unusual and occurs as a transient during migration and not expected to be seen in the area. Photo: Kiawah Island, SC, 28 December 2016 For additional photos from Kiawah Island: Orange-crowned Warbler

Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla):

Occurrence: Transient during migration Dates: April to early May and September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, McCormick’s Farm, Locher Tract, Brownsburg History: Nashville Warblers migrate through the area in May and September. Recent reports indicate that birds move along the Blue Ridge Parkway in September between 11 September 2010 and 29 September 2009 (along the Parkway and Locher Tract). A few individuals are reported in other portions of the county; near Brownsburg in early 1 September 2010, near Rockbridge Baths on 5 May 2010, and at McCormick’s Farm on 16 October 2011. Murray notes six records; 30 April 1947, 1 May 1950, 2 May 1949, 3 September, 9 September 1929, and 4 October but gives no location data. Status: Unusual and occurs as a transient during migration. This species could be seen during migration but not at other times of the year. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 16 October 2011 For additional photos: Nashville Warbler

Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration Dates: May and late August through early October Locations: South River History: There is one, recent sighting of an individual on 6 October 2010 at the confluence of South River and the Maury River. Murray reports sightings in the fall: 29 August 1955, 31 August 1939, 11 September 1936, 27 September 1952, 6 October 1945, and one spring sighting on 17 May 1937. Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected.

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration Dates: May and late August through September Locations: Rockbridge Baths, McCormick’s Farm History: There are two recent sightings of Mourning Warblers in the county. Dick Rowe located one at McCormick’s Farm on 25 August 2011, and Alex Merritt located one near Rockbridge Baths on 7 September 2009. Murray reports three sight records: 27 May 1940, 28 September 1939, and 29 September 1933. He also reports to specimens collected on 23 August 1954 and on 25 September 1933. Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected. Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 25 August 2011 For additional photos: Mourning Warbler

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration with some evidence of breeding in the area Dates: May through September Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Rockbridge Baths, Natural Bridge State Park History: There are several recent reports of a Kentucky Warblers in the area. Wes Teets reported several individuals at the Natural Bridge State Park between 17 and 22 May 2013. Kieran Kilday found an individual at McCormick’s Farm on 8 September 2010. Alex Merritt reports an individual near Rockbridge Baths on 13 May and 16 May 2009 and 4 May 2010 and at Lake Robertson on 6 May 2010. Bob Paxton reports finding individuals along the Maury River near the present-day Horse Center on 10 May 1998 and 11 May 1979. Murray notes that Kentucky Warblers are a rare summer resident. He reports three sightings; on Apple Orchard Mountain, in Goshen Pass and at Brushy Hill. These sightings occurred in May and June. Status: Rare transient and perhaps a breeder in the area and not expected. Photo: Natural Bridge State Park, 4 May 2014 For additional photos: Kentucky Warbler

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Late April through September Locations: Rockbridge County, McCormick’s Farm, Locher Tract, Goshen Pass History: Common Yellowthroats are a common, summer resident in the area. The recent earliest sighting is 25 April 2004 along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the latest departure date is 9 October 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. Murray reports an occurrence range of 18 April to 21 October with nests on 7 June 1943 and 22 June 1943. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 5 July 2014 For additional photos: Common Yellowthroat

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Mid-April through mid-September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn, Goshen Pass, History: Hooded Warblers are a common, summer resident of the area and are often found in laurel and rhododendron thickets at all elevations. The earliest arrival date is 17 April 2002 in Goshen Pass, and a male in breeding plumage was seen on 22 September 2010 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Murray reports an occurrence range of 22 April to 2 September and nests occurring on 20 June 1930, 22 June 1931, and 27 June 1938. Status: Common summer resident/ breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 27 April 2014. For additional photos: Hooded Warbler

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: Redstarts are an abundant, summer resident in the mountains. They can be found in the trees at most pulloffs along the Blue Ridge Parkway between RT 60 and RT 56. The earliest recent arrival record is 20 April 2008 and a late departure date of 26 September 2010. Murray reports a range of occurrence of 16 April to 7 October with nests found on 30 May 1932and 30 June 1930. Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway; upper photo, male, 21 May 2009; lower photo, female, 12 July 2008. For additional photos: American Redstart Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina):

Occurrence: Transient more common during fall migration than spring Dates: Late April through mid-May and September through October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake, Locher Tract History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Cape May Warblers in the area. The majority of the sightings were in September along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Whetstone Ridge and RT 60. Other individuals have been found along the James River at the Locher Tract area, Goshen Pass, along South River, and off of RT 39 near Rockbridge Baths. Murray reports them as common migrants in the spring passing through between 29 April and 18 May and in the fall between 26 August and 1 November. He notes that he has seen as many as 30 in one day at his home in Lexington. Status: Common during migration and could be seen in the area but rare at other times of the year. Photo: Willow Lake, 3 October 2012 Additional photos: Cape May Warbler

Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Early May through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn History: Cerulean Warblers are commonly found in the forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many of the recent records are from the area between RT 60 and RT 56. The earliest recent record is 29 April 2010 at Yankee Horse Ridge on the Parkway. Bob Paxton notes that Cerulean Warblers were formerly found at lower elevations in the county especially along the Maury River. Murray considers Cerulean Warblers to be a summer resident arriving on 18 April and departing on 28 August. Murray notes that Ceruleans are found below 1500 feet and remarks on an unusual sighting at 3400 feet on Apple Orchard Mountain. All of my records (29) between May of 2000 and the present are from elevation above 1500 feet and I have commonly found them near the top of Apple Orchard Mountain. Recently, Ceruleans have become a targeted species due to declines in breeding populations. One possible explanation for the difference in sighting areas between Murray’s work and recent records is habitat loss at lower elevation. Murray reports that nesting occurred west of Lexington in May of 1948. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the proper habitats.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway Yankee Horse Ridge pull off, 20 May 2015. For additional photos: Cerulean Warbler

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and transient during migration Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Goshen Pass, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chessie Trail, Maury River History: Northern Parula Warblers can be seen from mid-April (earliest arrival 7 April 2010 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the James River) through September. Parulas are commonly seen along the rivers of the county (around Goshen Pass and South River), along the Parkway from the James River past RT 60, and at Cave Mountain Lake. Murray considers them to be summer residents and notes an arrival date of 8 April 1946 and a departure date of 5 October. He reports nests on 22 May 1938 and young present on 16 July 1943. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass: 25 May 2014 For additional photos: Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: Late April through mid-May and September through mid-October Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Lexington, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract History: There are a number of spring and fall sightings in the area. Magnolia Warblers have been reported on 8 May 2004 and 13 May 2003 in Lexington and on 11 and 13 May 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. They are more common in the fall and a number of individuals were seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway between 2 and 22 September 2010. In addition, individuals were seen during September near Rockbridge Baths and at Locher Tract. Murray notes that Magnolia Warblers are common migrants in the spring between 27 April and 25 May and in the fall between 2 September and 20 October. He lists three sightings 4 June 1945, 10 November 1936, and 27 December 1947. Status: Unusual spring and more common as a fall migrant and could be seen in the area Photo: Upper photo, Goshen Pass 1 May 2016; Lower photo, Blue Ridge Parkway, 16 September 2012 For additional photos: Magnolia Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration Dates: May and September through mid-October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract, Rockbridge Baths History: Recently, Bay-breasted Warblers have been reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 11 and 12 September 2010 and 23 September 2012; Goshen Pass, 10 May 2010 and 1 October 2009; along the James River near Arnold’s Valley, 29 September 2009; and near Rockbridge Baths, 9 October 2009. Murray reports that Bay-breasted Warblers are migrants through the area between 5 May and 24 May and 28 August to 15 October, but he does not list any specific sighting records. Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and could be seen. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 23 September 2012 Additional photos: Bay-breasted Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway History: Blackburnians are commonly found along the Blue Ridge Parkway at higher elevations. Recently, individuals/pairs have been found consistently around the Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff (mile post 35). Individuals were singing on 24 April 2010 at Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff. Individuals have been reported elsewhere in the county especially during fall migration. Murray notes that spring migration occurs between 24 April and 22 May and that fall migration occurs between 27 August and 8 October. He reports nesting in Goshen Pass on 16 June 1933 and 12 June 1931 and 16 June 1930 on Thunder Hill (Apple Orchard Mountain). Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder that should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Yankee Horse Ridge, 2 May 2017. For additional photos: Blackburnian Warbler

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid-April through September Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Sky Farm, Maury River History: Yellow Warblers are summer residents in the area. They have been reported at Willow Lake, Big Springs, along the James River near the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in Arcadia. Murray notes a 13 April early arrival date and that a nest with eggs was located on 19 May. He also notes sightings on 8 September 1952 and 3 October 1953. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Sky Farm, 26 April 2017 For additional photos: Yellow Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn History: Chestnut-sided Warblers are a common summer resident in the higher elevations (around 3000 feet and above). The earliest arrival date is 26 April 2009 along the Blue Ridge Parkway and birds have been reported in mid to late September during migration. Murray reports a 24 April 1948 early arrival date. He reports nesting on 18 May 1953. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen at higher elevations in the area Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 26 May 2008. For additional photos: Chestnut-sided Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration Dates: Mid to late May and September Locations: Lexington, Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake History: Blackpoll Warblers are a common migrant through the area in the spring. The majority of spring sightings occur between 12 May 2003 and 29 May 1996. During fall migration, Blackpolls do not come through the area in large numbers. Fall sightings are in September along the Blue Ridge Parkway (5 September to 22 September), at Locher Tract, near Rockbridge Baths, and Goshen Pass. Murray notes a spring migration between 4 May and 2 June and a fall migration between 6 September and 25 October. Status: Common migrant in the spring and less common in the fall and should be seen during its spring migration in the area. Photo: Willow Lake, 12 May 2014. For additional photos: Blackpoll Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Late April to mid-October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Apple Orchard Mtn History: Black-throated Blue Warblers are a common summer resident above 2000 feet. The early arrival date is 26 April 2009 near Rockbridge Baths and the late departure date is 14 October 2009 in Goshen Pass (Hunter’s Access Road). Individuals were seen on 18 September 2010 along the BRP. Murray notes that migrant pass through the area between 29 April and 17 May in the spring and 11 September and 20 October in the fall. He notes nests with eggs on 16 June on Elliott’s Knob in Augusta County. Status: Common species and should be seen in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 3 October 2014. For additional photos: Black-throated Blue Warbler

Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: Mid-April through early May and September to early November Locations: Willow Lake, Blue Ridge Parkway History: Palm Warblers have been reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sunset Fields, near Rockbridge Baths, along the Appalachian Trail near Bluff Mountain, and along the Appalachian Trail north of the James River. The earliest recent record is 7 April 2010 and late record is 14 November 2009. A Palm Warbler was reported on the CBC in 1958. Murray notes that Palm Warblers are an uncommon transient moving through the area between 25 April and 8 May in the spring and 9 September to 2 November in the fall. He reports 13 records and no nesting activity. Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen during migration. Photo: Upper photo -Willow Lake, 28 April 2011, by Lucy Rowe; Lower photo – Willow Lake, 20 October 2012 by Dick Rowe For additional photos: Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant Dates: Early March through mid-October with a few individuals found throughout the winter Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: Pine Warblers are the earliest warbler to arrive in the area and can be found consistently along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The earliest arrival date is 4 March 2002 and the late departure date is 13 October 2008. During the winter of 2000-01 an individual showed up at our feeder in Lexington during a snow storm on 17 February 2001. Pine Warblers have been reported twice on the CBC in 1961 and 1960. Murray reports numerous sightings of singing males and notes nesting on 13 May 1938 on Rocky Row and 24 May 1938 near Rockbridge Baths. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 16 April 2013. For additional photos: Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant Dates: Late October to early May Locations: Chessie Trail, Boxerwood, Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm History: Yellow-rumps are a very common winter resident in the area. They can be found throughout most of the areas of the county. The recent earliest arrival date is 20 September 2010 along South River and latest departure date is 12 May 2010 along the James River near Natural Bridge Station. Yellow-rumped Warblers have been reported on 68 of 84 CBC’s with an average of 72 individuals seen per year. On the CBC, the recent high count of 557 birds was recorded in 1999. Murray reports individuals present from 23 September to 15 May. Status: Common winter resident and should be seen in the area. Photo: Upper photo near Whetstone Ridge, 3 January 2009; lower photo at Barger’s Quarry in Lexington, 22 November 2008. For additional photos: Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica):

Occurrence: Primarily a migrant with evidence of summer residents Dates: Late March through mid May Locations: Maury River, Chessie Trail, James River, Goshen Pass, Kerrs Creek History: There are numerous recent sighting primarily along the James River between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Glasgow, along the Maury River on River Rd, and along the Chessie Trail near South RIver. The sightings during migration range from 28 March in 2007 to 19 May 2000. In addition there are recent sightings from along Kerrs Creek and in Goshen Pass. A late individual was seen along South River on 20 September 2010. Status: Locally common migrant and could be seen in the area Photo: Maury River along River Rd, 9 April 2017. For additional photos: Yellow-throated Warbler

Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant Dates: Late April through mid-November Locations: Goshen Pass, McCormick’s Farm History: Prairie Warblers are common inhabitants of scrub (logged areas) and over-grown pastures in the county. For the past few years, they have been found along the hunter access road in Goshen Pass in clear-cut areas. The earliest recent arrival date is 18 April 2008 and the late departure date is 12 November 2006 at McCormick’s Farm. Murray considers Prairie Warblers to be a common resident present in the area from 17 April to 12 September. He reports a nest on 10 May 1937. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, Hunter Access Road, 26 April 2014. For additional photos: Prairie Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area. Dates: Early April through mid-October Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass History: Black-throated Green Warblers are a summer resident in the area nesting in the mountains. The earliest arrival date is 5 April 2000 with sightings by 15 April during most years. The latest recent departure date is 14 October 2009 in Goshen Pass. Murray notes a 14 April arrival date with transients leaving by 15 May. He notes that fall migration occurs between 13 August and 16 October. Murray reports nesting on 16 June 1930 and young present on 29 May 1933. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo, McCormick’s Farm, 3 October 2012. For additional photos: Black-throated Green Warbler

Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: May through September Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn History: Canada Warblers are a summer resident of the higher elevations in the area that are often found along streams or in wet areas. The earliest record is 2 May 2001 on Apple Orchard Mountain with birds commonly seen or heard by mid-May. The recent latest departure date is 28 September 2010. Murray reports an occurrence range of 6 May to 22 September. Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen. Photo: Yankee Horse Ridge mile post 34 Blue Ridge Parkway, 2 May 2017. For additional photos: Canada Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration Dates: May and September and October Locations: Locher Tract, Rockbridge County History: Recent sightings have been along the Blue Ridge Parkway and along the James River near Glasgow (8 September 2010) and at the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course on 17 May 2013 by Wes Teets. Maury reports 12 sightings; five in May, six in September, and two in October. Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and not expected. Passeriformes: Cardinalidae Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Buntings (All photos: Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings )

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder although there have been no recent sightings Dates: May through September Locations: RC History: Bob Paxton reports seeing Summer Tanagers on North Mountain during the 1980’s, but there have been no sightings since that time. Murray reports that Summer Tanagers are found below 1400 feet in elevation and are locally common. He reports nests on 11 May 1953, 23 May 1847, 6 June 1931, 19 June 1934, 2 July 1932, and 10 July 1928. Murray notes that Summer Tanagers occur between 24 April and 27 September. Status: Rare summer resident/breeder and not expected.

Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Mid April through September Locations: Throughout the county, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Goshen Pass History: Scarlet Tanagers are a common summer resident of the area. They are most commonly found in the forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Goshen Pass area. The earliest arrival date is 20 April at Brushy Hill outside of Lexington in 2003 and in the southern part of the county in 2009. By late April they are commonly heard along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The recent latest departure date is 1 October 2006 along the Appalachian Trail. Murray reports a range of occurrence between 21 April and 6 October with nesting occurring between 15 May 1931 and 30 June 1930. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Goshen Pass, 26 April 2013. For additional photos: Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder Dates: Year-round Location: Throughout the county History: Cardinals can be found throughout the county and at all elevations. Cardinals have been reported on 91 of 92 CBC with a yearly average of 124 individuals reported. The highest recorded count was 406 individuals in 1979 and the highest recent count was 331 individuals in 2004. Murray reports nests as early as 16 and 21 April. Additionally, he notes that Cardinals are found up to 2500 feet in elevation. I have found Cardinals on Apple Orchard Mountain on 2 May 2001 and 9 June 2000. Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder that should be seen in the area. Photo: left photo, Lexington, female, 20 March 2008; right photo, male, Lexington, 19 December 2008. For additional photos: Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area Dates: Mid April to early October Locations: Higher elevations in the county, Blue Ridge Parkway and Goshen Pass History: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks breed at the higher elevations in the county. The earliest arrival date is 15 April 2005 in Goshen Pass with a late departure date of 2 October 2006. Murray reports that they are fairly common above 2500 feet with early arrival dates of 10 May 1949, 12 May 1928, and 13 May 1929. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area Photo: Left photo: male; right photo: female; both photos along the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 78, 15 May 2013. For additional photos: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: May through September Locations: Throughout the county, fields and pastures History: Blue Grosbeaks are found in shrubby-open field areas in the county. Breeding pairs have been reported along Jacobs Ladder Rd (2010-2017) outside of Lexington, along the South River near its confluence with the Maury River (July and August of 2009), a pair with fledglings at the Ponds Housing development (July 2011), at Sky Farm outside of Lexington (2016-2017) and a pair along Hyde Rd. near Brownsburg in 2012. A single or pair of Blue Grosbeaks were found near Fairfield on 26 August, 30 August, and 26 September 2010. Murray considers that Blue Grosbeaks are an unusual summer resident in the area. He reports six records of Blue Grosbeaks in the county and nests found on 21 May and on 15 July 1948. It appears that Blue Grosbeaks are becoming more common in the area. Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. Photo: Sky Farm, 13 May 2017. For additional photos: Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Late April through early October Locations: Throughout the county History: Indigo Buntings are most often found along edges of woods and can be found throughout the county. The earliest arrival date is 24 April 2007 and the latest departure date is 9 October 2010. Murray reports an early arrival date of 18 April and a departure date of 14 October. Nests are found between 25 May and 2 August. Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be found in the area. Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway; upper photo, male, 15 June 2008; lower photo, female, 15 May 2010. For additional photos: Indigo Bunting

Dickcissel (Spiza americana):

Occurrence: Summer Dates: 24 June through July Locations: Brownsburg, Jacob’s Ladder, Sky Farm History: There are five records of Dickcissels in the county. A male was seen on 18 July to the end of the month in 2011 near Fairfield. In 2012, male was seen near Brownsburg on 24 June and a male was seen at Sky Farm near Lexington on 26 June. Subsequently, eight males, a female, and an immature male were found along Hyde Rd. near Brownsburg from 29 June through August. During 2017, Kerry Kilday had a pair of Dickcissels on his property. They appeared to be nesting, although no nest was located. The timing of the presence of Dickcissels in the area suggests the possibility of breeding individuals, there are no records to confirm this. Status: Uncommon summer resident/visitor. Photo: Jacob’s Ladder near Lexington, 26 June 2017 For additional photos: Dickcissel