Virginia Birds A Quarterly Journal of Ornithological Sightings in the Commonwealth Published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology

Volume 10, Number 2 Fall Records August–November 2013

Volume 10, Number 3 Winter Records December 2013–February 2014 WhileEditors' the progress of fall was Notes about normal, the winter period was noteworthy for the presence of Snowy Owls in unprecedented numbers and the extremely cold temperatures to the north and west of the Commonwealth, which caused a Red-necked Grebe incursion and inland records of normally coastal winter ducks and grebes. With this issue we bid farewell to Wendy Ealding, who has been the South Central Region editor since 2010, providing wonderful insights into a sometimes under-birded area. We particularly appreciate her efforts to compile region reports while also holding down the very busy post of VARCOM Secretary. Mike Stinson, currently the Central Region Editor, will replace Wendy and Janet Paisley and Andrew Rapp are joining the team as the new Central Region Editors. Also with this issue of Virginia Birds we bring our ten years of work on the publication to a close. The VSO Board is actively seeking a new senior editor or editors. Until one is found VSO President, Joe Coleman and Virginia Birds Coastal Region Editor, Bill Williams will share the overall editorial responsibilities. Founding this publication and seeing it through its first ten years has been an amazing experience and we are enormously proud if to have played a small part in preserving information that contributes to an understanding of the status and distribution of birds in Virginia. But this has only been possible because of the work of our Regional Editors. There are really no adequate words to express our thanks to them for their contributions or tell them how much we have enjoyed working with them over the years. The best we can do is wish them, and our readers…continued good birding….

Alan Schreck and Linda Fields Founding Editors, Virginia Birds

On the Cover: Common Mergansers were a new species for the Blackford CBC. Photograph by Roger Mayhorn.

Publisher Regional Editors Virginia Society of Ornithology Incoming Editors Fred Atwood Printed on recycled paper Bill Williams Adam D’Onofrio [email protected] Wendy Ealding Editors Joe Coleman Clyde Kessler Linda Fields [email protected] Lynda Mayhorn Alan Schreck Roger Mayhorn [email protected] Janet Paisley Andrew Rapp C. Michael Stinson Bill Williams

Terms and Abbreviations imm. (imms.) – immature(s) VDGIF – Virginia Department of Species name in bold first time men- Jct. – Junction Game and Inland Fisheries tioned (RARITIES bold and all caps) juv. (juvs.) – juvenile(s) VSO – Virginia Society of County names are in italics L. – Lake Ornithology Abbreviations: MAPS – Monitoring Avian WMA – Wildlife Management Area ad. (ads.) – adult(s) Productivity and Survivorship  – VARCOM Review List Bird BBS – breeding bird survey m. – male † – written details submitted CBC – Christmas Bird Count m. obs – many/multiple observers * – specimen collected Cr. – Creek Mt. – Mountain, Mount et al. – and others NWR – National Wildlife Refuge Submissions f. – female ph. – photographed (by + initials) Send reports and photographs to the fide – vouched by Pt. – Point Regional Editors. Photographs should FOS – First of Season R. – River be the highest electronic quality possi- Ft. – Fort Res. – Reservoir ble. Send with release form, which can Gold Book – Virginia's Birdlife, An Rte. – Route be found on the VSO web site: www. Annotated Checklist. Virginia Avifauna SF – State Forest virginiabirds.net No. 7, Fourth Edition, 2007. SP – State Park Articles for consideration can be sent to Hwy. – Highway VARCOM – Virginia Avian Records [email protected] I. – Island(s), Isle(s) Committee

Page 2 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Virginia Birds Regions Reports Regional Due Editors to 15 Aug 15 Dec 15 Mar 15 Jun Season (Jun–Jul) Summer (Aug–Nov) Fall (Dec–Feb) Winter (Mar–May) Spring

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 3 Fall Reporting Period August 2013 — November 2013 Editor—VACANT North

Arlington, Culpepper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas and Manassas Park.

No report.

Editor—Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 West Radford, VA 24141 [email protected] Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rocking- ham, Augusta, Highland, Bath Rockbridge, Botetourt Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties.

Abbreviations: Fenwick( Fenwick Mines, Craig); Gala were found there 28 Nov (KA). Twelve Green-winged (Gala Wetlands, Botetourt); Greenfield L. (Greenfield Teal were on Willow L. 11 Oct (RR) and sixteen were Lake, Botetourt), Natl. Bridge (Natural Bridge, at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK). Three Northern Pintails Rockbridge); Willow L. (Willow Lake, Rockbridge) were seen at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK). Blue-winged Teal reports were of 24 at Gala 3 Oct (BK), 15 at GEESE—TERNS Douthat State Park, Bath the same day, (JW) and 13 A Snow Goose was found at Ashley Plantation Pond, at Mountain Meadow Pond, Augusta, 19 Oct (GM). Botetourt, 29 Nov (KA). A Ross's Goose was there 29 Three Northern Shovelers were at Willow L. 11 Oct Nov (KA) and one was found in Blue Grass Valley, (RR); four were at Bisset Park in Radford 10 Nov (CK). Highland 16 Nov (JS). A count of 651 Canada Geese Other duck observations were of 22 Ring-necked was tallied on the New River at Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov Ducks at Abrams Cr. Wetlands Preserve, Frederick 9 (DH). Tundra Swans were found at Willow L. 7 Nov Nov, (MN); 6 Greater Scaup on L. Frederick, Frederick (JP); 50 were in Shenandoah 19 Nov (DD); and one 22 Nov (WP) and 42 Buffleheadthere 12 Nov (WP); was observed in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Wood Duck 83 Bufflehead at the confluence of the Little and New observations were of eight seen north of Goshen Pass, Rivers, Montgomery 30 Nov (CK); one Surf Scoter at Rockbridge 19 Sep (BK); seven found at Shenandoah Lake Frederick 1 Nov (ET) and one Long-tailed Duck River State Park, Warren 6 Oct (TH) and eight at there 3 Nov (DC). Two early Common Mergansers Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov (DH). Four Gadwall were at were found on the south fork of the Shenandoah R., Willow L. 20 October, (RR). Five American Wigeons Page 10 August (BDe) and two were at Riverview Park were at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK), four were at Abrams in Radford 29 Nov (CK). Five Ruddy Ducks were Cr. Wetlands Preserve, Frederick 9 Nov (MN) and eight observed at Willow L. 11 and 20 October (RR) and one was at Greenfield L. 14 Oct, (BK). Thirty-two

Page 4 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Wild Turkeys were seen in Shenandoah 28 Aug (ET) Sandpiper was found at Roanoke Sewage Treatment and 61 were observed at McCunn’s Road, Frederick 30 ponds 8 Sep (MS). Other sandpiper reports included: 26 Oct (BL & JL). Three Pied-billed Grebes were found Semipalmated Sandpipers at ponds in Lyndhurst and at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge 3 Oct (RR); Swoope 17 Aug and 21 Least Sandpipers there the same seven were at Willow L. 21 Oct (JP); nine were at day (AL); three Least Sandpipers at Henry Hills pond, Greenfield L. 27 Oct (BK); and six at L. Shenandoah, Rockbridge also on 17 Aug (RR); 3 Western Sandpipers Rockingham 27 Oct (DW). The hawk watch at Rockfish in Augusta 17 Aug (DH), two seen at Roanoke Sewage Gap, Augusta reported 74 Common Loons 12 Nov Treatment ponds 8 Sep (KD), and one was observed in (GM). Double-crested Cormorants were present on Rockingham 18 Sep (DH). Six Short-billed Dowitchers the New R. in Radford almost daily throughout the fall were found at Swoope 17 Aug (AL). A Bonaparte’s season, with a peak count of 94 on 13 Oct (CK). Ten Gull was seen at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 18 Sep were seen at ponds in Waynesboro also on 13 Oct (EC). (DL) and one was found at McCune’s Pond, Augusta 9 Six Great Blue Herons were found at Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov (VL). Three Forster’s Terns were seen at Claytor Nov (DH). Great Egret reports were of single birds at L., Pulaski 2 Aug (MM) and 2 Caspian Terns were Lyndhurst, Augusta 1 Aug (AL) near Dublin, Pulaski 9 observed at Rockfish Gap, Augusta 27 Oct (GM). Aug (MB & SB), on the North Fork of the Shenandoah R., Shenandoah 12 Aug (BD), near Riner, Montgomery DOVES—LONGSPURS 31 Aug (CH), at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK), and three Six Eurasian Collared Doves were in a field with about at Mountain Meadow Pond, Augusta 19 Oct (GM). An a thousand Mourning Doves near the NRV Airport, immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was observed Pulaski, 21 Aug (MB & SB). Another two were found at Willow L. 3 Aug (RR). A Black-crowned Night- near the town of Pulaski later the same day and 15 Heron was seen at Swoope, Augusta 1 Aug (AL); one was were seen in the Belspring area of Pulaski 24 Oct (KD). on the south fork of the Shenandoah R., Page 10 Aug Common Nighthawks were on the move with 150 (BD) and five were found at Newman L. on the JMU seen at Union Springs Dam, Rockingham 27 Aug (KS) campus, Harrisonburg 16 Aug (GMo). A Northern and 254 at New Hope, Augusta 1 Sep (GM). An adult Goshawk was seen in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 27 m. Rufous Hummingbird was seen 17 Sep in Radford Nov (JS). A Sora was found at Nazarene Wetlands, and remained through the autumn (MFo). It had been Rockingham 2 Aug (GMo) and located again 10 Aug banded by Bruce Peterjohn the previous autumn at (DL & GMo) and 12 Aug (BE). A Black-bellied Plover the same location as an immature. Twenty-five Ruby- was observed at a sod farm in Rockingham 24 Aug (CM) throated Hummingbirds were found on Bottom and American Golden Plovers also observed there - Creek Road, Roanoke 3 Aug (KD). Two Red-headed four on 24 Aug (WL) and fifteen on 24 Sep (GMo). Woodpeckers were seen south of Low Moor, Alleghany Semipalmated Plover reports were of two in Lyndhurst, 24 Aug (KD); three were in Highland 31 Aug (DCl); Augusta 1 Aug (AL) and one at Swoope, Augusta 17 Aug one adult and one immature were at Natl. Bridge 2 Sep (AL), one at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge, 17 (WT); four were at Shenandoah R. SP, Warren 6 Oct Aug (RR), and five at Roanoke Sewage Treatment ponds (TH) and four were at L. Frederick, Frederick 15 Oct 19 Aug (KD). Nineteen Spotted Sandpipers were found (WP). A Merlin was found at Gala 30 Sep (BK), one at Lyndhurst and Swoope 17 Aug (AL). Ten Solitary in Winchester 28 Oct (WL) and one at Shenandoah Sandpipers were at the Roanoke Sewage Treatment R. SP, Warren 11 Nov (GK). Single Peregrine Falcons ponds 4 Aug (KD) and 20 were found in Lyndhurst and were reported near Hollins, Roanoke 9 Nov (KD), at Swoope, Augusta 17 Aug (AL). Five Greater Yellowlegs Greenfield L. 9 Nov (MS), in Shenandoah National were found at Swoope 17 Aug (AL) and 82 Lesser Park, Page 18 Oct (JSi), near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct Yellowlegs were observed there 17 Aug (AL). Five Stilt (CK) and in Rockingham 24 Nov (WL). An Olive- Sandpipers were found at Lyndhurst and Swoope 17 sided Flycatcher was seen at Fenwick 2 Sep (MBa) and Aug (AL) and two to four were observed at Nazarene one was in Roanoke 26 Sep (MH). A Yellow-bellied Wetlands, Rockingham 6–22 Oct (MF). A Pectoral Flycatcher was observed in Highland 31 Aug (DCl) and Sandpiper was seen near Bridgewater and another at one at the Third Battle of Winchester Trails, Frederick 6 Willow L. 10 Aug (DL & GMo); 45 at Swoope 17 Aug Sep (BL & JL). Twelve Eastern Kingbirds were north of provided a new fall peak count (AL); singles were at Timberville, Rockingham 19 Aug (DH). A Loggerhead Old Farm Road pond, Rockbridge 12 & 14 Sep and 11 Shrike was found near Riner, Montgomery 15 Aug Oct (RR); and six were near Mt. Crawford, Rockingham (CH) and one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK). 1 Oct (WL). Four Dunlin were seen at the Weyers Philadelphia Vireos were reported near Dublin, Pulaski Cave Airport, Augusta 24 Aug (GM) and one was at 21 Aug (MB & SB), at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep (BK), at a pond on Old Farm Road 10 Nov (JP). One Baird’s Natl. Bridge 25 Sep (WT), near Dayton, Rockingham 25

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 5 Sep (KS), in Roanoke City 28 Sep (MH), in Shenandoah 8 Oct (WT); one Mourning Warbler at Natl. Bridge 28 Sep (DD), and at Natl. Bridge 30 Sep (WT). Twelve 14 Aug (WT), one in Giles 10 Sep (CS), and one in Fish Crows were found near Newmarket, Rockingham 1 Shenandoah 27 Sep (DD); a Bay-breasted Warbler at Aug (DH), eight in Rockbridge 3 Aug (RR), 15 at Natl. Monterey, Highland 18 Sep (LP), one in Shenandoah Bridge 24 Sep (JP), and 27 in Rockingham 29 Oct (DH). National Park, Page 22 Sep (GH), two at Switzer Lake, Nine Horned Larks were near Dublin, Pulaski 7 Sep Rockingham 22 Sep (WL), two at Natl. Bridge 24 Sep (MB & SB); 16 were at Whitethorne, Montgomery 29 (JP), one in Shenandoah 28 Sep (DD); 12 Blackpoll Nov (RM), and six in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Departing Warblers in Shenandoah National Park, Page 22 Sep swallows included 550 Northern Rough-winged (GH); and a Wilson’s Warbler in Roanoke City 23 Swallows observed along the Shenandoah River, Elkton, Sep (MS), one at Natl. Bridge 27 Sep (WT), one Rockingham 8 Sep (KB); 3500 Purple Martins in the near Poor Mountain, Roanoke 3 Oct (EB), and one city of Winchester 25 Aug (BL, JL, CMi, LM, ES); 3000 in Harrisonburg 3 Oct (BE & KH). A Clay-colored Tree Swallows tallied in cornfields in Mount Clinton, Sparrow was found at Linville, Rockingham 1 Oct Rockingham 9 Sep (DH); and 30 Cliff Swallows at (MG) and one at Natl. Bridge 8 Oct (WT). Providing the Nazarene Wetlands, Rockingham 12 Aug (BE) and a new Augusta peak count for fall were 23 Grasshopper 25 near Massanutten, Rockingham 7 Sep (DH). One Sparrows (over half being hatch year birds) 1 Aug; Red-breasted Nuthatch was in Roanoke 10 Sep (MS) a much more modest count of one was at Linville, and one at Switzer Dam, Rockingham 29 Sep (GMo). Rockingham 20 Oct (MG). One Vesper Sparrow was at Two Marsh Wrens were found at Gala 1 Oct (BK) Linville 20 Oct (MG); five were at Natl. Bridge 31 Oct and one there on 2 Oct (KD). One was observed at L. (WT); and one was at Greenfield L. 9 Nov (MS). Five Shenandoah, Rockingham 13 Oct (DL, WL & GMo) Lincoln’s Sparrows were found at Gala 2 Oct (KD) and one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK). Seventeen and four were there on 3 Oct (BK); three were in Craig Swainson’s Thrushes were at Natl. Bridge 16 Sep (WT) 5 Oct (KD); three were at Sinking Cr., Craig (BK); one and One Gray-cheeked Thrushwas also there 16 Sep at Starkey Wetlands Boardwalk, Roanoke 12 Oct (KD); (WT). American Pipits were observed with 24 at Gala one in Shenandoah 15 Oct (DD); one at Willow L. 11 Oct (KD), 12 at Natl. Bridge 31 Oct (WT), 12 (DH); one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK); and one near Woodstock, Shenandoah 3 Nov (ET), and one at in Staunton 25 Nov (GM). Swamp Sparrow reports Whitethorne, Montgomery 29 Nov (RM). One Lapland were of two at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge 12 Longspur was at Natl. Bridge 28 Oct (WT). Oct (RR); one at Starkey Wetlands Boardwalk, Roanoke 12 Oct (KD); five at Wengers Mill Road, Rockingham WARBLERS - SISKINS 22 Oct (MG); three at Third Battle of Winchester north Fall Warblers included 2 Blue-winged Warblers at trails, Frederick 28 Oct (BL & JL); two at McCormick’s Shenandoah National Park, Page 1 Aug (TG) one Mills Augusta 3 Nov (DH); one in Blacksburg, at Glen Aton, Giles 6 Sep (BK), one at Switzer L., Montgomery 9 Nov (CK); six at Gala 14 Nov (BK); and Rockingham 7 Sep (WL), one in the city of Roanoke, 9 three in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Six Dickcissels were Sep (MH), and one in Shenandoah 14 Oct (DD); one found in the Swoope area, Augusta 6 Aug (DH) and one Golden-winged Warbler at the Bath Pump Storage in Highland 2 Sep (DCl). A count of 77 Bobolinks in Facility, Bath 8 Aug (BK), one at Natl. Bridge 30 Aug Augusta 5 Sep was the highest report (DH); 24 were at (WT), and one at Fenwick 31 Aug (KD); a Lawrence’s Natl. Bridge 4 Sep (WT), and five were in Staunton 27 Warbler at Fenwick 2 Sep (KD, BK & MS); an Orange- Sep (PW). Rusty Blackbirds were reported from three crowned Warbler at Gala 1 Oct (KD) and one at the locations: 20 at Natl. Bridge 2 Nov (WT); twelve in Virginia Tech Duck Pond, Montgomery 4 Nov (CK); Radford 12 Nov (CK); and 73 at Cooks Cr. Arboretum, 4 Nashville Warblers at Third Battle of Winchester Rockingham 23 Nov (JSh). The only Summer Tanager trails, Frederick 6 Sep (BL & JL), one at Switzer Dam, report was of one at Rockfish Gap 23 Sep (GM). Nine Rockingham 7 Sep (KH & WL), two in Blacksburg, Scarlet Tanagers were found at Fenwick 1 Sep (BK), Montgomery 8 Sep (TD), one near Newmarket, nine at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep (BK), and four near Rockingham 9 Sep (DH), one at Fenwick 10 Sep Poor Mountain, Roanoke 26 Sep (EB). Two Purple (BK), one at Glen Alton, Giles 14 Sep (KD), one near Finches were in Staunton 2 Aug (PW). Two Red Lexington, Rockbridge 14 Sep (GT), four at Monterey, Crossbills were found at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep Highland 18 Sep (LP), one in Staunton 27 Sep (PW), (BK). Twenty Pine Siskins were at the Third Battle of one in Shenandoah 14 Oct (DD), and one at Wildwood Winchester trails, Frederick 31 Oct (BL & JL) and four Park in Radford 27 Oct (CK); a Prothonotary Warbler were observed in Augusta 27 Nov (GM). in Roanoke 18 Sep (CB & EB); a Connecticut Warbler at Switzer Dam 5 Oct (GMo) and one at Natl. Bridge Contibutors: Kirk Andrews, Mary Barritt (MBa),

Page 6 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Mary Ann Bentley, Stan Bentley, Kenneth Blackshaw, Greg Moyers (GMo), Mark Mullins, Matt Nichols, John Allen Bryan, Carol Burroughs, Ed Burroughs, David Pancake, William Parkin, Lynne Parks, Richard Rowe, Carr, Elaine Carwile, David Clark (DCl), Bill Dalke Kevin Shank, John Shea (JSh), Jeff Sieren (JSi), Mike David Davis, Kent Davis,Tom Davis, Bob Dellinger Smith, Emily Southgate, John Spahr, Cari Lynn Squibb, (BDe), Bob Eggleston, Marshall Faintich, Melanie Fox Wes Teets, George Tolley, Ed Trelawny, Penny Warren, (MFo), Matt Gingerich, Thierry Grandmont, Carola Jason Weaver , David Wendelken. Haas, Michael Hartley, Ken Hinkle,Teri Holland, Diane Holsinger, Gerco Hoogeweg, Clyde Kessler, Barry Kinzie, Glenn Koppel, Allen Larner, Victor Laubach, William Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, BJ Little, Jon Little, Gabriel Mapel, Ryan Mays, Clair Mellinger, Carole Miller (CMi), Linda Millington,

Editor—C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Central Dillwyn, VA 23936 [email protected] Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nel- son, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania Counties; and the cities of Charolttesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg.

Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue.

Incoming Editors: Janet Paisley [email protected]

Andrew Rapp [email protected]

Editor—Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, 10409 Academic Drive East Oakton, VA 22124 [email protected] Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Matthews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Note that the northern and eastern shores of the Northern Neck overlook Maryland waters.

Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue.

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 7 Editor—Roger and Lynda Mayhorn HC Box 44A Southwest Pilgrims Knob, VA 24634 [email protected] Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe Counties.

he weather for the four month period had an This Selasphorus Hum- abundance of precipitation with 49 days of rain mingbird first noticed by and snow. August had 17 days of rain with an a non-birder frequented a Taverage temperature of 72°F. September had 11 days of feeder in Grayson County rain and an average temperature of 68°. While October and was later identified had only seven days of rain, there were also three days of a Rufous. Photograph by snow with an average temperature of 55°. November had Scott Jackson-Ricketts. less precipitation with five days of rain and six of snow with the temperature averaging 44°. Sightings of note during the period included Swainson’s Hawk, Franklin’s Gull, Northern Bobwhite, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Selasphorus Hummingbird, Clay-colored by six birders in the Breaks community 26 Oct. After Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird. circling a couple of times the bird perched in a large oak tree where it roosted for the night. It was observed and Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Dickenson); photographed on the roost and also the next morning Compton (Compton Mt., Buchanan); FOS (First of the as it left its perch and flew eastward (DC, TH, RM, Season); Musick’s (Musick’s Campground, Washington). DO, DR, MS). There have been only two other verified sightings of the species in the Mountains and Valleys Golden Eagles WATERFOWL—RAPTORS Region. Two were found on Corn Valley Rd., Russell 11 Nov (TH). An ad. was observed at Laurel A female Ruddy Duck fed on Laurel L. in the BP 7 Nov L. in the BP 14 Nov (DR), only the second reported (DR). Also there that day were six Hooded Mergansers sighting of this species in the park. A Golden Eagle was on the Beaver Pond (DR). Five Green Herons, a observed soaring overhead in Grayson near the NC line species not commonly found in Russell, were observed 19 Nov (HB). at a Stuart Land and Cattle pond 30 Aug (TH). A covey of twelve Northern Bobwhites were observed in Wythe between Max Meadows and Dublin 20 Nov GULLS—WARBLERS FRANKLIN’S GULL (EH). A Great Egret, uncommon for the area, was near A was a rare discovery at Willowbrook Country Club, Buchanan 7 Aug (DR). Musick’s 4 Oct (BP, JP) This is only the second report The first fall transient Ospreys was observed flying of this species in Western Virginia. The first was down the Levisa R., Buchanan 26 Sep (DO) and in 116 years ago in Oct 1898 when one was found in Common Nighthawks Lebanon, Russell Nov (TH). Bald Eagles (all single adult Blacksburg. A flock of 700 birds) were observed from Clifton Farms Rd., Russell passed over a farm near Galax 27 Aug (WD) and 15 30 Aug (TH); feeding on a raccoon carcass near Green were observed over the community of Belfast, Russell 26 Salasphorous Hummingbird Valley Estates, Russell 17 Sep; feeding on a deer carcass Aug (PH). A frequented Red- on Compton 6 Oct (RD); flying along the Levisa R., a feeder in Grayson during Oct. (HB). An ad. headed Woodpecker Buchanan near the KY–VA state line 30 Oct (ETII); in fed a juv. in the top of a tree at Loggerhead Shrike Burkes Garden, Tazewell 28 Nov (J&J P); and from Rte. Belfast, Russell 18 Aug (PH). A 58 between Abingdon and Damascus, 29 Nov (D&AO). was observed 28 Nov in Burkes Garden, Tazewell Yellow-bellied Sapsucker A SWAINSON’S HAWK was seen flying overhead (J&J P). A FOS and 4 FOS

Page 8 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Swainson’s Thrusheswere discovered at Rugby, Grayon appeared in Rugby 15 Oct. (AH). White-crowned and 19 Sep (AH). A FOS Hermit Thrushwas discovered at White-throated Sparrows arrived at a feeder in Breaks, the edge of the woods on Compton 14 Nov (RM). A Buchanan 10 Oct (DR). The FOS Dark-eyed Junco for Nashville and a Palm Warbler found in a weedy fence Buchanan came to a feeder on Compton 18 Oct (RM). row in Breaks were late 29 Oct (DR). Arrival of Yellow- A male Blue Grosbeak was observed 24 Aug in Galax rumped Warbler was noted at a farm in Baywood, carrying food to a nest that contained one grosbeak Grayson 9 Oct (W&M D). A Connecticut Warbler was egg and one nestling (W&M D). Four male Rusty found in Rugby, Grayson 8 Oct (AH). Blackbirds came to a yard in Lebanon, Russell 14 Nov (T&L H), one came to a home at Oakwood, Buchanan SPARROWS - FINCHES 24 Nov (VL), and one was in a yard pond on Compton A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found in the 30 Oct(RM). Arrival of Purple Finches was observed at Breaks community 29 Oct (DR). A Lincoln’s Sparrow feeders in Independence, Grayson 12 Nov (SJ-R) and on was found at RRL, Wythe 5 Oct (MD) and the seasonal Compton 25 Nov (RM). first at Breaks was 9 Oct (DR). Arrival of Fox Sparrows was noted at a feeder near Lebanon, Russell 5 Nov (JT); Contributors: Harrol Blevins, Phillip Campbell, Don at a feeder on Compton 23 Oct, followed by another the Carrier, Robert Daniels, William Dunson, Margaret following day (RM); three at a feeder on the opposite Dunson, William & Margaret Dunson, Eric Harold, side of Buchanan 27 Oct (DR); and one feeding in a Peggy Herbert, Anita Huffman, Tom Hunter, Tom & garden in Independence, Grayson 26 Nov (S-J R). The Laverne Hunter, Veronica Looney, Roger Mayhorn, first White-crowned Sparrows were heard on a farm Daryl Owens, Daryl & Angie Owens, Jim & Judy in Grayson at Baywood/Galax 3 Oct (W&M D) and Phillips, Brookie Potter, Jean Potter, David Raines, the first for Russell was a small flock discovered near Scott-Jackson Ricketts, Mike Sanders, Ed Talbott II, Lebanon 18 Oct (JT). A FOS White-throated Sparrow Jerry Thornhill Editor—Wendy Ealding Incoming Editor— 1384 Palmore Road C. Michael Stinson South Central Powhatan, VA 23139 437 Wildflower Lane [email protected] Dillwyn, VA 23936 [email protected] Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Char- lotte, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Greensville Counties, and the cities of Danville, Emporia, and Martinsville. taunton View Public Use Area, Mecklenburg proved BB) and 19 Sep (BB). A Plegadis sp. Ibis, most likely to be a birding hotspot this fall season. It is not Glossy, was seen at SVP 29 Sep (PG). A likely juvenile clear whether this was due to the efforts of a group CLAPPER RAIL was photographed 2 Sep at SVP Sof expert local birders devoting a considerable amount of (JB, AD, ph. MF, † PG). This report is currently in time to this location, or whether weather and environ- review with VARCOM; if accepted it would be the mental conditions were particularly favorable. In general, first officially reviewed Piedmont record and according the fall weather was fairly uneventful, with no tropical to the Gold Book, the first Piedmont record since systems to bring in rarities. 1984. A road killed Virginia Rail photographed in Buckingham 6 Oct (ph. DS) likely provides a county Abbreviations: SVP (Staunton View Public Use Area, first. Two American Golden-Plovers were at SVP Mecklenburg); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg). 2-15 Sep († ph. PG, TA, JB, AD, MF); this report was reviewed and accepted by VARCOM as a Category 1 A Green-winged Teal was an early arrival at SVP 2 Sep record based on photographs provided. This was the (JB, AD, PG ) and a Red-breasted Merganser was at second accepted record for the Southern Piedmont, and the same location 24 Nov (PG). A breeding plumage the second from this location. A Ruddy Turnstone Red-throated Loon, likely the same individual seen was photographed at SVP 8 Sep († ph. PG, JB, AD); previously 24 Apr and 7–14 Jul at Kerr, continued at this report was submitted to VARCOM and accepted this location with sightings 9 Aug (USACE staff fide as a Category 1 record. Three Short-billed Dowitchers

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 9 were rare transients at SVP 16 Aug (JB). Two Caspian 24 Sep (ES) possibly providing a county record for the Terns and three Black Terns were noteworthy fall species. A somewhat early Gray-cheeked Thrush was migrants at SVP 8 Sep (PG, JB, AD). A Merlin was at Banister River WMA, Halifax 7 Sep (JB). An adult hunting at SVP 15 Sep (PG, TA, MF); the species is male Golden-winged Warbler was among a mixed a rare visitor throughout the Piedmont. An ad. m. flock of fall migrant warblers at SVP 8 Sep (PG, AD, Rufous Hummingbird was photographed at a feeder in JB). A somewhat late Northern Parula was at Kerr 18 Pittsylvania 15–16 Aug (ph. LM). There were a number Nov (MS). Dickcissel is rare in the Piedmont thus one of reports of Selasphorus sp. hummingbirds from Amelia reported at Kerr 19 Sep was noteworthy (BB). and Cumberland from late Oct through Nov (fide JL) A rare transient Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported Contributors: Tony Adcock, Jeff Blalock, Brian from Halifax 15 Aug (JB). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Bockhahn , Adam D’Onofrio, Mary Foster, Paul Glass, also a rare transient, was at SVP 2 Sep (AD, MF, PG). Joe Lively, Lexi Meadows, David Spears, Evan Spears, A Philadelphia Vireo was reported from Buckingham Mike Stinson

Editor—Adam D'Onofrio 25118 Smith Grove Road Southeast Petersburg, VA 23803 [email protected]

Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and York Counties, and the cities of Rich- mod, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg.

he overall temperature averaged 1.8 degrees above normal with September and October GEESE—KINGLETS temperatures slightly above normal and August Two Greater White-fronted Geese were discovered Tand November temperatures slightly below normal. Pre- at Hog 27 Oct (JW). Two Ross’s Geese were at cipitation averaged slightly above normal for the period. Curles Neck 3 Nov (ph. ABr). A single “Richardson’s” There were no major storms of note in the Region. Fall Cackling Goose was in a large Canada Goose flock migration was generally lackluster with the most notable at Curles Neck 17 Nov (ph. AB, AD). An American trend being the number of late passerines recorded. In- Black Duck at Hog 4 Aug was early (NF, EE) as was a teresting shorebird reports from Hog Island were among Green-winged Teal there 24 Aug (EE). Also early was the missing as that area suffered from high water levels a f. Canvasback seen at Byrd Park, Richmond 28 Oct leaving little edge habitat for shorebirds to feed. Anoth- (AB). A f. Surf Scoter was noted at Jamestown 16 & er complication at Hog Island was the planting of large 17 Nov (BW). Another f. was off Archer’s Hope, James cornfields which replaced most of the productive short City 19 Nov (BW). A f. Black Scoter was at Jamestown grass habitat at the north end. 7 Nov (BT). A Pied-billed Grebe in Henrico 14 Aug Rarities of the season included Snowy Owl, Clay-colored was slightly early (BE). Two juv. Tricolored Herons Sparrow, and Western Tanager. were at Hog 5 Aug (ph. AD). An Upland Sandpiper, locally rare in the Region, was at a sod farm in Charles Abbreviations: Curles Neck (Curles Neck Farm, City 1 Sep (ph. AB, ABr). The Region did not miss Henrico); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation out on the massive Snowy Owl irruption as a SNOWY Area, Chesterfield); Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry); OWL was discovered at Dutch Gap 24 Nov (CG). Jamestown (Jamestown Island, James City); J.R.P. (James Subsequent searches for the bird turned up empty. A River Park, Richmond); Shirley (Shirley Plantation, group of 20 Common Nighthawks was seen moving Charles City).

Page 10 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 down the James R., Isle of Wight 3 Sep (GD). Three found at Dutch Gap 23 Nov (RAS). Two Prairie Rufous Hummingbirds, all males, were reported from Warblers, one at Williamsburg Botanical Garden, James James City: one at Mallard Hill 5 Nov through the end City 15 Oct (SD) and one at Governor’s Land, James of the report period (CH); one at Governor’s Land City 15 Oct (CO) established a new local late date for 20 Nov through the end of the period (CO); and one the species. A Wilson’s Warbler near Norge, James City at Kingsmill, from late Nov through the period (JL). 15 Sep was locally rare (BW). Another Wilson’s Warbler An early Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the was in Hopewell 12 Oct (ABr). Two CLAY-COLORED Colonial Parkway, James City 23 Sep (VJ). An Eastern SPARROWS, very rare inland, were found, the first Wood-Pewee at Jamestown 18 Oct provided a new in Charles City 12 Oct (ph. ABr), the second the very local late date (BW). Other late Eastern Wood-Pewees next day in Henrico (ph. ABr). A Saltmarsh Sparrow included one at the Reedy Creek section of J.R.P. 20 Oct on Bay Tree Beach Rd., York 26 Nov provided a first (ph. AB) and one in Charles City 20 Oct (ph. ABr). A confirmed local record (DY). A Swamp Sparrow at the Philadelphia Vireo at Governor’s Land, James City 18 Debord Tract, James City 23 Sep was early (BW). Eight Oct (CO) was running late as was a Red-eyed Vireo at White-crowned Sparrows at Cherwell Court/Banbury Wood L., Chesterfield17 Oct (TD). Two late Blue-gray Cross, York 21 Oct provided a new local high count Gnatcatchers were noted, the first at Point of Rocks (LS). For the sixth year in a row, a male WESTERN Park, Chesterfield2 Nov (AB, RT), the other at Shirley 9 TANAGERarrived at a feeder in Settler’s Mill, James Nov (JF). A very early Ruby-crowned Kinglet was seen City 10 Nov (BW, m.obs). The arrival date of 10 Nov at Wood L., Chesterfield6 Sep (TD). is the earliest date that the bird has been seen, beating the 17 Nov arrival date from the previous year. A Rose- WARBLERS—GROSBEAKS breasted Grosbeak at the Wetlands section of J.R.P. 18 A late Northern Waterthrush was at the Zuni Pine Oct was running late (AB). Also running a little late was Barrens, Isle of Wight 17 Oct (MB). The latest Black- a Blue Grosbeak in James City 20 Oct (BT). and-White Warbler reported was a f. in Colonial Williamsburg 29 Nov (AW), establishing a new local Contributors: Paul Bedell, Arun Bose, Allen Bryan late date. Another late Black-and-White Warbler was (ABr), Marissa Buschow, Gregory Davis, Shirley Devan, discovered at the J.R.P. Wetlands section 25 Nov (ph. Tom Dilts, Adam D‘Onofrio, Barbara Eck, Elisa JS). A Tennessee Warbler near Norge, James City 15 Enders, Nick Flanders, Janice Frye, Cathy Gajewski, Sep was locally rare (BW). Orange-crowned Warblers Cathy Heilman, Vitek Jirinec, Jan Ledbetter, Carol were noted in Hopewell, Chesterfield, and James City. O’Neill, Richmond Audubon Society, Sue Ridd, Nick A Nashville Warbler at Greensprings Greenway, James Schmedding, Lee Schuster, James Shelton, Brian Taber, City 17 Nov set a new local late date (NS). Very late was Russ Taylor, Jason Weaver, Alex Wiebe, Bill Williams, a Nashville Warbler in a stretch of habitat behind the Dave Youker. Belle Isle parking lot, Richmond 30 Nov (ph. AB). The only Connecticut Warbler reported was one in James City 25 Sep (BT). A Kentucky Warbler at Kingswood, James City 14 Oct set a new local late date (BT). A late Common Yellowthroat was found in Hopewell 24 Nov (ph. ABr). A Hooded Warbler at Powhite Park, Richmond 11 Oct was late (JS). A Cerulean Warbler, rarely seen in migration, was encountered at Robious Landing Park, Chesterfield19 Sep (JF). There were a few late Blackpoll Warblers noted with the latest found at Hopewell 10 Nov (ph. ABr). A late f. Black-throated Blue Warbler was at Exeter Ct., James City 29 Oct (BT). A Yellow-rumped Warbler at Bryan Park, Richmond 1 Sep was exceptionally early (BE, SR). Late Yellow- throated Warblers included one at Dutch Gap 30 Sep (PB) and another at Robious Landing Park, Chesterfield 1 Oct (JF). Extremely late was a Yellow-throated Warbler

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 11 Editor—Bill Williams, Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary Coastal P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23197 [email protected] Accomack and Nothampton Counties; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic area; and the cities of Chesa- peake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

he remnants of Tropical Storm Karen yo-yoed First Landing (First Landing SP, Virginia Beach); KHW off the Virginia and North Carolina capes 8 (Kiptopeke Hawk Watch at KSP, Northampton); KSP through 15 October grounding neotropical mi- (Kiptopeke SP, Northampton); NAP (Natural Area Tgrants with damp, overcast skies, gusty northeast winds Preserve); NNP (Newport News Park, Newport News); approaching 50 mph, and extended periods of higher Pickett’s (Chesapeake Baywatch at Pickett’s Harbor than normal tides. The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Ob- NAP, Northampton); Sunset Beach (Sunset Beach Resort, servatory initiated a fall-season Chesapeake Baywatch, Northampton) conducted from Pickett’s Harbor NAP, Northampton 1 October-30 November. The project documented a total WATERFOWL—IBIS of 53,390 seabirds/waterfowl during 221 hours over 57 Chinc.’s summering Snow Goose was last reported of 61 possible observation days. The overlay of that work 1 Aug (CM, BHo). The season’s only Ross’s Goose with observations from scores of accomplished birders, posting was of one at Chinc. 29 Nov (L&FM). Eurasian the Kiptopeke Hawk Watch, the National Oceanic and Wigeon reports began with one at Chinc. 2 Nov (m. Atmospheric Administration seabird monitoring, and obs). At least one was noted there through 30 Nov (PB) the regular survey efforts at several of the Region’s essen- with a peak count of two on 28 Nov (CL). Elsewhere, tial avian stopover sites were the makings for a rousingly one was at Craney 14–30 Nov (RB et al.) and one was productive fall season. Who would ever have predicted at the Magothy Bay NAP, Northampton 24 Nov (NS). that within a five month period all four of the world’s A season-high 2000 Blue-winged Teal were at Back Limosa species would be documented at a single Virginia Bay 24 Sep (DH, GMr) tying the state’s all-time fall site (Chincoteague NWR)? The appearance of a Bar- peak count set at Chinc. 1 Oct 1955. An intergrade tailed Godwit this season added to the Black-tailed God- GREEN-WINGED TEAL X EURASIAN GREEN- wit recorded last fall and winter and the more expected WINGED (COMMON) TEAL was at Chinc. 13 Nov Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits. (ph. AB). Eighteen Northern Shovelers at Craney 22 If that wasn’t enough, and for birders it rightly so never Aug (RB et al.), 32 days ahead of the species’ normal is, the Region also hosted Bermuda Petrel, Black-capped 10 Sep arrival date, were the precursor for a high count Petrel, Anhinga, Swallow-tailed Kite, Swainson’s Hawk, of 1696 there 3 Oct (RB et al.). The Region’s average Rough-legged Hawk, Roseate Tern, Ash-throated Common Eider arrival date is 30 Oct. A female spotted Flycatcher and Painted Bunting. initially at Sunset Beach 14 Oct (DC) repaired to KSP where it was seen 17 Oct (BA, DD) through 15 Nov Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay NWR, Virginia (CJ). Possibly the same bird was in Cape Charles harbor Beach); Cape Charles (town of Cape Charles, 22 Nov (MAK, GK); another was at Rudee Inlet, Northampton); CCCHNAP (Cape Charles Coastal Virginia Beach 24 Nov (ABa). Three Surf Scoters off Habitat NAP, Northampton); CBBT (Chesapeake the CBBT first island 18 Aug (AD) were likely holdovers Bay Bridge Tunnel s. of Northampton); Chinc. from those that summered in the coastal lagoon system. Chincoteague NWR, Accomack); Craney (Craney An estimated 3000 Buffleheads in Magothy Bay, Island, Portsmouth); CVWO (Coastal Virginia Wildlife Northampton 14 Nov (BAn) was an exceptional fall Observatory); ESVNWR (Eastern Shore of Virginia season concentration for that species. Fifty-five Red- NWR, Northampton); False Cape (False Cape SP, breasted Mergansers off Grandview 19 Oct (DY et al.) Virginia Beach); FINWR (Fishermans Island NWR); were eleven days ahead of the species’ average 30 Oct

Page 12 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 early date. Single Red-necked Grebes were off Pickett’s winged Hawks; 1 Swainson’s Hawk; 518 Red-tailed (SK) and Messick, Poquoson (JF) 23 Nov. A Northern Hawks; 3 Rough-legged Hawks; 6 Golden Eagles; Fulmar was ~44 mi. east of Virginia Beach at 36° 47’ 2476 American Kestrels; 1357 Merlins; 627 Peregrine 9.97”, -75° 28’ 20.11” (36.7861033, -75.4722517) on Falcons; and 76 unidentified raptors (KR, m obs). 26 Oct (TJ). Virginia’s first BERMUDA PETREL Two of the Northern Goshawks passed the watch 10 was photographed 12 Aug (TJ) from the NOAA Nov followed by singles 11 & 17 Nov (KR et al.). Six vessel Gordon Gunter operating ~100 mi. off shore days shy of the species’ 29 Nov extreme late date were at 36°56’54.24”, -73°3’47.88” (36.9484,-73.0633) 2 Broad-winged Hawks recorded 23 Nov (KR). The between the tail of the Wilmington Valley and the tail of Swainson’s Hawk, confirmed by banding 23 Nov (KR, Norfolk Canyon. It was in the company of 5 BLACK- BAn, TT, BC) as a dark morph juv., was the count’s CAPPED PETRELS, 50 Cory’s, 1 Great and 3 first since two in 2011 and the 38th in its history. Prior Audubon’s Shearwaters. Additional Cory’s Shearwater to the 2013 count season the KHW had documented reports included eight about 64 mi. off Virginia only 28 Rough-legged Hawks, 14 of those in 1999. The Beach at 36°56’35.91», -75°16’51.84” (36.943307, 29th, a light morph juv., was recorded 29 Oct (KR). -75.281067) 27 Sep (ALa) and one at 36° 47’ 9.97”, Numbers 30 and 31 were tallied 11Nov (KR) & 23 -75° 28’ 20.11” (36.7861033, -75.4722517) ~44 mi. Nov (KR, BAn, TT), respectively. Elsewhere, one was east of Virginia Beach 26 Oct (TJ). A Wilson’s Storm- at the ESVNWR 8 Nov (BA et al.) and one, a dark Petrel was spotted off Chinc. 11 Sep (GM). A Great morph, was at the Wallops Island Airfield, Accomack 30 Cormorant at Pickett’s 2 Oct (SK) was 13 days ahead of Nov (CL). All of the Golden Eagle reports were from the species’ average 15 Oct arrival. An Anhinga made a lower Northampton beginning with one near Cheriton photo-op pass over the Oyster landfill, Northampton 16 17 Oct (ESB). Those at the KHW included three on Sep (LA, P&ME, ph. BH). American White Pelicans 25 Oct (KR) then singles 29 Oct (KR) and 4 & 19 were widely dispersed over the Eastern Shore with 17 Nov (KR). Very likely one or more of these were among at Chinc. 23 Oct (S&DD), 26 over the Magothy Bay individuals spotted at ESVNWR 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr) NAP, Northampton 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr, TD) and four & 17 Nov (TW) and at Magotha Rd., Northampton 25 over KSP 23 Nov (KR, BAn, TT). A total of 145 Great Oct and 14 Nov (BAn). One to 2 Common Gallinules Blue Herons passed the KHW 8 Oct (HA et al.). On frequented Lake Foster in Cape Charles 9 (PB, ESB, average, Cattle Egrets have departed the Region by 10 TD, m. obs) through 24 Nov (NS). A resident non-feral Oct. Thus, two at Chinc. 10 Nov (LGo) were decidedly Sandhill Crane drew birders’ attention in and around late. A dozen juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were Chincoteague, Accomack throughout the period. Other at Messick, Poquoson 1 Aug (ph. V&GB). Another juv. reports for this species were one over Magothy Bay, at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach 8 Nov (KS) was Northampton 13 Oct (LMe, GMi, DY) and a quintet almost a month beyond the species 10 Oct late date. at the KHW 21 Nov (BAn, BT) that was found 22 The highest reported White Ibis count was 215 at the Nov off Bull’s Rd., Northampton (JM), 30 minutes ESVNWR 30 Sep (HA et al.). before reappearing at KSP (KR). American Avocets were recorded weekly at Craney 15 Aug (46) through RAPTORS—JAEGERS 21 Oct (3) with a peak count of 71 there 5 Sep (RB A season high-count 606 Turkey Vultures passed the et al.); one was at Queen Anne’s Landing, Accomack 3 KHW between 7:00 and 10:00 AM on 4 Nov (KR). Oct (JS et al.). Craney Island’s successful Black-necked More noteworthy by circumstance however were 246 Stilt breeding efforts were on display with 42 there 15 crossing the Chesapeake Bay 9 Nov (BA, HA). A Aug (RB et al.) and 35 on 22 Aug (RB et al.). Although Swallow-tailed Kite was in southern Chesapeake 25 none were encountered at Craney thereafter, two were at Aug (TW, DF). The Kiptopeke Hawk Watch, a CVWO Willis Wharf, Northampton 30 Aug (GH) and one was project since 1995, completed its 37th consecutive on the Chincoteague, Accomack mudflats 20 Sep (JW). autumn 30 Aug-30 Nov with a total of 14,952 diurnal Eastern Shore Birding Festival participants found 1850 raptors during 789.25 hours over 91 of 93 possible Black-bellied Plovers on Wreck Island, Northampton count days. Final species totals were: 2015 Ospreys; 11 Oct (HA et al.). American Golden-Plovers garnered 225 Bald Eagles; 404 Northern Harriers; 4929 Sharp- lister ticks with singles at Chinc. 1 & 22 Aug (JB, CM), shinned Hawks; 1837 Cooper’s Hawks; 4 Northern one to two near Wheat Lane, Northampton 16 (BA, Goshawks; 67 Red-shouldered Hawks; 407 Broad- BK, JP) & 18 Aug (AD, TTr), one to six at Craney 29

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 13 Bar-tailed Godwit at Chincoteague NWR. Photograph tak- en by Linda Mack during the annual New Jersey Audubon DelMarva van trip.

Aug (RB et al.) to 5 Oct (EE et al.), one at KSP 12 Oct Bay/False Cape the high count was 179 on 16 Sep (EO) and one at Back Bay 16 Nov (BA, KK). Up to (BA, KK). An imm. Glaucous Gull was at Bay Creek, 3 Semipalmated Plovers tarried near Chincoteague, Northampton 11 Oct (EO). Two late-departing Least Accomack through 30 Nov (PK). A Spotted Sandpiper Terns were at Chinc. 18 Oct (VM). The Black Tern was at Windsor Point, Norfolk 19 Oct-30 Nov (DC); high count of 26 came from Craney 5 Sep (BW et al.). A another was at Magothy Bay NAP, Northampton 9 Nov ROSEATE TERN was at Chinc. 26 (AG) & 28 Sep (AD, PG, TTr). There was only one Hudsonian Godwit (BHo). Single Sandwich Terns were at Lynnhaven Inlet, report, that of 19 at Chinc. 6 Aug (ph. AL). A BAR- Virginia Beach 4 Nov (ABa) and off 85th St., Virginia TAILED GODWIT, the state’s third and the first Beach 9 Nov (ABa). This species’ average late date is 20 since Sep 1991, captivated birders at Chinc. 3 Aug (ALr, Sep with an extreme late of 6 Nov. Also present late in EC, PW) through 27 Sep (LGu) then 9 Nov (SB et al.) the season were 2 Black Skimmers at Craney 21 Nov & 11 Nov (LB). The highest reported Marbled Godwit (BW et al.). One each Pomarine Jaeger and Parasitic count was 250 at Willis Wharf, Northampton 22 Nov Jaeger were ~93 mi. off Virginia Beach at 36°54’37.34», (VL et al.). Baird’s Sandpiper reports included one -74°56’15.88” (36.9103722,-74.9377441) on 6 Nov at Chinc. 15 Sep (LA) and two at Craney 17 Sep (ph. (ESB). Six south-bound jaeger sp., one an adult Parasitic, BW, BT et al.). A Curlew Sandpiper was convincingly passed Pickett’s 10–13 Oct (SK); a north-bound imm. photographed on Metompkin Island, Accomack 23 Parasitic was noted from the site 15 Oct (SK). Sep (ph. SBr). There were only two Buff-breasted Sandpiper reports; two were at Chinc. 6 Sep (JB, CM) DOVES—FINCHES and one was at Craney 17 Sep (ph. BW et al.). Wilson’s A White-winged Dove was closely observed as it drank Phalaropes were at Craney 15 Aug (eight) through 5 from a Chinc. puddle 14 Sep (VG). A Short-eared Sep (four) with a peak count of 13 there 22 Aug (RB et Owl was at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach 25 al.). Singles were at Chinc. 22 & 29 Aug (JB, CM) and Nov (BS). Sightings of passage Common Nighthawks 28 Sep (WV). Craney proved to be the primary Red- included four over the Virginia Beach waterfront 27 Aug necked Phalarope stop-over site 17 Aug (six) through (RS); four over Windsor Point, Norfolk 7 Sep (DC); one 5 Sep (12) (RB et al.). Rare by date and location was a over KSP 8 Oct (HA et al.); one over Portsmouth 10 nicely documented Black-legged Kittiwake that passed Oct (EE); and singles at Wellington Neck, Northampton off Pickett’s 15 Oct (ph. SK). A Bonaparte’s Gull at 14 & 19 Oct (RK). A tardy Chimney Swift at Chinc. Chinc. 14 Sep (MH) was well ahead of the species’ 2 Nov (m. obs) was 19 days beyond that species’ 15 10 Oct average arrival date. Single Little Gulls were Oct average late date. A Rufous Hummingbird was detected at Pickett’s 8 Nov (SK, ESB) & 25 Nov (SK). in Mearsville, Accomack 20 Aug (MY). A Selasphorus A color-tagged Ring-billed Gull on the CBBT 15 Nov rufous/sasin hummingbird that appeared in Norfolk (BT) was determined to be a male, hatched 2010 or in October remained through 30 Nov (fideBP). Two earlier, that had been banded 29 Mar 2013 at Pleasure Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were at Sunset Beach 23 Bay Beach, MA. The peak Lesser Black-backed Gull Sep (ESB). The best Northern Flicker flight reported count at Chinc. was 222 on 6 Sep (JB, CM); at Back was a meager 417 at KSP 24 Sep (KR, JBt). A Merlin

Page 14 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 at Craney 24 Aug (MS, DY et al.) was six days ahead past the species’ typical 15 Oct late date. A Prothonarty of the species’ 30 Aug extreme early date. The KHW’s Warbler banded as a nestling on the Northwest River, peak Merlin count was 230 on 27 Sep and it’s best Chesapeake 25 Jun 2013 (SDe) was recovered 6 Sep in Peregrine Falcon day occurred 6 Oct with 132 (KR). An Alabama. This is only the second migration record for Olive-sided Flycatcher was near Locustville, Accomack a bird banded from any of the Virginia Prothonotary 23 Aug (ST); singles were at KSP 14 Sep (ZP, SK) and Warbler sites in the nearly 30 years since the original site at Indiantown Park, Northampton 24 Sep (DB). One began at Presquile NWR, Chesterfield. It is the first hatch Yellow-bellied and one Least Flycatcher were part of a year. (fide BR). Evidence of the grounding effects of the modest passerine flight at Sunset Beach 23 Aug (ESB). inclement weather off the mid-Atlantic 8–15 Oct was An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER made a brief 13 Ovenbirds on the Matteson Trail, Hampton 11 Oct appearance at the KHW 15 Nov (KR, BT). Reported (DY) and 20 American Redstarts plus 40 Northern Western Kingbird encounters included one at the Parulas at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton 12 junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. 600) and Cedar Grove Rd., Oct (BB). An early Tennessee Warbler was at Craney 15 Northampton 17 Oct (BA, DDo, m. obs) and one near Aug (BW, DY). One to 2 Connecticut Warblers were KSP 22 Nov (BA, JSp). An Eastern Kingbird was at detected at separate Chinc. sites 15 Sep (LA) & 16 Sep Captain’s Cove, Chincoteague, Accomack 6 Oct (CM). (DS). A Blackpoll Warbler was a boat guest ~100 mi. A hatch-year male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher attracted e. of Virginia Beach at 36° 55’ 58.78”, -75° 12’ 55.72 numerous birders to the junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. (36.932995,-75.215477) on 27 Oct (RL). A Wilson’s 600) and Cedar Grove Rd., Northampton 11 Oct (ZP, Warbler was a pleasant find on the Matteson Trail, ESB, m. obs) through 14 Oct (DC). A White-eyed Hampton 11 Oct (DY). A very tardy Yellow-breasted Vireo was at Captain’s Cove, Chincoteague, Accomack Chat was at First Landing 4 Nov (ABa). Single Clay- 16 Oct (CM); another was in lower Northampton 19 colored Sparrows were reported at Chinc. 15 Sep (TH) Oct (AB). Philadelphia Vireo posts placed singles at and at Back Bay 15 Nov (BA). A Vesper Sparrow was at Chinc. 15 Sep (BHd); at Sunset Beach 23 & 24 Sep First Landing 4 Nov (ABa); two were at Latimer Siding (ESB); at CCCHNAP 23 Sep (ESB); at Chinc. 27 & Rd./Jones Cove Rd., Northampton 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr) 28 Sep (LGu); and at NNP 7 Oct (DY). Four Purple and three were at KSP 24 Nov (VL). A Lark Sparrow Martins over the ESVNWR 23 Sep were eight days at Chinc. 15 Aug (JB, CM, LN) was five days ahead of in arrears of the species average late date (ESB). A the species’ more expected 20 Aug early date. Possibly Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Devil’s Ditch, the same bird was present 24 Aug (MM) and 6 Sep (JB, Northampton 28 Oct (ESB) exceeded the species’ 10 CM); at least two pleased VSO Chinc. field-trippers Oct late date by eighteen days and a Bank Swallow 14 Sep (m. obs, ph. JE). Others reported were one on at Craney 5 Oct (AB et al.) was 10 days beyond that the CBBT Thimble Shoal Island (#1) 24 Oct (S&DD) species’ 25 Sep mean late date. There were two Cave and one near the junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. 600) and Swallow sightings, both uncharacteristically “off Nathan Lane, Northampton 26 Oct (MAK, GK). A Shore”, that is, not from lower Northampton where Lincoln’s Sparrow was at Custis Tomb, Northampton 11 the species is most often detected in the fall; two were Oct (DM). A Scarlet Tanager at the Norfolk Botanical at East Oceanview and 23rd St., Norfolk 9 Nov (ABa) Gardens, Norfolk 14 Oct (DSr, JW) narrowly missed and one was off York St., Norfolk 13 Nov (TJ). A Barn that species’ 15 Oct late date. On the other hand, 2 Blue Swallow near Capeville, Northampton 9 Nov (PB, TD) Grosbeaks in lower Northampton 19 Oct (AB), one at was almost a month beyond that species’ 10 Oct late Magotha Rd. and one at KSP, were nine days beyond date. Not unexpectedly, Red-breasted Nuthatches were the species’ 10 Oct late date. A motion-activated camera scarce this fall; one was at KSP 6 Nov (KR). A predawn documented the season’s only Painted Bunting report, migrant thrush count at Cape Charles tallied 145 Veerys this one at a Signature at West Neck, Virginia Beach 6 Sep, the 4th largest count there since 1998 (ESB). A feeder in Nov (PM). Three Dickcissel reports revealed carefully described Bicknell’s Thrush was on the one at Craney 15 Aug (BW, MS), one at the KHW 15 Matteson Trail, Hampton 11 Oct (DY). Snow Bunting Oct (ZP), and one in Cape Charles 29 Nov (RW). A reports were limited to one at Chinc. 24 Oct (DD), one Yellow-headed Blackbird, initially detected in a bird at Back Bay 4 Nov (PM), two in Cape Charles 5 Nov bath, was at Checonessex Schooner Bay, Accomack (ZP) and one on the CBBT fourth island 9 Nov (BA, 26–28 Sep (LG). The near absence of northern finches HA). An Ovenbird at Chinc. 25 Oct (LG) was ten days this fall was as obvious as their abundance was in 2012.

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 15 The lone Pine Siskin report was of six that visited a (BHo), Teri Holland, Barbara Houston, David Hughes, Chincoteague, Accomack feeder 24 Sep (DW). Purple Cheryl Jacobson, Tom Johnson, Peter Kaestner, Roberta Finch reports consisted of nine at Sunset Beach 24 Sep Kellam, Barry Kinzie, Mary Alice Koeneke, Steve Kolbe, (ESB, SK, SR), 20 at KSP 8 Nov (HA), and nine at KSP Glenn Koppel, Krystal Krejcik, Robby Lambert, Alex 21 Nov (BAn, BT, SK, TT). Lamoreaux, Alex de Latour (ALa), Allen Larner (ALr), Vic Laubach, Chris Ludwig, Linda and Frank Mantlik, Contributors: Lee Adams, Bob Ake, Bob Anderson Gabriele Maple, Jim Marcum, Valerie Maragos, Larry (BAn), Harry Armistead, Andrew Baldelli (ABa), Bryan Meade (LMe), Ernie Miller, Greg Miller (GMi), Geralyn Barmore, Scott Barnes, Joe Beatty (JBt), Ruth Beck, Mireles (GMr), Alex Minarik, Deapesh Misra, Pamela David Bent, Lance Biechele, Perri Borowiecki, Arun Monahan, Clyde Morris, Matthew Muir, Larry Niles, Bose, Virginia and George Boyles, Edward S. Brinkley, Ellison Orcutt, John Pancake, Zak Poulton, Susan Rice, Susan Brown (SBr), Joelle Buffa, Elaine Carwile, Bob Bob Reilly, Katie Rittenhouse, Nick Schmedding, Debi Chapman, David Clark, Todd Day, Susan and David Schroeder (DSr), Joe Sebastiani, Brad Singer, Mark Disher, Adam D’Onofrio, Diana Doyle (DDo), Jim Smithson, Dixie Sommers, John Spahr (JSp), Kathy Elder, Elisa Enders, Peggy and Mike Eubank, Darol Spencer, Robert Steele, Lindsey Stone, Brian Taber, Russ Flahart, Nick Flanders, Jan Frye, Lynn Gillingham, Taylor, Sharon Thomas, Thuy Tran, Tina Trice (TTr), Paul Glass, Arthur Goldsmith, Lizzie Goodrick (LGo), William Voigt, Penny Warren, Jason Weaver, Audrey Linda Gum (LGu), Vickie Gullet, George Harris, Whitlock, Diane Wien, Alex Wilke, Bill Williams, Tony Michael Hartley, Ben Hodgkins (BHd), Bill Hohenstein Wood, Rick Wright, Dave Youker, Matthew Young

Page 16 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Winter Reporting Period December 2013 — February 2014 Editor—VACANT North

Arlington, Culpepper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas and Manassas Park.

No report received.

Editor—Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 West Radford, VA 24141 [email protected] Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rocking- ham, Augusta, Highland, Bath Rockbridge, Botetourt Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties.

Abbreviations: Carvins (Carvins Cove, Botetourt); in Bath County 22 Feb (PE) and six were at Parrott, Claytor L. (Claytor Lake, Pulaski); Greenfield L. Pulaski the same day (MB & SB). Four Trumpeter (Greenfield Lake, Botetourt): L. Shenandoah (Lake Swans were found in Augusta 11–16 Feb including one Shenandoah, Rockingham) f. that had been tagged in Ontario Canada (m. obs) Four were also seen throughout Augusta 26 & 30 Jan GEESE-DUCKS and 8 Feb (AL). Seven Tundra Swans were at Claytor Many observers had the opportunity to see Greater L. 8 Dec (MM); while three were seen in Bridgewater, White-fronted Geese with two remaining near Rockingham 7 Jan, (GM) and 20 at Stuarts Draft, Stuarts Draft 23 Dec–2 Feb and two at Fishersville, Augusta, 10 Jan (AL). Gadwall sightings included 14 at Augusta 7 Jan–1 Feb; seven were also found in Murray’s Pond, Roanoke 9 Dec (BK); 35 at Fishersville, Spottswood, Augusta 8 Feb (AL). Snow Geese (all singles Augusta 7 Jan (VL); seven at L. Moomaw, Bath 12 Jan except where noted) were seen near Swoope, Augusta, (GM); and 163 in several locations in Augusta for a 7 Dec (MF); near Dublin, Pulaski 11 Dec (MB & SB); new county peak count 11 Jan (AL). A Blue-winged two near Timberville, Rockingham 22 Dec (WL); in Teal was at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (LB). ThreeNorthern Waynesboro 25 Dec (VL); at L. Frederick, Frederick 1 Pintails were at Greenfield L. 1 Jan (BJ & KJ); six on a Feb (DL); and two near Elkton, Rockingham 10 Feb pond on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery (TD); (GM). Cackling Geese reports from Stuarts Draft, and two at Fishersville, Augusta 30 Jan (VL). Fifteen Augusta, were of five 24 Dec (VL) and 13 the same day Green-winged Teal were found at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (AL) and 11 on 25 Dec (GM). Seven were at a quarry (BK); 28 were at Fishersville, Augusta 7 Jan (VL); and pond near Fishersville 7 Jan (VL); two at Bath Pump six at Third Battle of Winchester trails, Frederick 22 Feb Storage Facility, Bath 1 Feb, (GMo); and two at a pond (BL & JL). Four Canvasbacks were seen at DeHaven on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery 22–28 Feb Park, Pulaski 10 Jan (MM); two at Greenfield L. 24 Jan (KD, TD, & DP). Four Mute Swans were at a pond (LB); and ten there 29 Jan (MH). Nine Redheads were

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 17 found in Rockingham 8 Dec (WL); 100+ at Claytor Jan (MA), and one near Middletown, Frederick 31 Jan Lk 8 Dec (MM); 17 near Stephens City, Frederick 2 (ET); and a Northern Saw-whet Owl found south of Jan (DT); 35 in Augusta 10 Jan (AL); 29 in Staunton New Castle, Craig 28 Jan (DF). A Merlin was in Augusta 14 Jan (PW); 17 below Claytor Dam, Montgomery 25 7 Dec (WL); one at L. Shenandoah 21 Dec (DL & Jan (CK); and 69 at L. Moomaw, Bath 22 Feb (DF). GMo), and one on the Virginia Tech campus 24 Feb Ring-necked Duck reports were of 35 at Greenfield (CK). A Loggerhead Shrike was seen along North Fork L. 3 Dec (BK); 16 at Murray’s Pond, Roanoke 9 Dec of Roanoke R., Roanoke 3 Dec (RM). An early Tree (BK); 30 near Timberville, Rockingham 22 Dec (WL); Swallow was observed at L. Shenandoah 22 Feb (BT). A 22 on L. Campbell, Rockingham 25 Dec (GMo); 49 Brown-headed Nuthatch was visiting feeders at a house in Augusta 10 Jan (AL); and 87 in Bath 12 Jan (GM in Roanoke City 7 Jan (KD). Two Lapland Longspurs & MM). On Claytor L. 150 Lesser Scaup were seen (one photographed) were found in Rockingham 14 8 Dec (MM). White-winged Scoter (all singles unless Dec (WL, DL & GMo). A Snow Bunting was in New otherwise noted) was found at Fishersville, Augusta 30 Hope, Augusta, 13 Feb (GM). A Palm Warbler was Jan (AL); in Highland 1 Feb (DH); at Bisset Park in seen near Natural Bridge, Rockbridge 23 & 26 Dec and Radford 1 Feb (NS); in Waynesboro, 4–8 Feb (MV, AC, 4 Jan (WT). A single American Tree Sparrow was seen m. obs); nine along the New R. in Radford plus another frequenting feeders in Highland 13 Dec (JS) and three 12 below Claytor Dam, Montgomery 1 Feb (BA, JF, were at Walnut Springs, Montgomery 14 Dec (TD). A DP & SP); at Willow L., Rockbridge, 9 Feb (AL); and Clay-colored Sparrow was in Staunton, Augusta 8–28 at L. Shenandoah 12 Feb (DL). A Long-tailed Duck Feb (m. obs). A Dickcissel visited feeders at Weyers stayed at Willow L., Rockbridge 11 Dec–22 Feb (RR, m. Cave, Augusta 15 Dec–Jan15 (MHo, AL, & GM). obs). One was at DeHaven Park, Pulaski 10 Jan (MM); One was seen in Fishersville on the Augusta CBC, 4 another at Bath Pump Storage Facility, Bath 12 Jan Jan (MBe, JK & DPe). Two Brewer’s Blackbirds were (GM & MM); and ten were on New R. below Claytor observed 25 Dec–1 Feb in Swoope, Augusta (m. obs). A Dam, Montgomery 12 Feb (BLa). Eleven Common Purple Finch was found at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (BK), Goldeneyes were at DeHaven Park 10 Jan (MM). one in Blacksburg, Montgomery 2 Jan (TD) and six near Merganser observations were of 9 Common Mergansers Tub Run Road, Craig 22 Feb (KD). A Pine Siskin was at Union Spring Dam, Rockingham 30 Dec (KS); 16 at seen in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 7 Jan (BT); one was in DeHaven Park 11 Jan (MM); two on the Roanoke R. Rich Creek, Giles 14 Feb and two there 15 Feb (CS). near Explore Park, Roanoke 21 Jan (BH); 19 at Carvins (MH); 12 at Riverview Park in Radford 15 Feb (LA Contributors: Bill Akers, Mary Ames , Liz Altieri, & WR); 17 at L. Shenandoah 20 Feb (GMo); and 40 Laura Beltran, Mary Ann Bentley (MB), Marietta on L. Moomaw 22 Feb (GM); and 37 Red-breasted Beverage (MBe), Stan Bentley, Walt Childs, Andrew Mergansers at Claytor L. 8 Dec (MM) and 24 on L. Clem, Kent Davis, Tom Davis, Kristi DeCourcy, Peggy Shenandoah also 8 Dec (WL). About 20 Ruddy Ducks Eubank Marshall Faintich, Duane Fillingame, John were found at Willow L., Rockbridge 18 Dec (RR). One Ford, Michael Hartley, Diane Holsinger, Mary Houff Red-necked Grebe was at Carvins 1 Feb (MP & WT) (MHo), Bill Hunley, Bill James, Katie James, Clyde and 3 Feb (MH). Two were found at L. Shenandoah Kessler, Josephine King, Barry Kinzie, Allen Larner 6 Feb (CZ); five were there on 12 Feb (CZ). One was David Larsen, Victor Laubach, William Leigh, Diane at Fishersville, Augusta 15 Feb (PW). Horned Grebes Lepkowski, Beth Lancaster (BLa), BJ Little, Jon Little, were represented by 14 on Claytor L. 8 Dec (MM); 12 Daniel Mapel, Gabriel Mapel, Mary Mapel, Ryan Mays, in Rockingham 10 Jan (JSh), 21 in Augusta also 10 Jan Greg Moyers, Mark Mullins (MM) (AL); and 15 at L. Moomaw, Bath 20 Jan (VL). Dan Perkuchin (DPe), Doug Pfeiffer, Sally Pfeiffer, Mike Purdy, Wilson Rankin, Richard Rowe (RR) Kevin Shank, John Shea (JSh), John Spahr, Chris Sokol, HAWKS-SISKINS Nils Steika, Wes Teets, Brenda Tekin, Ed Trelawny, A Northern Goshawk was found in Highland 2 Dec Deborah Tucci, Mary Vermeulen, Penny Warren, (WC & MF); one ad. in Augusta 24 Jan (DM & Charles Ziegenfus. GM) and one imm. on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery 11 Feb (RM).The only gulls reported were 2 Bonaparte’s Gulls at L. Shenandoah 3 Jan (WL). Interesting owl observations included a Snowy Owl found near Dayton, Rockingham 3 Dec (KS) and one to two seen by many observers in Bridgewater, Rockingham 27 Dec–10 Feb; a Short-eared Owl near Weyers Cave, Augusta 12 Dec (MHo), three near Swoope Augusta 3

Page 18 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Editor—C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Central Dillwyn, VA 23936 [email protected] Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nel- son, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania Counties; and the cities of Charolttesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg.

Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue.

Incoming Editors: Janet Paisley [email protected]

Andrew Rapp [email protected]

Editor—Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, 10409 Academic Drive East Oakton, VA 22124 [email protected] Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Matthews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Note that the northern and eastern shores of the Northern Neck overlook Maryland waters.

Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue.

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 19 Editor—Roger and Lynda Mayhorn HC Box 44A Southwest Pilgrims Knob, VA 24634 [email protected] Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe Counties.

uring the three month period there were twen- Buchanan 17 Dec (DO). On 22 Feb a small flock of ty-nine days of snow and nineteen days of rain both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers were with an average temperature of 37° F. Four days observed at the pond in Burkes (BCBC) and 5 Common Dhad temperatures below 0°. Noteworthy species includ- Mergansers, found on the Clinch R. during the ed Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, White-winged Scoter, Blackburg CBC were a first for that count 28 Dec (DC, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, and Red-breasted RM, DO, DR). Three Red-breasted Mergansers were at Merganser. Buchanan County recorded its first Rough- the Saltville ponds, Smyth 14 Feb (VF), and three were legged Hawk. Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles were on Oxbow L. in St Paul, Russell 18 Feb (WC). A Pied- reported from several locations. billed Grebe was a new species on the Buchanan CBC 22 Dec (DR). On 21 Feb two Horned Grebes were Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Dickenson); found at John Flannagan Reservoir (DO). In Feb nesting Burkes (Burkes Garden, Tazewell); CBC (Christmas Bird activity was noticed at the Great Blue Heron Rookery Count); CCL (Clear Creek Lake, Washington); Compton on Rt. 91 north of Saltville, where last year the rookery (Compton Mountain, Buchanan); Musick’s (Musick’s expanded to include three large Sycamore trees (VF). Campground on South Holston Lake Washington); A new rookery consisting of 20 or more nests, 17 with RRL (Rural Retreat Lake); SHL (South Holston Lake), Great Blue Herons on them, was found on the Clinch R. SVCC (Southwest VA Community College). at Pounding Mill, Tazewell 14 Feb (DO).

GEESE—HERONS EAGLES—MERLINS A white morph Snow Goose was found among Canada Bald Eagle observations (all adults unless otherwise Geese at the Saltville Well Fields, Smyth 5 Jan (VF). noted) were of: one flying over a field near An adult Ross’s Goose was discovered at CCL 3 Feb Speedwell,Wythe 1 Dec (JM); two ad. and two juv. in (WC). Twelve Gadwall were observed at the Saltville Burkes 2 Dec (S&MB); one flying along the Clinch R. Well Fields 8 Jan (HS, ME, LT). Two EURASIAN near the Crab Orchard Museum, Tazewell 12 Dec (PH); WIGEONS appeared on Oxbow L. at St Paul, Russell two counted on the New River CBC on the New R., 17 Feb (BM). Two Northern Pintails, unusual for Grayson 24 Dec (HB); one feeding on a dead raccoon on the area, were found at “The Mudhole” near Lebanon, Clifton Farm Rd., Russell Jan (TH); one over state Rte. Russell 17 Dec (JT) and three adult males were observed 16, Tazewell 24 Jan (EM); one over the lodge in the BP on Stuart’s Pond in Rosedale 7 Feb (PH). A Greater (DO); and a pair at their nest in Burkes 22 Feb (BCBC). Scaup, not commonly found in the BP was discovered A Northern Harrier hunted over a field near Speedwell there 10 Dec (DR) and raft of Greater Scaup was in Wythe 2 Dec (JM), another was observed in the BP 3 observed at John Flannagan Reservoir, Dickenson 21 Feb Dec (DR), and two, one an ad. male, were observed at a (DO). A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER appeared on surface mine site at the head of Race Fork, Buchanan 31 the New R. at Field’s Dam in Mouth of Wilson, Grayson Jan. (DO). A Rough-legged Hawk found at Southern 9 Feb (AF). A lone Ruddy Duck was at Laurel L. in Gap during the Buchanan CBC 21 Dec provided first the BP 3 Dec (DR). A Ruddy Duck and 3 f. Hooded record for Buchanan (DC, RM, DO). Possibly the same Mergansers were found at the same location 11 Dec bird was observed there 18 Jan (DO, AO, EO). Two (DR). Two f. Hooded Mergansers were discovered Rough-legged Hawks were reported in Burkes 17 Jan on a small pond at Indian Creek Road near Council, (CD). Golden Eagle sightings were of an imm. soaring

Page 20 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 over Beartown Mt., Russell 1 Dec (TH) and two the of Tazewell 9 Jan (CD). A Fox Sparrow was discovered same day in the Clifton Farm area of Russell (TH) where on Huffman Hill in Russell 13 Feb; the species is not two were also seen 4 Jan perched in trees along the road common to that area. (T&LH). Seasonal arrivals were (T&LH). A total of six were reported in Russell 5 Jan noted with a Red-winged Blackbird at a feeder on (TH) and two were observed in Burkes 22 Feb (NRV, Compton 21 Feb (RM) and a Purple Finch at a feeder BCBC). Two American Kestrels were found in Race in Lebanon, Russell 12 Feb (T&LH). Fork in the Hurley Area of Buchanan 31 Jan. (DO). A male American Kestrel perched on a pasture fence on Contributors: Buchanan County Bird Club (BCBC) Compton 5 Dec was an usual find (R&LM). A Merlin Stan & Mary Bentley, Harrol Blevins, Don Carrier, was one of several species recorded in Russell 5 Jan (TH). Wallace Coffey, Clancey Deel, Mike Evans, Aaron Floyd, Vicky Frye, Peggy Herbert, Tom Hunter, Tom SHRIKES—FINCHES & Laverne Hunter, Roger Mayhorn, Roger & Lynda A Loggerhead Shrike was observed in Burkes 2 Dec Mayhorn, Jim Minick, Ed Morgan, Bryan Musick, New (S&MB); one was Across Rt. 19 from the Elk Garden River Valley Bird Club (NRV), Angie Owens, Daryl School, Russell 4 Jan (T&LH); another was found on a Owens, Emma Owens, David Raines, Hank Snow, Jerry power line east of Lebanon, Russell 29 Jan (T& LH); and Thornhill, Louise Tilson four were observed in Burkes 22 Feb (BCBC). A flock of 14 American Pipits counted on Compton furnished a new species for the Buchanan CBC (DC, RM, DO). An American Tree Sparrow was reported in Richlands

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 21 Editor—Wendy Ealding Incoming Editor— 1384 Palmore Road C. Michael Stinson South Central Powhatan, VA 23139 437 Wildflower Lane [email protected] Dillwyn, VA 23936 [email protected] Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Char- lotte, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Greensville Counties, and the cities of Danville, Emporia, and Martinsville.

he winter was cold with frequent snow events. been a regular overwintering species at Kerr in recent The exceptionally prolonged cold weather to the years and this winter was no exception, with up to two north, which caused extensive freezing of the first reported 2 Jan (JB fidePG) and the final report TGreat Lakes, initially brought an influx of Long-tailed of the winter season on 23 Feb (WE, PE, MA). An Ducks and White-winged Scoters. The concentration American Woodcock displaying 2 Feb in Amelia (MA) of a significant number of ducks in limited open water was early. A JAEGER, reported as Parasitic, was at proved to be a tempting source of prey for Bald Eagles, Kerr 22 Feb († ph. PG, ph. AB, ph. BR, ph. MS). This with reports of both White-winged Scoters and Com- report is currently in review with VARCOM; if accepted mon Goldeneyes falling victim. As the freeze progressed, it would be the third Piedmont record. The regularly Red-necked Grebes were reported from multiple loca- wintering Lesser Black-backed Gull was first reported tions around the Region. While many unusual wintering at Kerr 4 Jan (PG) and the last report for the winter ducks were noted, winter finches were generally absent. season was 24 Feb (EO). After an absence of several A Rose-breasted Grosbeak that was reported to Project weeks, three Eurasian Collared-Doves were at their FeederWatch from a feeder in Blackstone was featured in usual location in South Boston, Halifax 27 Jan (PG) the Cornell Lab of Ornithology end-of-season newsletter and provided the first December record for the Pied- PASSERINES mont. January 2014 saw the start of Central Region Ed- Loggerhead Shrike is a species that has been reported itor Mike Stinson’s Prince Edward County Big Year and from the Palmer Springs Area, Mecklenburg in past many of the observations from that county in this report winters. This season’s reports spanned the period 4 are from him. His Big Year is documented at http://bird- Jan (PG) through 24 Feb (EO). A high count of 35 ingtheheartofva.blogspot.com/ Brown-headed Nuthatches came from Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, Franklin 2 Dec (AT,BT fide Abbreviations: Briery Creek (Briery Creek WMA, CK). A Gray Catbird reported at Dick Cross WMA, Prince Edward); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg); Mecklenburg 2 Jan during the Kerr Lake CBC was a Sandy River (Sandy River Reservoir, Prince Edward) winter first for that count (PG, AD). A LAPLAND LONGSPUR, found among a flock of Horned Larks WATERFOWL—DOVES and American Pipits south of Prospect, Prince Edward Twelve Snow Geese at Waid Park, Franklin 1 Dec (AT, during the Darlington Heights CBC on 5 Jan, was a first BT fide CK) likely provided a high count for the county. for the count and likely provides a record for the county Two Ross’s Geese were in Prince Edward 25–27 (DS, ES and CBC party). A Palm Warbler, considered Feb (ph. MS) There were multiple reports of unusual a rare early winter visitor in the Piedmont, was a first for wintering ducks and Red-necked Grebes at several the Banister River WMA, Halifax CBC (GM, KL fide locations during the winter season; these are presented JB). There were two reports of the Yellow hypochrysea in a table on pages 23 and 24. Two Red-throated Loons subspecies at Kerr 25 Jan (DS, ES fidePG) and 1 Feb at Sandy R. 22 Jan (MS) furnished a county record. Two (PG, MF). A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK that immature Bald Eagles were at Jamison Mill, Philpott was reported to Project FeederWatch at a feeder 13–22 Lake, Henry 1 Dec (RC, CK). Spotted Sandpiper has Dec in Blackstone, Nottoway (ph. KH) was featured

Page 22 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology end-of-season Contributors: Mary Ames, Jeff Blalock, Arun Bose, newsletter and provided the first December record for Ray Callahan, Adam D’Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Patty the Piedmont. A male Indigo Bunting was photographed Elton, Mary Foster, Paul Glass, Kirsten Holmes, Clyde at a feeder in Dry Fork, Pittsylvania 2–4 Feb (ph. MF); Kessler, Kathy Layne, Grace McCrowell, Ellison Orcutt, only the third winter record for the entire Piedmont. Bruce Richardson, Mike Stinson, David Spears, Evan There were very few reports of winter finches. A female/ Spears, Anne Tucker, Bill Tucker, Jason Weaver immature Purple Finch was at a feeder in South Boston, Halifax 3 Dec and a male was at the same location 9 Dec (PG); there was a report of a female at another feeder in South Boston 11 Feb (JB). Notable South Central Region waterfowl and Red-necked Grebe reports

Date Observer Species Location Number Notes 1/22/2014 MS Canvasback Sandy River 14 1/26/2014 JB, PG Canvasback Edmunds Park, Halifax 3 2/5- PG Canvasback Edmunds Park, Halifax 3 2/17/2014 2/28/2014 ph. ES, DS Canvasback Willis River Number Seven 4 Dam, Buckingham

2/5- PG, JB Redhead Edmunds Park, Halifax 1 2/17/2014 12/9/2013 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 2 Duck 12/13/2013 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 2 Duck 1/4/2013 ph. MS Long-tailed Sandy River 1 Duck 1/9/2014 ph. AD Long-tailed Kerr 1 Duck 1/22/2014 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 1 Duck 2/15- PG, ph. JB Long-tailed Edmunds Park, Halifax 1 16/2014 Duck 2/18/2014 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 1 Duck 2/22/2014 ph. PG Long-tailed Kerr 2 Duck 2/24/2014 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 1 Duck 1/22/2014 MS Common Sandy River 3 Goldeneye 1/31/2014 MS Common Briery Creek 1 ad. male; captured by 2 Goldeneye Bald Eagles and eaten 2/1/2014 PG , MF, Surf Scoter Kerr 1 JB, AD 2/22/2014 PG Surf Scoter Kerr 1 12/25/2013 AD White-winged Kerr 1 Scoter

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 23 Date Observer Species Location Number Notes

1/2/2014 JW White-winged Kerr 1 Kerr Lake CBC Scoter 1/4/2014 PG White-winged Kerr 1 Scoter 1/9/2014 ph. AD White-winged Kerr 3 Scoter 2/1/2014 JB, MF, PG White-winged Kerr 5 Scoter 2/18/2014 MS White-winged Briery Creek 1 Scoter 2/22/2014 PG White-winged Kerr 6 Scoter 1/10- ph. MS White-winged Sandy River 2 VARCOM accepted Cat 1 11/2014 Scoter 1/24/2014 MS White-winged Sandy River 7 Scoter 1/31/2014 MS White-winged Sandy River 1 female; captured by Scoter immature Bald Eagle 2/1/2014 MS White-winged Sandy River 1 Scoter 2/18/2014 MS Red-breasted Briery Creek and Sandy 5-20 first winter record for the Merganser River county 2/28/2014 ES, DS Red-breasted Willis River Number Seven 1 ad. male, likely county Merganser Dam, Buckingham record

1/4/2014 PG Red-necked Kerr 1 Grebe 1/9/2014 AD Red-necked Kerr 1 Grebe 2/1/2014 PG, AD, Red-necked Kerr 2 MF, JB Grebe 2/15/2014 ph. ES, MA Red-necked Sandy River 1 Grebe 2/18/2014 MS Red-necked Briery Creek 1 Grebe 2/24/2014 MS Red-necked Briery Creek 2 Grebe 2/28/2014 ph. ES Red-necked Willis River Number Seven 1 county record Grebe Dam, Buckingham

Page 24 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Editor—Adam D'Onofrio 25118 Smith Grove Road Southeast Petersburg, VA 23803 [email protected]

Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and York Counties, and the cities of Rich- mod, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg.

lthough the temperature for December averaged GEESE—GREBES 3.4 degrees above normal, it was a cold winter. A Greater White-Fronted Goose was in Charles City Temperatures for January and February averaged 1 Feb (ABr). One imm. Snow Goose was noted at 2.7A degrees and 1.1 degree below normal respectively. Ross s Goose Mainland Farm 5 & 6 Jan (BT, BW). A ’ , Precipitation was above normal for all three months photographed at Mainland Farm 4 Dec, provided a averaging 1.12 inches above normal mostly due to high long awaited first local record (BW, MB, BT). Four precipitation amounts in December which averaged 2.85 Ross’s Geese were tallied on the HoCBC. A Brant, inches above normal. The cold winter weather, mainly photographed at Hog during the WiCBC, was a first in states to the north and west of Virginia, resulted in CBC record. Up to three Cackling Geese were recorded an inland influx of normally coastal winter ducks and at Mainland Farm 15–18 Dec (DC, BA, BW). Four grebes especially White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Cackling Geese were in Henrico 1 Feb (ABr). A new Duck, Greater Scaup and Red-necked Grebe. The 74th high count for Canada Geese on the the HoCBC was Hopewell CBC and the 37th Williamsburg CBC went established with 21,598 tallied. New high counts for off without a hitch on December 15. Both counts re- Gadwall were 341 on HoCBC and 252 on the WiCBC; corded 113 species on the day. Highlights of both counts 124 Gadwall at the mouth of Gordon Creek, James are in the text. The Center for Conservation Biology City 2 Feb provided a new local peak count for one finished 2013 with more good news for the Red-cock- site (BW). A count of 2358 Lesser Scaup on 4 Feb aded Woodpecker population at Piney Grove Preserve in shattered the old James City record (500 off Kingsmill, Sussex County. The annual winter survey of the popu- James City 5 Apr 1982) and was composed of 1200 lation yielded another record high of 58 birds, up from off the Jamestown Ferry dock, 325 off Archer’s Hope the high of 53 birds counted on last year’s survey. Rar- and 833 off College Creek. Two f. Harlequin Ducks ities this season included Snowy Owl, Audubon’s Yel- were photographed off Yorktown, York 21 Dec (BW), low-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, and Yellow-head- providing a first local record. They remained in the area ed Blackbird. until 1 Jan and were enjoyed by many. A White-winged Scoter was seen in the James R. from the Wetlands Abbreviations: City Point (Petersburg National section of J.R.P. 26 Jan (ph. LB). It was joined by a Battlefield, City Point Unit, Hopewell); Dutch Gap second bird 1 Feb (AB) and both birds remained in (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Fort the area until the end of the period (m. obs). Single Boykins (Fort Boykins Historic Park, Isle of Wight); White-winged Scoters were noted at Dutch Gap 31 Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry); HoCBC (Hopewell Jan (JE) and at Jamestown 15 Jan & 2 Feb (BW). Two Christmas Bird Count); Jamestown (Jamestown, were tallied at College Creek, James City 10 Feb (BT). James City); J.R.P. (James River Park, Richmond); Two f. Long-tailed Ducks, photographed at the J.R.P. Mainland Farm (Mainland Farm, James City); Ragged Wetlands 8 Feb, provided a first documented record for Island (Ragged Island W.M.A., Isle of Wight); WiCBC the city of Richmond (AD, AB, JF, EO). Single Long- (Williamsburg Christmas Bird Count). tailed Ducks were at Little Creek Dam, James City 31 Jan (SD, BT) & 2 Feb (HB, DS) and at Jamestown

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 25 Beach, James City 6 Feb (SD). Two Long-tailed Ducks were tallied on the WiCBC, establishing a new high were off Fort Boykins 26 Jan (TC). A new high count count. Two birds, an imm. f. and imm. m., were banded of 530 Buffleheadwas tallied on the HoCBC. Three at Governor’s Land 31 Dec (CO, BP). The f. remained f. Common Goldeneye were seen in the James R., until 20 Feb and the m. was present throughout the Richmond 1 Feb (AB). A Red-necked Grebe was period. Another m. in Mallard Hill was also banded 31 encountered at Swift Creek Res., Chesterfield9 Feb (JE). Dec (BP). Two additional Selasphorus hummingbirds Two were seen there 13 Feb (EO). Two Red-necked were in Kingsmill (JL). Although these two birds were Grebes were at Little Creek Res., James City 31 Jan-1 Feb not banded, photos show that one was a m. Rufous (SD, BT, BW). One remained there 2 Feb-3 Feb (HB, while the other remained unidentified. DS, BW). Another Red-necked Grebe was photographed at City Point, Hopewell 1 Feb (ABr). WOODPECKERS—ORIOLES More new high counts set on the WiCBC included 210 PELICANS—HUMMINGBIRDS Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 475 American Crows, 433 An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was discovered Carolina Chickadees, 425 Tufted Titmouse and 294 at Hog 12 Jan (FF, TC). It was seen there again 19 Carolina Wrens. A Gray Catbird, rare inland in winter, Feb (EO). Probably the same bird was also seen further was found at Huguenot Flatwater, Richmond during the downriver at Ragged Island 1 Feb (FF). Two Black- James River Winter Bird Count 12 Jan (fide LB). A few crowned Night Herons at Hog during the WiCBC Black-and-white Warblers were noted in the Region were unusual. Several raptors made new high counts this winter with the latest one seen on the campus of on the WiCBC including 209 Black Vultures, 313 the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg 22 Jan Turkey Vultures, 61 Bald Eagles, 7 Cooper’s Hawks, (DC). Others included one at City Point 1 Dec (ph. 27 Red-shouldered Hawks and 38 Red-tailed Hawks. AB, EO), one, a f., in Charles City 22 Dec (ph. ABr) and A Spotted Sandpiper, a rare winter visitor, was seen one at Shirley 8 Jan (JF). An Orange-crowned Warbler at Yorktown Colonial Park, York 4 Jan (JS, NT). Two was present in Chisel Run, James City throughout Feb Ruddy Turnstones, rare west of Chesapeake Bay, were (JN). Another Orange-crowned Warbler around the at the mouth of Lawnes Creek, Isle of Wight 20 Jan Floodwall Trail in downtown Richmond 8 Feb was a (FF, NM). WiCBC had a new high of 136 Dunlin. good find (LB). A Nashville Warbler, originally found A Pectoral Sandpiper, rare in early winter, provided in a stretch of habitat behind the Belle Isle parking a first count record on the HoCBC. Ten Short-billed lot, Richmond 30 Nov was seen again 2 Dec (ph. AB) Dowitchers and eight Western Sandpipers at Villa Way and during an organized field trip 7 Dec (RAS). A Overlook, York 14 Dec were noteworthy (EO). Forty f. Common Yellowthroat was still lingering around Wilson’s Snipe was a new high count on the HoCBC. Hopewell 22 Dec (ph. ABr). A Yellow Warbler, rare in A first cycle“ Kumlien’s” Iceland Gull was discovered at winter, was at a residential location in York 6 Dec (WB). Innsbrook, Richmond 9 Jan (ph. AB). It was seen again An AUDUBON’S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER 10 & 11 Jan (AB, GM) and 12 Feb (ph. JE, LB). Other was a very rare find at College Creek, James City 5 Jan Iceland Gulls in the Region included one at the Tri-City (BT), representing a fifth coastal plain record. A Yellow- Regional Landfill, Petersburg 5 Jan (ph. ABr) and three breasted Chat photographed on the HoCBC provided at the ponds next to Walmart, Colonial Heights 25 Jan a first count record. Another Yellow-breasted Chat was (ph. ABr). One of these birds remained at the ponds at Fort Boykins 17 Jan (FF, NM). The same bird was until at least 1 Feb (ABr, AD). An imm. Glaucous seen again 22 & 23 Jan (TC, FF). Three WESTERN Gull was found at Brown’s Island, Richmond on the TANAGERS graced the Region this winter including afternoon of 18 Feb (ph. JE, EO, JF). By that evening, the continuing m. at Settlers Mill, James City that there were two birds present (ph. AB, LB). At least one remained throughout the period (BW, m. obs). Another bird remained there 19 Feb (AD). WiCBC recorded Western Tanager, a f., was at Rolling Woods, James 268 Rock (Feral) Pigeons, a new high count. The only City and was also present through the entire period SNOWY OWL reported in this winter of Snowy Owls (fide DC). The third bird was a m. and was present was one photographed at Yorktown Battlefield, York at a feeder in the Tuckahoe area of Henrico from 10 15 Dec (DCr), establishing a third local record. As has Jan throughout the period (ph. KL, m. obs).WiCBC been the case for years now, there were several Rufous tallied 493 Northern Cardinals for a new high. An ad. Hummingbirds in James City this winter, three of which m. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, seen among

Page 26 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 thousands of other blackbirds just south of Berlin, Barnett, Hugh Beard, William Boeh, Arun Bose, Allen Southampton 16 Dec, was an excellent find (NF). The Bryan (ABr), Mitchell Byrd, Dan Cristol, Douglas bird was seen again later the same day (BA, ABa). On Crooke (DCr), Terri Cuthriell, Shirley Devan, Adam the College of William and Mary campus, Williamsburg D’Onofrio, Jack Esworthy IV, Nick Flanders, Frank 200 Rusty Blackbirds were counted on 21 Jan (DC). Fogarty, Jan Frye, Kathy Louthan, Gabriel Mapel, At least 5-6 Baltimore Orioles overwintered in the Nicole Motzer, Jeanette Navia, Carol O’Neill, Ellison Williamsburg area (fide BW). Orcutt, Bruce Peterjohn, Richmond Audubon Society, Dave Shantz, Joshua Stone, Brian Taber, Nicole Contributors: Bob Ake, Andrew Baldelli (ABa), Lewis Trimmer, Bill Williams.

Editor—Bill Williams, Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary Coastal P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23197 [email protected]

Accomack and Nothampton Counties; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic area; and the cities of Chesa- peake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay NWR, Virginia his report chronicles an extraordinary winter for Beach); Cape Charles (town of Cape Charles, diversity, distribution and abundance of seldom Northampton); CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel encountered species, the results of biological and s. of Northampton); Chinc. (Chincoteague NWR, Tmeteorological causes and effects, some of which had Accomack); Craney (Craney Island, Portsmouth); been at play since summer 2013. Snowy Owls, pres- First Landing (First Landing SP, Virginia Beach); ent throughout the winter in unprecedented numbers, FINWR (Fisherman’s Island NWR, Northampton); were the season’s marquis must-have. By early February Grandview (Grandview Nature Preserve, Hampton); coastal outings were producing plural Eurasian Wi- KSP (Kiptopeke State Park, Northampton); Little Island geon, Harlequin Duck, Red-necked Grebe, Razorbill, (Little Island Park, Virginia Beach); NNP (Newport Black-headed, Iceland and Glaucous gull, and Snowy News Park, Newport News); PHP (Pleasure House Owl detections, with Greater White-fronted Goose, a Point, Virginia Beach); Rudee (Rudee Inlet, Virginia reliable King Eider, and the possibility of an Eared Grebe Beach); TNCC (Thomas Nelson Community College, as additional enticements. Schooled on the freeze events Newport News); Whitehurst (Whitehurst Tract, Princess of 1994–1995 and 2003–2004 the Red-necked Grebe Anne WMA, Virginia Beach). incursion was more than an expectation, whereas the Region’s repeat-of-last-winter Razorbill flight proved an CBCs: unanticipated bonus. As forecast, cone crop abundance BBCBC (Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec); CBBTCBC at northern climes accounted for the scarcity of irruptive (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel CBC, 26 Dec); CCCBC finches. (Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec); ChCBC (Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec ); DSCBC (Dismal Swamp CBC, 4 WATERFOWL—IBIS Jan); LCCBC (Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec); NaCBC Single Greater White-fronted Geese were at Chinc. 9 (Nasswadox CBC, 15 Dec ); NNCBC (Newport News Dec (PS); at Bay Creek, Northampton for the CCCBC; CBC, 14 Dec); NRCBC (Nansemond River CBC, 2 in Temperanceville, Accomack 1 Jan (TJ, MRo); at Jan); WCBC (Wachapreague CBC, 14 Dec) Oyster, Northampton 28 Jan (SG); and at Bay Breeze Farm, Virginia Beach 14 (BA) & 15 Feb (AB, RF, DG, JM). An estimated 50-75,000 Snow Geese were

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 27 recorded during an aerial survey over Chinc./northern the Virginia Beach/Norfolk waterfront (AB). An Eared Accomack 21 Dec (MAB, BWa). Among neck-collared Grebe was off the CBBT th4 island 1 Feb (DCr et al.); Snow Geese frequenting lower Northampton mid-to late another was at Chinc. 23 Feb (EO, ABo). A WESTERN Feb were three females each handled as adults on Bylot GREBE was well-documented for the CCCBC. Island, Alaska, one in Aug 2009 and two in Aug 2013 One Northern Fulmar, a Sooty Shearwater and 5 (fide LC, RL). Two Ross’s Geese were at Chinc. 1 Dec Manx Shearwaters were ~30 mi. e. of Virginia Beach at (BA); another off Indiantown Rd., Northampton 4 Dec 36.7861033,-75.4722517 (+36°47’9.97”, -75°28’20.11) (SB) may have been the one at Maplewood Gardens, 26 Jan (ph. TJ, GD). As many as 4 American White Northampton 26 Feb (DM). A Cackling Goose was Pelicans were at or near Back Bay 2 Dec (3) (BA) found on the CCCBC; one was near Sherwood Lakes, through the BBCBC (4). Additional reports included Virginia Beach 18 Jan (DCa) and two were there 28 nine at FINWR 21 Dec (DMi) and 15 over TNCC 9 Jan (ph. TJ, GD). The peak Eurasian Wigeon count Jan (SE). A wing-tagged Great Egret (orange 29P) in was four (three m., one f.) at Chinc. 1 Dec (BA); one Virginia Beach 4 Jan had been banded on Nottawasaga to two m. were spotted there through at least 23 Feb Island, Ontario, Canada in Jun 2012 (fide RL). Three (EO, ABo, HP) and a f. was there 13 Jan (BA, ESB). A Cattle Egrets were at Chinc. 1 Dec (ZP, KR). An ad. single male at Craney 5 Dec–5 Jan (RB et al.) was with Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was in Norfolk 13 Dec a second male 16 Jan (BW et al.) through 27 Feb (RB & 23 Jan (BA); an imm. was at PHP also 13 Dec (KS). et al.). Elsewhere, one was in lower Northampton 7 Dec The highest reported White Ibis count was 138 at the (SH) to 1 Jan (ESB). A m. on Crystal Lake, Virginia Princess Ann WMA, Virginia Beach 12 Jan (RF). Beach during the LCCBC was probably the one at Rudee 1 Feb (EO). A EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED RAPTORS—TERNS TEAL (COMMON TEAL) at Chinc. 12 Dec (EE) may An imm. Northern Goshawk was at the ESVNWR 1 have been the intergrade reported there 13 Nov (ABo). Feb (ph. AH). Single Rough-legged Hawks gave the An imm. m. King Eider drew birders to Rudee 2 Dec CCCBC and LCCBC a lift. A Purple Gallinule, (RBr, CW) through the report period’s conclusion. A recovered near PHP 30 Dec after colliding with a Common Eider on Hunter Creek, Accomack 21 Feb condominium door (KRo), was part of a widespread (DM) was the only one reported. It was uncertain how dispersal across the northeast to Newfoundland and many different individuals comprised the season’s widely as far east as Iceland, Ireland, Portugal and Bermuda. scattered Harlequin Duck encounters. Up to two Prolonged Caribbean/southern Florida drought were at Little Island 16 Dec (KK) through 1 Jan (JEs). combined with extreme late fall/early winter coastal Possibly these were the two at Rudee — a 10-mile flight Atlantic storms were considered the determinants for this from Little Island 31 Dec, (AD, TT). Subsequently, one exceptional winter vagrancy. A Common Gallinule was to two were at 4th View St. in the Willoughby section at Bay Creek, Northampton 10 Dec (DB) through the of Norfolk 25 Jan (2) (JF) until at least 9 Feb (one) CCCBC; two were on the BBCBC. Spotted Sandpiper (R&GH). Then one was at Lynnhaven Inlet, Norfolk reports included one at Windsor Point, Norfolk 1 Dec 16 Feb (ph. KK, m. obs). There were 90 Wild Turkeys (DC), two on the NaCBC and one at Rudee 7 Feb posted to the ChCBC final tally. A disheartening 18 (ESB). The season’s highest reported Marbled Godwit Northern Bobwhite were detected during the Region’s count was 235 at Willis Wharf, Northampton 16 Dec ten CBCs; 11 on the WCBC, six on the NaCBC and (HA). The CCCBC established new Virginia winter one on the NRCBC. The season’s first reportedRed- peak counts for Willet (784-previous high 319 on the necked Grebe (one) was at Craney 5 Dec (BT et al.), 30 Dec 2000 CCCBC) and Whimbrel (17—previous with subsequent single birds found on the NNCBC and high 15 on the 30 Dec 1989 CCCBC). There were NRCBC, respectively. As open water in the upper mid- 5 Dovekies on the LCCBC and one was at Back west and Great Lakes froze during the ensuing weeks Bay 24 Jan (BA, JBl). For a second consecutive winter sightings of one to three at sites from Hampton to Back Razorbills were much in evidence off the Virginia Bay became routine. At least two were at Sherwood Capes. The initial report, one off the CBBT 4 Dec (SB, Lakes, Virginia Beach 18 Jan (m. obs) through 14 Feb LM), was followed by two off Chinc. 7 Dec (PB, TD). (BA). The highest combined total (17) occurred 16 By mid-January a short-lived high-volume movement Feb with one on Onancock Creek, Accomack (VS, SS), was apparent with 32 off Back Bay 18 Jan (DC) then seven off the CBBT (m. obs fide NN), and nine along 405 off Back Bay/Little Island 25 Jan (DC). Thereafter,

Page 28 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 small numbers were chronicled through the end of the The one day single-site high count for this species was report period including 35 between CBBT islands 3 & four at Chinc. 13 Dec (CM). The most found during 4 (m. obs) 1 Feb. One each Black-legged Kittiwake a single day was eight on 21 Dec. These included one and Black-headed Gull were ~30 mi. e. of Virginia at Craney (ph. m. obs), one on FINWR (DMi), two at Beach at 36.7861033,-75.4722517 (+36°47’9.97, Chinc. and four on coastal barrier islands (BWa, MAB). -75°28’20.11) 26 Jan (ph. TJ, GD). Additional Black- Single Long-eared Owls were part of both the ChCBC headed Gull reports included one on the BBCBC, one and CCCBC. Short-eared Owls made birder lists at at Chinc. 19 Jan (DL) and 17 Feb (BH), and one to only two sites— Saxis, Accomack with single birds 3 three at Little Creek Inlet, Norfolk 20 Jan (3) (EO) Dec (SB) and 6 Feb (DCr et al.) and and Craney where through 28 Feb (m. obs). A Little Gull was among a high count of eight occurred 9 Jan (RB et al.). A “thousands” of Bonaparte’s Gulls for the BBCBC; two Ruby-throated Hummingbird was in Virginia Beach more Little Gulls were ~30 mi. e. of Virginia Beach at through at least 16 Feb (fide MRB); another spent the 36.7861033,-75.4722517 (+36°47’9.97, -75°28’20.11) winter in Norfolk (fide BP). A Rufous Hummingbird 26 Jan (ph. TJ, GD). A wing-tagged Ring-billed Gull was at Windsor Point, Norfolk 11–13 Jan (ph. DC). (A195) at Rudee 6 (DCr et al.) & 11 (RBr) Feb had A Western Kingbird was at Whitehurst 7 (AB) & been banded as an ad. male (hatched 2010 or before) at 11 Dec (GM); another was at Ashville Park, Virginia Pleasure Bay Beach, Suffolk County, MA 29 Mar 2013 Beach 22 Dec (ph. TW). A short-stay NORTHERN (fide NN). A purported ad. THAYER’S GULL was SHRIKE was in Oyster, Northampton 6 Dec (LR). An at First Landing 17 Dec (AB) and “a gull resembling a exceptionally tardy Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1st cycle Thayer’s Gull” was on CBBT island one for the at Craney 5 Dec (BT, RB, VB) was ten days beyond LCCBC, then 3 Jan (ESB) & 18 Jan (BT et al.). Dates, the species’ 25 Nov extreme late date. By contrast, a locations, and molt-cycle ages suggested seven different Barn Swallow at Little Creek Inlet, Norfolk 23 Feb Iceland Gulls were chronicled. One 1st-cycle and one (JW) was six days ahead of that species’ 1 Mar extreme 2nd-cycle were on the CBBT 26 Dec, (ESB, BA, BAn). early date. A late departing Swainson’s Thrush was Singles were at Windsor Point, Norfolk (DC) and Little at NNP 1 Dec (CW). The only Lapland Longspurs Creek Inlet (EO) 1 Feb, the latter remaining through reported were three for the CCCBC. Snow Buntings at least 16 Feb (DW, DLe, ph. KK). A 2nd-cycle was at were unexpectedly scarce with a total of three; one each Chesapeake City Park 6 Feb (ph. DCa). A 1st-cycle was on the CBBT and ChCBCs and one at Grandview 26 at the Virginia Beach Landfill 24 Feb (AB) and a nd2 - Jan (ph. EM). There were six Black-and-white Warbler cycle was at 4th View St., Norfolk 27 Feb (FF). Glaucous reports; singles were at Fort Story, Virginia Beach 31 Gull reports included two on 26 Dec, one at Back Bay Dec (RBr); in the Roosevelt Gardens section of Norfolk (LA, PE) and one (a 1st-cycle) on the CBBTCBC. Molt- 1 Jan (CB); on the NRCBC; near Lake Taylor, Norfolk cycle descriptions placed what was probably the latter 4 Jan (ML); near Indian River Park, Chesapeake 23 Jan off the CBBT 29 Dec (KG, MR, RR) and 26 Jan (JBl). (CT); and at Oak Grove Lake Park, Chesapeake 30 Jan A third individual was at Chinc. the week of 6 Jan (fide (DCa). Other noteworthy wintertime warblers included JB). An oft-reported ad. Glaucous Gull was at Rudee 19 a Nashville Warbler for the CCCBC, a Northern Jan through the end of report period (m.obs). Another Parula at Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk 7 Jan (DE) and a adult was on the CBBT third island 1 Feb (ph. FF, m. Yellow-throated Warbler at Captain’s Cove, Accomack obs). Three Royal Terns at Back Bay 22 Feb (RBr) had 4 Dec (CM). A Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow likely overwintered. was in Cape Charles 26 Jan through 28 Feb (ESB). One of the CCCBC’s best birds was a female WESTERN DOVES—FINCHES TANAGER in Cheriton, Northampton. A f. Blue The peak Eurasian Collared-Dove count was 24 for Grosbeak was in Chincoteague, Accomack 19 Jan (TN). the CCCBC; five were at Sandbridge, Virginia Beach 5 A Painted Bunting in Great Bridge, Chesapeake 15 Jan (DC). A White-winged Dove was at PHP 22 Dec Dec through the end of the report period (ph. BM) (KGo). The sole Barn Owl report revealed a family of was one of at least seven across the Region. Location five, two adults with three nestlings, for the NRCBC. and timing reliably separated the other six: one at the Numerous, widespread and mobile characterized the Signature at West Neck, Virginia Beach 29 Dec (PM); Region’s unprecedented early December through one on the LCCBC; one on Peach St., Cape Charles 7 February Snowy Owl invasion (see table on page 31). Jan (ESB); one near downtown Norfolk 29 Jan (JE);

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 29 one at Poquoson Circle, Chesapeake 15 Feb (ph. ED); Gillingham, Ken Goldsmith (KGo), Stephen Grimes, and one off Pinebrook Dr., Virginia Beach 15 Feb Stefanie Hadden (SHa), Rosemarie and George Harris, (DK). Indicative of their numbers for the winter were Andy Hawkins, Sujan Henkanaththegedara, Bill <10 Purple Finches and only 32 Pine Siskins (15 on Hohenstein, Barbara Houston (BHu), Tom Johnson, the BBCBC) for the Region’s CBCs. In that context a Dan Jordan, Diane Karpov, Karen Kearney, Victor Common Redpoll, rare any winter, was an exceptional Klein, Dave Larsen, Diane Lepkowski (DLe), Michael CCCBC feeder bird. Lester, Steve Lewis, Stephen Living (SLi), Reese Lukei, Linda Mack, Gabriel Maple, Jim Marcum, Dave Contributors: Lee Adams, Bob Ake, Bob Anderson Matson, Grazina & Michael McClure, Deb Mignogno (BAn), Jody Andreatch, Harry Armistead, Andrew (DMi), Ernie Miller, Lee Miller (LMi), Bob Mislan, Baldelli, Scott Barnes, Charles Barrie, Mary Reid Barrow, Pamela Monahan, Clyde Morris, Trista Nealon, Nick Ruth Beck, Karen Beatty, Linda Blair, Jeff Blalock (JBl), Newberry, Ellison Orcutt, Brad Peeples (BPe), Bruce Perri Borowiecki, Arun Bose (ABo), Virginia Boyles, Peterjohn, Holger Pflicke, Roy Pretlow, Zak Poulton, David Boltz (DBo), David Bridge, Edward S. Brinkley, Marc Ribaudo, Rich Rieger, Katie Rittenhouse, Melissa Rexanne Bruno (RBr), Alan Bryan (ABr), Joelle Roach (MRo), Karen Roberts (KRo), Lisa Rose, Peter Buffa, Mitchell A. Byrd, Daniel Carlson (DCa), Linda Saenger, Phil Silas (Psi), Stephanie Smith, Virginia Chittum, David Clark, Dan Cristol (DCr), Glen Davis, Smith, Mark Sopko, Kathy Spencer, Brian Taber, Todd Day, Ester Dean, Adam D’Onofrio, Ed Eder, Jim Colleen Tillett, Tina Trice, Bryan Watts (BWa), Jason Edmonson, Susie Engle, Davey Erekson, Jack Esworthy Weaver, David Wendelken, Audrey Whitlock, Mark (JEs), Peggy Eubank, Scott Fackenthall, Cheryl Flury, Wilkin, Bill Williams, Cathy Williamson, Flo Womacks, Frank Fogarty, Jan Frye, Ron Furnish, John Gallegos, Tony Wood, Matthew Young Michael Galeone, Kurt Gaskill, David Gibson, Lynn

Page 30 Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Summary of Snowy Owl Reports- Winter 2013-2014 Date # Owls Locations Observers 5 Dec 2013 one KSP (DJ fide SLi) 5 Dec 2013-28 Feb 2014 one Craney m. ob. 2 Jan-26 Feb 2014 2 AW, RB et al., RP 8 Dec 2013-20 Jan 2014 one Queen Sound Channel, Accomack m. ob. 11 Dec 2013 one Chinc. s. lot MG, VK 13 Dec 2013 4 Chinc. s. lot (one); “hook” (3) CM, JA 15 Dec 2013 one Chesconnessex Cr., Accomack CF 18 Dec 2013 one Leemont, Accomack LG Chinc. “hook” (2) Wallops I., Accomack (one) 21 Dec 2013 6 Hog I., Northampton (one) BWa, MAB Wreck I., Northampton (one) Ship Shoal I., Northampton (one) 22 Dec 2013 one Brownsville, Northampton MW ~12-25 Dec 2013 one FINWR ESB, DMi 26 Dec 2013 3 Chinc. LB, BHu, MY 30 Dec 2013 2 near FINWR (one) CCCBC Chincoteague (town), Accomack BPe, SL (one) 31 Dec 2013 2 Queen Sound Channel, Accomack G&MM 2-12 Jan 2014 one Chinc. SF, R&GH, LMi 6 Jan 2014 one Cape Charles Beach ESB, SHa n. Assateague I., Accomack (one) 9 Jan 2014 5 Cedar I., Accomack (one) BWa, MAB s. Cobb I., Northampton (2) n. Smith I., Northampton (one) 15-20 Jan 2014 one Back Bay (BA, KB, JG) 2 Feb 2014 one Bayville Park, Virginia Beach (ph. FW fide MRB) 16 Feb 2014 one Willoughby Spit, Norfolk DBo, KG, RR, PSi 25 Feb 2014 one Langley Air Force Base, Hampton MS

Virginia Birds Volume 10 • Number 2 and Volume 10 • Number 3 Page 31 THE VIRGINIA SOCIETY OF ORNITHOLOGY PO Box 5994 Williamsburg, VA 23188

VSO Officers VSO Board of Directors President: Joe Coleman, Round Hill Terms Expire 2015 Past President: Andrew Dolby, Fredricksburg Joelle Buffa, Greenbackville Vice President: Jeff Trollinger, Gum Spring Patti Rhuem, Blue Grass Secretary: Judith Wiegand, Staunton Russell Taylor, Vienna Treasurer: Terri Cuthriell, Smithfield Terms Expire 2016 Raven Editor, Wes Brown, Parksley Bill Williams, Williamsburg Newsletter Editors: Len Alfredson, Arlington Lenny Bankester, Alexandria Membership Secretary: Shirley Devan, Williamsburg Daniel Bieker, North Garden Terms Expire 2017 Mike Lott, Fredricksburg Bruse Johnson, Lovettsville Laura Neale, Rockbridge County