A quarterlyirginia journal of ornithological sightings in theirds Commonwealth V published by the Virginia B Society of Ornithology

Volume 13 Ÿ Number 4 Spring Records Ÿ March–May 2017 Virginia Birds Regions Cities/towns numbered on map 1. Abingdon 18. Fredericksburg 31. Petersburg 42. Virginia Beach 2. Alexandria 19. Galax 32. Poquoson 43. Waynesboro 3. Bedford 20. Hampton 33. Portsmouth 44. Williamsburg 45 Frederick 4. Bristol 21. Harrisonburg 34. Radford 45. Winchester Clarke Loudoun 5. Buena Vista 22. Hopewell 35. Richmond North Fairfax Arlington Warren Fauquier 15,16 6. Cape Charles 23. Lexington 36. Roanoke Shenandoah 25, 26 Rappahannock Prince 2 7. Charlottesville 24. Lynchburg 37. Salem Page William 8. Chesapeake 25. Manassas 38. South Boston Madison Culpeper Rockingham21 Stafford 9. Chincoteague 26. Manassas Park 39. Staunton King Highland Greene George 10. Clifton Forge 27. Martinsville 40. Suffolk Augusta Orange 18 39 Spotsylvania Westmoreland 11. Colonial Heights 28. Newport News 41. Tazewell Bath 43 7 Louisa Caroline Richmond West Albemarle Essex East 9 12. Covington 29. Norfolk King and Queen Northumberland 12 Rockbridge Central King William 10 Nelson Lancaster 13. Danville 30. Norton Alleghany 23 FluvannaGoochland Hanover 5 Middlesex 14. Emporia Accomack Amherst Buckingham Henrico Botetourt Powhatan New 15. Fairfax Gloucester Craig Appomattox 35 Kent Mathews Bedford Chesterfield Charles James 16. Falls Church Cumberland Giles Roanoke 24 Amelia 22 City City 44 Buchanan 3 Prince York 6 17. Franklin Montgomery37 36 Campbell Edward 11 41 Bland Nottoway Prince Dickenson 31 32 Northampton Tazewell 34 George Surry 28 Pulaski Charlotte Dinwiddie Wise Franklin 20 Russell Lunenburg Southeast 29Coastal 30 Wythe Floyd Sussex Isle of 33 Southwest Smyth South Central Wight Carroll Pittsylvania Halifax 14 42 Lee Scott 1 Mecklenburg Washington Grayson 27 38 Southampton17 40 8 4 19 Patrick Henry 13 BrunswickGreensville

Virginia Birds VSO Officers VSO Board of Directors Editors President Terms expire 2017 Bill Williams Jeff Trollinger, Henrico Bruce Johnson, Lovettsville [email protected] Past President Michael Lott, Fredricksburg Louise Menges Joe Coleman, Round Hill Laura Neale, Fairfield Vice President [email protected] Terms expire 2018 Regional Editors Lenny Bankester, Alexandria Patti Reum, Bluegrass Matt Anthony Secretary Russell Taylor, Vienna Fred Atwood Christine Stinson, Ferrum Dave Youker, Yorktown Terms expire 2019 Nick Flanders Treasurer Mary Ann Good Terri Cuthriell, Smithfield Lesley Bulluck, Bon Air Clyde Kessler Raven Editor Dan Bieker, North Garden Michael Lott Andrew Dolby, Fredericksburg Bill Williams, Williamsburg Janet Paisley Newsletter Editor Andrew Rapp C. Michael Stinson Len Alfredson, Arlington Bill Williams Membership Secretary Shirley Devan, Williamsburg Submissions Send reports and photographs to the Regional Editors. Photographs should be the highest electronic quality possible. Send with release form, which can be found on the VSO web site: www.virginiabirds.net. Articles for consideration can be sent to [email protected]. Season Reports due to Regional Editors Fall (Aug–Nov) 15 Dec Winter (Dec–Feb) 15 Mar Spring (Mar–May) 15 Jun Summer ( Jun–Jul) 15 Aug Terms and Abbreviations Species name in bold first time mentioned (VARCOM Review Birds BOLD CAPS); county names are in italics. Abbreviations ad. (ads.) adult(s) BBS Breeding Bird Survey CBC Christmas Bird Count Cr. Creek et al. and others f. female fide vouched by FOS First of Season Ft. Fort Gold Book Virginia’s Birdlife, An Annotated Checklist. Virginia Avifauna No. 7, Fourth Edition, 2007. Hwy. Highway Is. Island(s), Isle(s) imm. (imms.) immature(s) junc. junction juv. (juvs.) juvenile(s) L. Lake Ln. Lane MAPS Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship m. male m. obs. many/multiple observers Mt. Mountain, Mount NAP Natural Area Preserve NP National Park NWR National Wildlife Refuge ph. photographed by (initials) Pk. Park Pt. Point R. River Rd. Road Res. Reservoir RP Regional Park Rte. Route SF State Forest SP State Park VARCOM Virginia Avian Records Committee VDGIF Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries v. r. voice recording VSO Virginia Society of Ornithology WMA Wildlife Management Area * specimen collected

On the cover: Virginia’s first Prairie Falcon photographed by Walt Barrows in Alexandria 26 Mar 2017

Virginia Birds is printed on recycled paper by PIP, Lynchburg. Published August 2017 Regional Reports

North Editors: Michael Lott Mary Ann Good 1729 Jefferson Davis Hwy. 18280 Lincoln Rd. P.O. Box 339 Purcellville, VA 20132 Stafford, VA 22554 [email protected] [email protected] Arlington, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford counties; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park

Temperatures got off to an average start this spring before occasionally linger into May and early June. A Greater a dramatic warm-up in April, with temperatures at both Scaup, a rare transient in the Piedmont, was seen at Belvoir Dulles Int. and Reagan Nat. Airports averaging 6° above Pond, Fauquier 6 & 30 Mar (GS, KK), and 2 were at L. normal for the month. May saw temperatures return to Brittle, Fauquier 2 Apr (GS). A Lesser Scaup seen at Dyke near normal. Rainfall was slightly below normal through Marsh 21 May (GHa) was a month past its Coastal Plain March and April; however, precipitation in May was above late date of 20 Apr, where the species is a rare summer visitor. average across the Region. The highlights this season were A Surf Scoter was observed at Aquia Landing Pk., Stafford a Prairie Falcon that spent 3 weeks at the Alexandria 7 May (SK). This species is uncommon to rare this far up the Power Plant, the Northern Shrike that continued for over Potomac, and even near the coast its late date is 15 Apr. A 6 months at Sully Woodlands, Fairfax, and a European Ruddy Duck was observed well past its Piedmont late date Goldfinch (a possible escape). of 30 Apr at the National Parks Association lake, Loudoun 29 May (BHi); the Gold Book does mention several Abbreviations: C.M. Crockett Pk. (C.M. Crockett Pk., records into late May. The few remaining encounters with Fauquier); Dyke Marsh (Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Northern Bobwhite, formerly a permanent resident in the Fairfax); Huntley Meadows (Huntley Meadows Pk., Fairfax); Region, included just one report: on residential property in L. Fairfax (L. Fairfax, Fairfax); Leesylvania (Leesylvania SP, nw Culpeper 23 Apr (CH). An early Yellow-billed Cuckoo Prince William); Monticello Pk. (Monticello Pk., Alexandria); was reported in Sully Woodlands, Fairfax 16 Apr (ES), well Occoquan Bay (Occoquan Bay NWR, Prince William) before the 30 Apr extreme early date for the Piedmont. A Chuck-will’s-widow, a rare transient in the n. Piedmont, WATERFOWL–HERONS was heard at a residence in Sumerduck, Fauquier 12 Apr A Gadwall was observed at Stonegate Scenic Easement, and unspecified day(s) before (KK). An Eastern Whip- Alexandria 18 May (APr), where it lingered through 31 poor-will, declining throughout the Region, was heard May, well past the inland 20 Apr late date; the species is a at Huntley Meadows 11 Apr (KO). The pair of Sandhill rare summer visitor in the Region. A m. Eurasian Wigeon Cranes that spent most of the winter quarter at Algonkian was observed at Clifton Farm, Fauquier 7 Mar (ph. BHa, Nature Preserve, Loudoun, with the latest winter report PS, GW). Arriving early was a pair of Blue-winged Teal noted as 20 Feb, was spotted again 4 Mar (Voice). Pairs were at Dyke Marsh 2 Mar (PWB) (Coastal Plain early date is also reported from Arkendale, Fairfax 18 Mar (AB) and 15 Mar). A Northern Shoveler made a surprise appearance Aquia Landing Pk., Stafford 7 May (SK). A Black-bellied at Dyke Marsh 21 May (GHa), well past the Coastal Plain Plover, a fairly rare transient inland in the Coastal Plain, was 30 Apr late date; the species is a rare summer visitor even seen at Dyke Marsh 15 May (EE). Reports of Whimbrels, on the coast. A pair of Ring-necked Ducks was observed rare w. of the Chesapeake Bay, included a single at Belle at L. Thoreau, Fairfax 16 May (GGe), possibly lingering Haven Pk., Fairfax 22 May (RR) and one at Woodward through 24 May, well outside the Piedmont late date of 15 Turf Farm, Fauquier 26 May (GS), with 10 seen there later Apr, although according to the Gold Book, small numbers in the day (TD). An early Spotted Sandpiper was seen at

4 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 L. Fairfax 3–5 Apr ( JM), with 2 seen 4 Apr; the Piedmont May (BC). Single Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, also rare early date is 15 Apr. A rare sighting this far inland was a in the Region, were reported at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield RP, Willet observed at Huntley Meadows 24 Apr (HG). An Loudoun 14 May (KG, DL); Thompson WMA, Fauquier early Lesser Yellowlegs was reported at L. Fairfax 10 Mar 18 May (BHe); a private residence on Yellow Schoolhouse (QE); the Piedmont early date is 10 Apr. A Laughing Gull, Rd., Loudoun 21 May ( JC); and Monticello Pk. 29–30 May a fairly rare transient in the Piedmont, was seen on Pierpoint (KG). Single Alder Flycatchers, rare spring transients in the Ln., Fauquier 26 Mar (LM). Three Forster’s Terns reported Region, were found at Laurel Hill Pk., Fairfax 14 & 23 May at Pohick Bay RP, Fairfax 15 Mar (FA) were considerably (EM); Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, earlier than their Coastal Plain 5 Apr extreme early date, Loudoun 16 May ( JD); Leesylvania 17 May (RV); Occoquan while 7 made a fairly rare Piedmont appearance (appearing Bay 20–21 May (GB, LF); and Huntley Meadows 21 May mainly at larger lakes) at C.M. Crockett Pk. 5 May (KK). (KG). Reports of Least Flycatchers, rare transients in the A late Common Loon was seen at the Airlie Conference Piedmont, included an early arrival at Eakin Community Center, Fauquier 24 May (PS, GW) (the Piedmont late Pk., Fairfax 14 Apr (LW) (the Piedmont early date is 25 date is 15 May). Reports of American Bitterns, a fairly Apr) and a single at Riverbend Pk., Fairfax 28 May (DSc); rare transient in the Piedmont, continued on the uptick, both were heard as well as seen. Least Flycatchers are a fairly including singles at Dulles Greenway Wetlands Mitigation rare transient in the nw. portion of the Coastal Plain; reports Project, Loudoun 2–29 Apr (MG, JY); Bles Pk., Loudoun 22 included singles at Mason Neck SP, Fairfax 20 May (DSo) Apr–5 May (GHo); Broadlands Wetlands Nature Preserve, and Dyke Marsh 21 May (GHa). The NORTHERN SHRIKE Loudoun 27 Apr ( JC); and the Rt. 17 overpass pond on the first observed 27 Oct 2016 continued at Sully Woodlands, n. edge of Warrenton, Fauquier 5 May (GS); and in the Fairfax through at least 29 Apr. There were scattered reports Mountains and Valleys, a single at Graves Mill, Madison of Philadelphia Vireos, rare spring transients in the Region, 25 May (CL). The overwintering Green Heron at Ben including singles at Accotink Stream Valley Pk., Fairfax 7 Brenman Pk., Alexandria was observed throughout March May (SE); L. Fairfax 7 May (FE); Leesylvania 13–14 May (m. obs.). Both a Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned (MR); and Huntley Meadows 16 May (KG). A large flock Night-Heron spent some time at a small lake at Anchorway of 67 Tree Swallows made an early appearance at C.M. Ct., Falls Church, Fairfax before and perhaps after 4 May Crockett Pk. 11 Mar (KK) (the Piedmont early date is 20 (SM); both are rare transients in the Piedmont. Mar). A Sedge Wren, a rare transient in the Region, was reported from Huntley Meadows 26 Apr (RR). Two Veeries RAPTORS–WARBLERS were reported from Gulf Branch Nat. Area, Arlington 5 Apr Mississippi Kites were reported returning to many of their (SG); the Regional early date is 25 Apr. An early Wood habitual regional haunts in May, continuing the trend of Thrush was singing at Occoquan Bay 30 Mar (RV); the recent years. A Merlin, a rare transient in the Piedmont, Coastal Plain early date is 20 Apr. A singing EUROPEAN gave prolonged views in Luria Pk., Fairfax 2 Mar (BF). GOLDFINCH, possibly an escape since no plumage wear Another Merlin at Daingerfield Is., Alexandria 26 Mar was evident, was first seen at Leesylvania 11 Mar (MR, ph.), (ph. DC) was likely the one at the Alexandria Power Plant, Alexandria 1 (APe) & 9 Apr (AB, BY). Three Peregrine Falcons, also a rare transient in the Piedmont, were perched together on an office building in the Skyline Complex in Bailey’s Crossroads, Fairfax (which has become a habitual hangout) 23 Mar ( JA). A PRAIRIE FALCON, the first documented in Virginia, and a bird not common even in its western range, was observed at the Alexandria Power Plant, Alexandria 25 Mar (GGo fide WM) and seen by m. obs. through 16 Apr. Single Olive-sided Flycatchers, rare transients in the Region, especially in spring, were observed at Monticello Pk. 14 & 16 May (BHo); Crest Hill Rd., Fauquier 14 May (AD, JG, BHa); near Rapidan WMA, Dixie Sommers’ 12 Mar photo of the Leesylvania State Madison 14 May (DSt); and Sky Meadows, Fauquier 21 Park European Goldfinch

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 5 where it lingered through 16 Mar. Two Lapland Longspurs Grackles, said by the Gold Book to be “locally common on were seen at the Meadowood Equestrian Facility, Fairfax the Chesapeake Bay, normally [but possibly increasingly] 15–16 Mar (LC, ph.). Single Prothonotary Warblers, straying only a short distance up tidal rivers,” were reported which become rare in the w. part of the Region, were reported at Huntley Meadows 28 May ( JW). An Orchard Oriole along the Stafford Connector Tr.,Fauquier 12 May (GS) seen 19 Mar at a residence in Falls Church, Fairfax (RB) and Crest Hill Rd., Fauquier 21 May (BHa). A Tennessee preceded even the extreme early date for the Piedmont of Warbler, a fairly rare spring transient in the Coastal Plain, 25 Mar. An early Baltimore Oriole was seen 1 Apr at the was seen at Leesylvania 14 May (MR). The overwintering Alexandria Power Plant, Alexandria (EP, APo), well before Orange-crowned Warbler at Occoquan Bay was seen the species’ 20 Apr Coastal Plain early date. again 3–4 Mar (BHo), rare in the Region at any time. A very early Common Yellowthroat was observed at Hunting Contributors: Janet Anderson, Fred Atwood, P.W. Boyd, Creek Br., Fairfax 12 Mar (KG), considerably before its 10 Ashley Bradford, Robert Brosnan, Greg Butcher, Larry Apr Coastal Plain early date. Two Palm Warblers seen 27 Cartwright, Joe Coleman, Bruce Crossan, David Czaplak, Mar at Huntley Meadows (RR) and a single 28 Mar at Flint Todd Day, Justin Dinen, Art Drauglis, Steve Eccles, Edward Hill, Fairfax (FA) were two weeks earlier than the 10 Apr Eder, Quinn Emmering, Fai Eva, Beth Fedorko, Linda and 15 Apr early dates for the Coastal Plain and Piedmont, Fuller, Kurt Gaskill, Glen Gerada (GGe), Harry Glasgow, respectively. There were also reports of Palm Warblers past Mary Ann Good, Susan Gorsky, Greg Gough (GGo), the 5 May late date: Curling Cr. Farm, Culpeper 13 & 15 Joseph Guthrie, Bert Harris (BHa), Gerry Hawkins (GHa), May (CH) and Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Loudoun Caroline Heald, Jonathan Heller, Bryan Henson (BHe), 13 May ( JC). Two Yellow-rumped Warblers seen at the Bruce Hill (BHi), Bill Hohenstein (BHo), Gerco Hoogeweg Big Meadows campground of Shenandoah NP, Madison 29 (GHo), Eric Kershner, Sally Knight, Kelly Krechmer, May were well past the Mountains and Valleys late date of Carson Lambert, David Ledwith, Jim McConnell, Will 15 May ( JH); this species is a rare summer resident here. McPhail, Stuart Merrell, Linda Millington, Elton Morel, Reports of Yellow-throated Warblers, a rare transient in Kiel Okal, Ashley Peele (APe), Anthony Popiel (APo), Eric the n. Piedmont, included singles at C.M. Crockett Pk. Pourchot, Alexa Price (APr), Marc Ribaudo, Richard Rieger, 26 Apr (KK); Phelps WMA, Fauquier 29 Apr (GS); and Paul Salaman, Deborah Schram (DSc), Eric Sibbald, Greg Thompson WMA, Fauquier 20 May (SY). A Wilson’s Slader, Dixie Sommers (DSo), Debi Stubbs (DSt), Ron Warbler, a fairly rare transient in the Coastal Plain, was seen Vogel, Voice of the Naturalist (Voice), Joy Walker, George at Leesylvania 13 May (MR); 2 were there 14 May. Another Wallace, Louis Warren, Jane Yocom, Bill Young, Scott Young was at Monticello Pk. 16 May (BY). SPARROWS–BLACKBIRDS A late American Tree Sparrow was seen at Huntley Meadows 3 Apr (HG); the Coastal Plain extreme late date is 20 Mar. A Lincoln’s Sparrow, a fairly rare spring transient in the Region, was seen at Occoquan Bay 4 & 6 Mar (m. obs.), very likely the same individual that overwintered there; it was seen at its habitual spot several times in April, and banded 29 Apr. Additional Lincoln’s Sparrows were reported at White’s Mill Trail, Fauquier 11 Apr (KK); L. Royal, Fairfax 30 Apr (SE); and Huntley Meadows 30 Apr (EK). Reports of Dickcissels, still a fairly rare but increasing transient in the Piedmont, included one at Grassdale Rd., Fauquier 26 May (Voice) and 2 at Nokesville, Prince William 28 May (KG). Flocks of 100– 200 Rusty Blackbirds, which have been declining in the Region in recent years, were seen at Huntley Meadows on several dates in March and April (HG). Three Boat-tailed

6 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 Editor: Clyde Kessler West P.O. Box 3612 Radford, VA 24141 [email protected] Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Clarke, Craig, Frederick, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties; the cities/towns of Buena Vista, Clifton Forge, Covington, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester

March began much warmer than average, but the strong 17 Mar (AL). Five Long-tailed Ducks were at L. Frederick, cold snap mid-month hindered and even killed individuals Frederick 21 Mar (BL, JL). Thirteen Common Mergansers of some species that use nest boxes. Several Tree Swallows, were near Arcadia, Botetourt 21 Apr ( JP). Twelve Red- for instance, were found dead in nest boxes in the New River breasted Mergansers were at Carvins Cove, Botetourt 10 Valley (CH). Much of April was quite dry, and then very wet Mar (BK). An ad. Northern Bobwhite was seen with 5 extending into May. chicks in Bath 27 May ( JP). Other than this observation, there were in the Region only scattered reports of single On a personal note, I spent the spring season recovering birds heard and /or seen. Twelve Horned Grebes were at from knee surgery, and bird watched mainly at or near Carvins Cove, Botetourt 21 Mar and 9 there 26 Mar (TG). home or during short-distance jaunts. I experienced the A Red-necked Grebe was observed and photographed at spring migration more from email and eBird reports, and L. Frederick, Frederick 26 Apr (m. obs.). Three Common was delighted to read over these. Because of this recovery Nighthawks were found at Broadway Community Pk., situation, I am all the more thankful to the birdwatchers who Rockingham 30 Apr and 19 May (GMo), 3 at L. Frederick, shared their findings this season. Frederick 9 May (DB), 13 on Warbler Rd., Botetourt 9 May (CC, BS), 4 at Pandapas Pond, Montgomery 16 May (PL), Abbreviations: RCSTP (Roanoke City Sewage Treatment and 3 near Bergton, Rockingham 20 May (GMo). Three Plant, Roanoke) Chuck-wills-widows were heard at Big Levels, Augusta 15 Apr (TB), one near Union Springs Dam, Rockingham WATERFOWL–SHOREBIRDS 21 Apr (KS), 4 near Stuarts Draft, Augusta 29 Apr (PW), Two Snow Geese were observed in Rockingham 2–12 Mar one near Catawba, Roanoke 1 May, and one in Blacksburg, (m. obs.), and one was in Staunton 7 Mar (DH). A Ross’s Montgomery 16 May (TDv). Twenty-eight Eastern Whip- Goose was seen in Staunton 4 (AL, SG) & 6 Mar (AL, poor-wills were found at Big Levels, Augusta 15 Apr (TB), PW). Two Mute Swans were at L. Campbell, Rockingham 22 near Stuarts Draft, Augusta 29 Apr (PW), 16 near Buffalo 3–18 Mar (m. obs.), 2 in Augusta 18 Mar (DL), 2 in Gap, Augusta 29 Apr ( JL, VL), and 9 at Union Springs, Botetourt 9 Apr (BE), and 3 in Rockingham 12 Apr (DH). Rockingham 2 May (KR, MR). Two Virginia Rails were Thirty-four Tundra Swans were found in Frederick 6 Mar flushed from a cattail marsh in Blacksburg,Montgomery (BL, JL), 252 at L. Frederick, Frederick 12 Mar (DB, DG), 30 Apr (RM), one in Roanoke 5 May ( JM), and one was and 15 in Warren 12 Mar ( JF). Forty-five Blue-winged heard at Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 6 May Teal were found at RCSTP 7 Apr (PL). Twenty-five (DL, GMo). A Sora was at Nazarene Church Wetlands, Northern Shovelers were found in Rockingham 7 Mar Rockingham 5–28 May (m. obs.), and one at Greenfield (DH), 30 in Timberville, Rockingham 12 Mar (GMo), 12 L., Botetourt 13 May (CG, TG). A Sandhill Crane was at Fairlawn, Pulaski 18 Mar (PL), and 20 at L. Frederick, found in Rockingham 6 (KR) & 13 May (DL), and one Frederick 27 Mar (DB). Twenty Green-winged Teal were was seen along the Maury R., Rockbridge 19 May ( JP). Two seen in Swoope, Augusta 26 Mar (VL, GM). Twenty-three Semipalmated Plovers were observed in Shenandoah 19 Ring-necked Ducks were found at L. Arrowhead, Page 19 May (KA), 2 near Dublin, Pulaski 19–23 May (MB, SB), and Mar ( JF), and 25 at Willow L., Rockbridge 22 Mar (DH). 3 at RCSTP 25 May (TB). A Dunlin was at the RCSTP 22 Twenty-one Greater Scaup were found in Swoope, Augusta Apr (KD), one at Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 7 22 Apr (WL), and 5 in Shenandoah 14 May ( JF). Five Least Pulaski 2 Apr (CK), 19 in Clarke 9 Apr (CW), 22 in Warren Sandpipers were seen in Rockingham 30 Apr (DL), and 5 11 Apr (DB), a new local peak count of 187 in Radford 23 in Shenandoah 19 May (KA). A White-rumped Sandpiper Apr (CK), 165 at Claytor L., Pulaski 25 Apr (PL), and was found in Clarke 4–5 & 8 May (DB, JF, KKr), 3 near Mt. 58 flying north across Blacksburg, Montgomery 30 Apr Crawford, Rockingham 10 May (MA, DC), one there 22 (RM). An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was observed May (EC), and one at the RCSTP 25–26 May (TB, KD, and photographed at L. Frederick, Frederick 10–11 Apr (m. BE). Two Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the RCSTP obs.). An American Bittern was at Greenfield L., Botetourt 3 Apr (TB), 3 in Rockingham 22 Apr (WL), and 4 there 23 13 Apr ( JE). Video from a trail cam showed one at this lake Apr (ET). Eight Semipalmated Sandpipers were tallied 19 Apr (fide MD). One was flushed from a cattail marsh at the RCSTP 26 May (KD). A Short-billed Dowitcher in Blacksburg, Montgomery 22 Apr (RM). Other sightings was seen near Linville, Rockingham 10 Apr (DL), one at included one at Hematite, Alleghany 2 May ( JH) and one at the Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 11 & 16–17 Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 20 May (DH, DL, Apr (DL, GMo), and 5 at the Bath County Pump Storage WL). Great Egret reports included 2 at Nazarene Church Station 10 May (MA et al.). These 5 were present with Wetlands, Rockingham 27 Mar (GMo), 2 in Blacksburg, another 55 individuals which were likely this species. A Montgomery 1 Apr (m. obs.), one at Abrams Cr. Wetland LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was found at the Nazarene Preserve, Frederick 1 Apr ( JA et al), one in Augusta 4 Apr Church Wetlands, Rockingham 14–21 Apr (m. obs.). Eight (GM), one in Clarke 10 Apr (BL, JL), and 2 at Parrott, WILLETS were observed and photographed near Dublin, Pulaski 29 Apr (GR). A CATTLE EGRET was photographed Pulaski 3 May (MB, SB), a new peak count for that county. at RCSTP 14 Apr (PL), and one was seen at Willow L., A WILSON’S PHALAROPE was observed in Rockingham Rockbridge 25 Apr (PC et al.). A Black-crowned Night- 7–8 May (WL, GMo) and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Heron was observed at Greenfield L.,Botetourt 4 Mar was seen at the RCSTP 22 May (WT). (MA, TD). Elsewhere, there was one in Waynesboro 12 (VL) & 18 Mar (DCh, ES, TS), 3 in Dayton, Rockingham GULLS–FALCONS 6 Apr ( JW), and 8 at Luray Hawksbill Greenway, Page 20 Seventeen Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed at L. Frederick, Apr ( JF). Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were on nests at Frederick 3 Apr (DB). Three LAUGHING GULLS were Tinker Cr., Roanoke 2 Apr (BE), at Smith Pk., Roanoke photographed at Claytor L., Pulaski 25 Apr (PL). Two 11 Apr (KD, PL), and in Salem 21 May (KD). Two f. and Caspian Terns were at Claytor L., Pulaski 2–3 Apr (SK), one m. Northern Harriers were seen and photographed in one at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 15 Apr (CT), 2 at Silver Elkton, Rockingham 17 Mar (SC). The Long-eared Owl L., Rockingham 22 Apr (WL, GMo), one near Switzer L., that wintered at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke was Rockingham 22 Apr (DL), and one photographed at Claytor last observed 4 Apr (DCa). Single Northern Saw-whet L., Pulaski 7 May (PL). A Black Tern was photographed Owls were found in Augusta 4 (RB, JS) & 19 Mar (GM), at at Willow L., Rockbridge 6 May (KK), and one was seen Braley Pond, Augusta 20 May ( JS), and in Botetourt 16 May at Claytor L., Pulaski 13 May (RK, PL, JSm). A Common (AE). A Merlin was observed at Carvins Cove, Botetourt Tern was photographed at Claytor L., Pulaski 7 May (PL). 8 Mar (TG), one at Luray Caverns Airport, Page 19 Mar A Forster’s Tern was photographed at Ripplemead, Giles ( JF), and one in Shenandoah 21 Mar (BD). A Peregrine 15 Apr (PL), one seen at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham Falcon was seen at Swoope, Augusta 29 Apr ( JL, VL), and 2 15 Apr (m. obs.), one at L. Frederick, Frederick 12 May in Shenandoah NP, Page 14 May (BS). (DCa), and 5 at Claytor L., Pulaski 13 May (RK, PL, JSm). Fourteen Common Loons were seen and photographed at FLYCATCHERS–DICKCISSEL L. Frederick, Frederick 22 Apr (DB, DG), 70 at Claytor L., An Olive-sided Flycatcher was at Cool Spring Battlefield, Pulaski 24 Apr (DP), with 76 there 25 Apr (PL), and 28 Clarke 15 May (BL, JL). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher were at Carvins Cove, Botetourt 25 Apr (BK). A WOOD was observed in Rockingham 11 May (MG), and one was STORK was seen and photographed at Fishersville, Augusta photographed at Hillandale Pk., Harrisonburg 15 May (DL, 26–27 May (CJ et al.), a first spring county record. It may GMo). A Loggerhead Shrike was photographed in Giles 6 have had an injured leg. One was also seen in Rockingham Mar (MA, TD), 2 observed in Pulaski 22 Mar (MB, SB), one 28 May (ALu). One hundred twelve Double-crested in Radford, a first record within the city, 27 Mar (CK), one in Cormorants were in Radford 31 Mar (CK), 41 in Fairlawn, Clarke 2 Apr (RK, PL), and one near Buffalo Gap, Augusta

8 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 4 May (m. obs.). Twenty-one Warbling Vireos were tallied Apr (DH), one near Dublin, Pulaski 2 (MB, SB) & 27 May at Cool Spring Battlefield, Clarke 28 Apr (BL, JL). Fifteen (AK, CK), 3 in Giles 17 May (BO), and one in Augusta 26– Horned Larks were observed in Frederick 29 Mar (DB) 27 May (DL, GMo). and 18 Bank Swallows were seen in Roanoke 7 Apr (KC). Two Marsh Wrens were seen in Blacksburg, Montgomery Contributors: John Amoroso, Kirk Andrews, Matt Anthony, 22 Apr (RM). One hundred sixty American Pipits were Tom Baxter, Sara Bell (SBl), Mary Ann Bentley, Stan found in Augusta 10 Mar (VL), 100 in Rockingham 10 Apr Bentley, Rob Bielawski, Dave Boltz, Paul Cabe, David Carr (DL), and 50 at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 13 Apr (DCa), Elaine Carwile, Drew Cheney (DCh), Katherine foraging in an area where a controlled burn was done the day Clemo, Caroline Coe, Sarah Alice Coleman, Dan Cristol, before (DC). Twenty Purple Finches were near Newport, Bill Dalke, David Davis, Kent Davis, Tom Davis (TDv), Giles 30 Mar (MS), 15 in Woodstock, Shenandoah 6 Apr Todd Day, Mike Donahue, Jim Elder, Andrew Elgin, Bob (ET), and 32 at Whitethorne, Montgomery 14 Apr (RM). Epperson, William Foster, James Fox, Jane Gantt, Matthew Red Crossbills were observed at Briery Branch Gap area Gingerich, Doug Graham, Carly Gray, Thomas Gray, Sarah of Rockingham on several occasions with a peak of 39 on 5 Gustafson, James Hancock, Carl Hansen, Andrew Hawkins, Mar (RB, JS). Others noted were: one in Poverty Hollow, Diane Holsinger, Calvin Jordan, Robin Jordan, Stephanie Montgomery 19 Mar (RM); 3 seen eating flower buds of Kelley, Alan Kessler, Clyde Kessler, Kieran Kilday, Barry red maple on Little Walker Mt., Pulaski 27 Mar (MB, SB); Kinzie, Richard Korpi, Kelly Krechmer (KKr), Allen Larner, and, 9 in Augusta 20 May (WF). A Pine Siskin was found in Joshua Laubach, Victor Laubach, Phil Lehman, William Shenandoah 3 Apr (DD), and one at Monterey, Highland 14 Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, BJ Little, Jon Little, Anthony Apr (CO). A Prothonotary Warbler was found in Clarke Lubrani, Don Mackler, Gabriel Mapel, Ryan Mays, James 23 Apr (LM), and one at Solitude Swamp, Botetourt 8 May McMahon, Linda Millington, Greg Moyers (GMo), Clark ( JG). Two American Tree Sparrows were found at Blandy Olsen, Bill Opengari, John Pancake, Ken Ranck, Mildred Experimental Farm, Clarke 9 (AH) & 29 Mar (KD, BE). Ranck, Garrett Rhyne, Richard Rowe, Betsy Saunders, Twenty-six Savannah Sparrows were tallied at Swoope, Michael Schultz, Kevin Shank, Jennifer Smith ( JSm), Augusta 26 Mar (VL, GM). Twelve Fox Sparrows were Ezra Stengl, Theo Stengl, Bodo Stern, Jason Strickland, found at Woodpecker Ridge, Botetourt 2 Mar (BK), 9 in Cory Taylor, Wes Teets, Ed Trelawny, Penny Warren, Chris Rockingham 12 Mar (RK), and 23 in Monterey, Highland White, Jessy Wilson 15 Mar (SBl). A Dickcissel was found in Shenandoah 18

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 9 Southwest Editor: Bill Williams 154 Lakewood Drive Williamsburg, VA 23185 [email protected] Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties; the cities/towns of Abingdon, Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Tazewell

WATERFOWL–SHOREBIRDS Smyth 15 May (ph. GR), and 2 were at Tilson Farmstead, Five Cackling Geese were at Foster Falls, New River Smyth 20 May (LC, BE, BK, AP). The 50 Tree Swallows Trail SP, Wythe 15 Apr (MA, EC). A Northern Pintail at Falls Mills, Tazewell 10 Mar ( JP) were a sure sign of the was at Rural Retreat L., Wythe 4 Mar (MA, TD). The peak season. Cliff Swallows were noted at several sites including reported Ring-necked Duck count was 29 at Falls Mills, 7 at Prices Bridge, Washington 29 Apr (SH), one at Lake Tazewell 10 Mar ( JP). Common Merganser reports of note Ridge RV Pk., Carroll 16 May (PDB), and one at Natural included a pair in West Grundy, Buchanan 2 Apr (ph. DO) Tunnel SP, Scott 26 May (GB). The paucity of irruptive and 4 near Marion, Smyth 14 Apr (TH). Four Northern finches during the winter season carried over into spring. Bobwhite were noted at Poplar Gap Pk., Buchanan 27 The highest reported Purple Finch count was 7 at two May (DO) and 5 Ruffed Grouse were detected at Burke’s separate locations and dates: Richlands, Tazewell 31 Mar Garden, Beartown Wilderness, Tazewell 16 Apr (DS). A (CD) and Rugby, Grayson 9 Apr (CS); one was at Hidden Eurasian Collared-Dove was near Hicksville, Bland 6 Mar Valley WMA, Washington 31 May (CD). There were (ph. MA, TD). Common Nighthawk reports revealed 2 at 2 Pine Siskins at Ivanhoe, Wythe 6 Apr (PE) and one at Hungry Mother SP, Smyth 10 May (LJ); one near Rugby, Homestead Rd./FairwoodValley, Grayson 7 May (AB). Grayson 16 May (CS); and one at Hungry Mother SP Four Swainson’s Warblers were reported, all on 28 May: 3 18 May (KK). A Chuck-will’s-widow at the Wilderness at Breaks Interstate Pk., Dickenson (ph. MA, EC) and one Rd. Campground Entrance of Cumberland Gap National at Flag Rock Recreation Area, Norton (MA, EC). Eight Historical Park, Lee 29 May (MA) was a first eBird record Kentucky Warblers were recorded in Buchanan 7 May, 4 of the species for that county. The Region’s first reported on Compton Mt. and 4 on Horn Mt. (RL). A “conservative Eastern Whip-poor-will was at Lindamood, Carroll 13 count” of 37 Grasshopper Sparrows was registered at Apr (BL); 3 were on Compton Mt., Buchanan 10 May Poplar Gap Pk., Buchanan 27 May (ph. DO). Dickcissels (CD). There were 51 American Coots at Falls Mills, were widely distributed across the entire state throughout Tazewell 10 Mar ( JP). Eight American Woodcocks were the spring. High counts for this Region included 8 (5 m. and on display at Southern Gap Business Pk., Buchanan 5 Mar 3 f., one carrying nest material) at Poplar Gap Pk., Buchanan (MA, TD). One of 3 Solitary Sandpipers at The Cove, 27 May (ph. DO), 2 near the junc. of Old Mulberry Rd. and Tazewell 21 Apr (CD) remained to 30 May (ph. CD). Curt Russell Rd., Lee 28 May (ph. MA, EC), and 6 at The Cove, Tazewell 30 May (ph. CD) OWLS–DICKCISSEL Two Eastern Screech-Owls reported from Marion, Smyth Contributors: Matt Anthony, Gary Bailey, Patricia Dover- 22 Apr had been “seen…in a Wood Duck box for weeks” Bedwell, Allen Boynton, Erin Chapman, Linda Cory, Todd (TH). A Merlin was at The Cove, Tazewell 17 Apr (ph. Day, Clancey Deel, Patty Elton, Bob Epperson, Tanya Hall, CD). A total of 6 Loggerhead Shrikes were accounted for Steve Hopp, Laura Jenkins, Betty Kelly, Kelly Krechmer, on 5 Mar (MA, TD), 5 in Russell (2 off Green Valley Rd. in Roger Lemaster, Brooks Lindamood, Daryl Owens, Lebanon and 3 at Elk Garden) and one off Old Jonesboro Antionette Pepin, Jim Phillips, Garrett Rhyne, David Rd. near Spring Cr. Church, Washington. Elsewhere, 2 were Schlabach, Cathy Spencer found in Bland 6 Mar (ph. MA, TD), one was at Satworks Farm, Washington 15 Apr (SH), one was at Valley Rd.,

10 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 Editor: C. Michael Stinson South 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA 23936 Central [email protected] Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward counties; the cities/towns of Colonial Heights, Danville, Emporia, Martinsville, Petersburg, and South Boston

This was a rather quiet spring in the Region. Gulls attracted and relocated there 26 Mar (m. obs.) provided a remarkable to ponds near a shopping center in Colonial Heights record, apparently a Regional first. A Laughing Gull above provided many of the noteworthy records, highlighted by the dam at Kerr Res., Mecklenburg 26 Apr was a surprise that a Black-headed Gull in late March. Despite a reasonable far inland (ph. CMS); elsewhere the species was reported only amount of birder activity, reports of migrant thrushes and in Colonial Heights, where expected, on multiple dates (m. several warbler species were minimal to lacking, with most obs.). An Iceland Gull, apparently lingering from the winter, or all reports of several species coming from breeding areas was also photographed at Colonial Heights 19 Mar (m. obs.) in the Region. but not subsequently seen. A single Lesser Black-backed Gull remained at Colonial Heights until 27 Mar (MA) after SURF SCOTER– several wintered in the area; the only other Regional report BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was of a single bird on the dam at L. Chesdin, Dinwiddie A Surf Scoter at Wilcks L. in Farmville, Prince Edward, 13 Apr (TS, ph. ES). A single first-cycle Glaucous Gull, 15 Mar (ph. WR, ph. CMS) provided the only Regional also thought to be lingering from the prior winter, was at report of any scoter. A Dunlin on the shore just above the Colonial Heights until 12 Mar (ph. PK). One or 2 Great dam at Kerr Res., Mecklenburg 27 Apr (DS, ph. ES) was an Black-backed Gulls were seen on several dates at Colonial unexpected shorebird highlight. A Black-headed Gull found Heights, with the latest 29 Apr (EO, BO), but the species with many other gulls at Colonial Heights 23 Mar (ph. AD) was not reported elsewhere in the Region. The injured Red- throated Loon reported in winter at Kerr Res. remained until at least 2 Apr (AD, PG). A Least Bittern heard 27 Apr at Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg was the only report (AD, PG, CW). A Snowy Egret at Briery Creek WMA 20 Apr was the second record for Prince Edward (ph. CMS; m.

Adam D’Onofrio’s 23 Mar photo of a Black-headed Gull Snowy Egret photographed by C. Michael Stinson at in Colonial Heights Briery Creek Lake 20 April

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 11 obs.) and the only Regional report; the same (or another?) our north. Gray-cheeked Thrushes are seldom reported Snowy Egret was at that location 2 May (ph. WR). A single in the Region despite presumably being regular migrants; imm. Black-crowned Night-Heron 23 Apr at Wilck’s L., the only one documented this season was an individual Prince Edward (ph. WR) was the only report. photographed 16 May just off Lipscomb Forest Rd., Prince Edward (ph. CMS). Bobolinks were reported from several LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE–WILSON’S WARBLER locations in late Apr and early May, with a maximum count Loggerhead Shrikes were present all season and bred of 120 on private land in w. Prince Edward 3 May (ph. successfully on a farm in central Lunenburg (ph. TS) where CMS). Single Blue-winged Warblers found 22 Apr at they had been seen during the past winter; a single bird also Banister R. WMA (PG) and 26 Apr at Wilcks Lk., Prince lingered until at least 19 Mar at a wintering site along VA Edward (ES, CMS) were the only reports, and a single Rte. 45 in Cumberland (ph. MA, m. obs.) Bank Swallows Wilson’s Warbler at Wilcks Lk. 8 May (ph. ES, CMS) was are infrequently reported as migrants in the Region, so the only report of that species. Several other warblers went a group of 8 at Briery Creek WMA, Prince Edward 13 unreported this season away from known breeding areas. May was of interest (ph. ES, CMS). Also at Briery Creek, a Black-capped Chickadee was photographed 17 Mar Contributors: Matt Anthony, Adam D’Onofrio, Paul to establish a first county record (ph. CMS); this was the Glass, Phil Kenny, Beth Oristian, Ellison Orcutt, Warren only report of the species for our Region, though a seasonal Rofe, Ty Smith, David Spears, Evan Spears, C. Michael irruption brought several individuals into the Regions to Stinson, Clyde Wilson

Central Editors: Andrew Rapp Janet Paisley 3689 Red Fox Lane 1435 Gentry Lane Keswick, VA 22947 Charlottesville, VA 22903 [email protected] [email protected]

Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania counties; the cities of Bedford, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg

The pattern of higher than average temperatures continued Abbreviations: ICNA (Ivy Creek Natural Area, Albemarle); for the spring period in central Virginia, and May was RMNA (Ragged Mountain Natural Area, Albemarle); RVT especially rainy. During March, the average monthly (Rockfish Valley Trail, Nelson) temperature of 48.7° was a departure from normal of 2.7°. The total monthly precipitation of 2.73 inches was 0.93 WATERFOWL–HUMMINGBIRDS inches below normal. April was 8.4° above the average A surprisingly low number of Tundra Swans was reported monthly temperature at 63.7° for the month, while 2.80 with the high count a group of 10 flying over Fontana, inches of rain fell, which was 0.56 inches below normal. Albemarle 5 Mar (MN). A high count of 9 American May’s average monthly temperature of 65.5° was a departure Wigeons came from Green Springs, Louisa 10 Mar (ph. from normal of 2.3°. A whopping 8.78 inches of rain fell on AR). Despite the above average temperatures during the central Virginia during the month, which was 4.80 inches winter and spring, Blue-winged Teal arrived two weeks later above normal. Highlights included Surf Scoters, American than last year’s early date of 11 Mar while the early sighting White Pelicans, Anhingas, White-rumped Sandpipers, this year was 2 m. at Mill Creek L., Amherst (BE) on 25 Mar. Red-necked Phalaropes, and an Orange-crowned Warbler. Three Northern Shovelers were found on 29 Mar at King Family Vineyards, Albemarle (ph. AC). The onlyNorthern Pintail was a lone f. on College L. at Lynchburg College, Lynchburg 5–12 Mar (LA et al.). Two Canvasbacks were

12 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 found: one at Georgia-Pacific Settling Ponds, Bedford 4–5 total of 4 Forster’s Terns was recorded (DS). Three Common Mar (BE et al.); the other at Buck Pond, Greene 25 Mar Loons showed up on RMNA 31 Mar ( JJ), and another trio (CL&RW). Ten Redheads and 19 Ring-necked Ducks showed up at Chris Greene L., Albemarle 17 Apr (PM). were found at a pond near Mt. Olive Church, Bedford 8 Four AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were found on Mill Mar (MS). A high count of 61 Lesser Scaup was recorded Creek L., Amherst 7 Apr (ph. BE et al.). Five ANHINGAS on L. Anna, Louisa 10 Mar (AR). Three Surf Scoters were were seen soaring overhead at Observatory Mt., Albemarle found on Mill Creek L., Amherst 15–23 Apr (ph. BE, MJ, et 21 Apr (SM, VL). An American Bittern was reported at al.). A late Bufflehead was seen on 25 Apr at RMNA ( JP). Hidden Swamp, Albemarle 28 Mar ( JP). The earliest Great Albemarle County’s second breeding record of Hooded Egret was found in Poplar Forest, Bedford 25 Mar ( JE, BE, Mergansers came from a f. with 7 chicks at King Family SS). Two Short-eared Owls remained at Green Springs, Vineyard, Albemarle 21 May ( JS, RB, et al.). Three Common Louisa to 3 Mar (LAd). The Northern Saw-whet Owl at Mergansers were found on Riverside Dr., Nelson 19 May Beagle’s Gap, Albemarle continued to 5 Mar (ES). A lone (AC). Two late Red-breasted Mergansers were reported Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported along Punchbowl at London Downs, Bedford 25 May (BE). Five late Ruddy Trail, Amherst 27 Apr (BE). Four Willow Flycatchers were Ducks were found after a heavy rainstorm on 5 May at Old recorded: 2 individuals in Albemarle 13 May, one at Moores Trail, Albemarle (MF). A high count of 9 Horned Grebes Cr. and the other on private property (GB&SB); next one was recorded on Northeast Res., Louisa 10 Mar (ph. AR). A on 15 May along Franklin Cr. Rd., Amherst (MJ&DMS); Black-billed Cuckoo, an uncommon transient, was found at and finally the last individual was on 22 May at the James ICNA 22 Apr (SK&PK) and possibly another on 30 Apr at R.Visitor Center, Amherst (KB&TB). An early Least the same location (LS). A Ruby-throated Hummingbird Flycatcher was found near Baldface Mt. Overlook, Greene arrived 13 Apr at Kentmoor Farm Rd., Amherst (NW), a 22 Apr (CL). Another early flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, week earlier than the expected. showed up close to two weeks early on 8 Apr at Liberty Corner Farm, Albemarle (WC et al.). Five Bank Swallows RAILS–SWALLOWS were found at Chris Greene L., Albemarle 13 May (SM). A Viginia Rail at Hidden Swamp, Albemarle 7 May (BB, Multiple reports marked several large nesting populations TB) was the only rail found in the entire Region this spring. of Cliff Swallows: Howardsville Bridge, Albemarle; Tucker A Common Gallinule was found wading around the Pk., Goochland; Rte. 6 over Rivanna R. near Columbia, edges of a marsh at King Family Vineyard, Albemarle 13 Fluvanna; Rappahanock R., Fredericksburg; and finally May (WH&AH). The only Semipalmated Plover found James R. Visitor Center, Amherst. was reported at Kohl’s Pond, Albemarle 31 May (CF). A high count of 9 Least Sandpipers was recorded from CHICKADEES–ORIOLES Greene Mt. L., Greene 14 May (CL). One White-rumped The lastBlack-capped Chickadee to leave after the irruption Sandpiper, a rare spring migrant, made an appearance at a winter was on 28 Apr at Chancho Volante, Albemarle (PM). small farm pond outside Bowling Green, Caroline 25 May An interesting report came in of a Black-capped Chickadee (EO). Two extremely early Pectoral Sandpipers showed on 22 May at Big Spy Mt., Nelson (KB&ToB) which hints up at King Family Vineyard, Albemarle 2 Mar (ph. AC et at potential breeding or at least summering in the area. al.). On 22 May 3 Semipalmated Sandpipers were found There were many reports of Brown-headed Nuthatches feeding at Lickinghole Cr., Albemarle (ph. AC). An early in the Region including several new areas where the species Spotted Sandpiper was seen 4 Apr along the Belvedere hadn’t been reported: the known population at Smith Mt. section of the Rivanna Trail, Albemarle (BB, TB, MN, ES, L., Bedford continues to thrive; at Cobb Mt. Rd., Bedford TS). A late migrant Solitary Sandpiper was last seen 28 a single bird was found marking a new location 2 Apr (BE, May at Thrasher’s L.,Amherst (DMS). Not one but 4 RED- MJ); though there were many reports from Fort AP Hill, NECKED PHALAROPES were seen flying around Chris Caroline the high count was of 5 individuals on 17 Apr Greene L., Albemarle 5 May (ph. DS) after a strong storm (EO); and finally 4 were reported from a known private the night before. The high count of Bonaparte’s Gulls was location in Campbell 8 Apr (ph. BE). Either an early House 45 seen around Groome’s Pt., Spotsylvania 10 Mar (AR). A Wren or an overwintering bird was reported in Green Caspian Tern was found at Chris Greene L., Albemarle 23 Springs, Louisa 5 Mar (RB). A late spring Winter Wren was Apr ( JJ). Similarly at Chris Greene L., Albemarle on 5 May a found at Swift Run Gap, Greene 14 May (DD), suggesting

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 13 potential nesting in a nearby area or possibly just a late 18 Apr in L. Monticello, Fluvanna (EG). The high count of migrant. A Marsh Wren, a locally uncommon transient, was Rusty Blackbirds was a flock of 20 feeding at Greenbriar Pk., found at Hidden Swamp, Albemarle 3–7 May (BB&TB) Charlottesville 27 Mar (DCh). The overwintering Baltimore and another from 7–13 May at Moores Cr., Albemarle ( J P, Oriole in Barboursville, Orange (DSt) continued through 2 GB, SB). Two Tennessee Warblers, a rare spring transient, Mar. An early migrant Baltimore Oriole was found on 3 Apr were recorded 6 May at Humpback Rock, Nelson (DC et al.). at Jefferson Pk. Trail, Charlottesville (ph. PBu). An overwintering Orange-crowned Warbler continued to 5 Mar at Georgia-Pacific Settling Ponds, Bedford (LA). An Contributors: Lee Adams (LAd), Logan Anderson, Guy early Palm Warbler was found at Fort AP Hill, Caroline Babineau, Susan Babineau, Baxter Beamer, Tucker Beamer, 27 Mar (EO). A late Palm Warbler was spotted on 16 May Karen Beatty, Tom Beatty (ToB), Rob Bielawski, Paul along Radar Rd., Bedford (KD, BE). Up to two Mourning Buckley (PBu), Walker Catlett, Drew Chaney (DCh), Albert Warblers were found along the Rivanna Trail near Belvedere, Connette, Dan Cristol, Kent Davis, Diana Doyle, Jim Elder, Albemarle 13 May (BB, TB, CF, MN, PBu). The next day, 14 Bob Epperson, Marshall Faintich, Conor Farrell, Eve Gaige, May, another Mourning Warbler was found at the Holmes Alice Hoyt, Walter Hoyt, Mark Johnson, Jennifer Jowdy, Access to the Rivanna Trail, Charlottesville (WC). A high Patricia Kalbfleisch, Stephanie Kelley, Carson Lambert, count of 2 Wilson’s Warblers was reported on 10 May from Vic Laubach, Stauffer Miller, Pete Myers, Max Nootbaar, Greenbriar Pk., Charlottesville (DCh). An incredible count Ellison Orcutt, Janet Paisley, Andrew Rapp, Debi Stubs of 22 Vesper Sparrows was recorded on 2 Apr at Belvedere (DSt), Leigh Surdokowski, Donna Mateski de Sanchez Rivanna Trail, Albemarle (ph. TB). On 21 Apr the only (DMS), David Shoch, Ezra Staengl, Theo Staengl, Susan Lincoln’s Sparrow was found foraging along the Rivanna Stanton, Mike Stinson, Jason Strickland, Nancy Wenning, Trail, Charlottesville (ph. BB, TB, AB, PBu). A Rose- Robert Wood breasted Grosbeak arrived a week earlier than expected on

Guest Editor: Matt Anthony Southeast 713 S. Henry St. Williamsburg, VA 23185 [email protected] Charles City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York counties; the cities of Franklin, Hopewell, Richmond, and Williamsburg

Temperatures and precipitation in the Region were near DUCKS–SHOREBIRDS average during most of the spring, with temperatures in One m. Northern Pintail was at Hog 3 May (ph. AD, JB, April averaging slightly higher than usual. The highlight of CW), providing a new local late date. The previous late date the spring was undoubtedly a Swallow-tailed Kite observed was 16 Apr. Two m. Surf Scoters, an uncommon species from the hawkwatch at College Creek. This spring was locally, were seen off York River SP,James City 8 Mar (TS). also marked by an influx of Dickcissels around the state, A lingering Ruddy Duck was seen on the Dandy Loop, York including three counties in the Region. Other notable birds 26 May ( JS). A Red-necked Grebe was scoped from the s. included Red-necked Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Upland end of Swift Creek Reservoir, Chesterfield 19 Mar (DG, TJ, Sandpiper, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Western Tanager. MR). A single Black-billed Cuckoo, a locally uncommon migrant, was at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg 14 Abbreviations: Hog (Hog Island WMA, Surry); Shirley May (ph. MA, NN). Eleven Common Nighthawks, also (Shirley Plantation, Charles City) uncommon migrants, passed over Mainland Farm, James City 16 May ( JC). Several notable shorebirds were recorded

14 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 in the Region this spring. A Black-necked Stilt was at Hog SHRIKES–DICKCISSELS 30 Apr (ph. BT). A very surprising find was an Upland The continuing Loggerhead Shrike at Burwells Bay Rd., Sandpiper in the fields at the abandoned Pretlow Industrial Isle of Wight was seen again 10 May (ph. JA). A single Bank Park, Franklin (ph. MA, NN, RB, EO). This was the first Swallow at College Cr., James City 4 Apr (BT) provided a record statewide since 2015 for this steeply declining species. new local early date; the previous was 7 Apr. A lingering Red- ThreeMarbled Godwits and 4 Willets, both uncommon in breasted Nuthatch continued visiting a feeder at Season’s the Region, were recorded at York Pt., York 25 Apr ( JS). Trace, James City through at least 25 May (KE). Always Willets were also recorded at two other locations in eastern uncommon in the Region, a Lapland Longspur was seen at York, with one off Shirley Rd., Seaford area,York 11 Apr Curles Neck Farm, Henrico 4 Mar (ph. EO, m. obs.) during ( JS) and 2 off Bay Tree Beach Rd., York 12 Apr ( JS). a Richmond Audubon Society trip to this restricted access site. A new local peak count of Eastern Towhees came from Terns–PELICANS Queens L., York where 53 were counted 30 Apr (NB, JL, JLo, One Black Tern passed inland off College Cr., James City SM). A long-staying Clay-colored Sparrow at a feeder on 14 May (BW). A Royal Tern at College Cr., James City 2 Exeter Ct., James City was present through 3 May (ph. BT, m. Mar (DC et al.) provided a new local early date, previously obs.), providing a new local late record and possibly the longest 6 Mar. Forty-four Common Loons off College Cr., James City (BW) provided a new local peak count, surpassing the previous peak of 43 from the same location 13 Apr 2011. Even a single Anhinga is notable locally, but an astonishing 20 birds were seen flying upriver at York River SP,James City 16 Apr (ph. NN). A single Anhinga was also seen at Harwoods Mill Res., York 15 May (ph. DY), a location where the species has bred in past years. American White Pelicans continued to be seen sporadically over Hog, with 27 seen 6 Mar (BW, BT); 23 there 9 Mar (AD et al.); 26 there 14 Apr (RK); 20 there 18 Apr (BW); 22 there 3 May (ph. AD, JB, CW); 2 there 6 May (NN, HT). EGRETS–FALCONS One hundred seventy Great Egrets at Harwoods Mill The James City Clay-colored Sparrow Brian Taber Res., York 29 Apr (PR) provided a notable count. Thirty- photographed at his feeder 30 April eight White Ibis at College Cr., James City 27 Apr (ph. stay at a feeder in the state. An early Black-and-white Warbler BT) provided a new local peak count. Two Glossy Ibis at was singing at Harrison L. Fish Hatchery, Charles City 24 Gospel Spreading Farm, James City 3 Apr (ph. BW, BT) Mar (MA, NN). A Cape May Warbler at College Cr., James were early, though did not exceed the local early date of 26 City 26 May (BT) provided a new local late date; the former Mar. A north-bound SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was an was 23 May. A very early Black-throated Green Warbler was exciting find for the hawkwatchers at College Cr.,James heard singing in L. Matoaka City 10 May (ph. BT, BW, CB). This was only the 4th local Woods, Williamsburg 26 record. Mississippi Kites were also recorded multiple times Mar (NN), resetting the this spring, with 2 birds over Hog that eventually passed n. previous local early date of across the James R. into James City 15 May (BW, BT); 2 at 3 Apr. Western Tanagers the corner of Schenk Dr. and Wilkinson Dr., York 19 May were again seen at multiple (ph. DS); and one seen from College Cr., James City 29 May locations in the Region. (BT). A pair of Peregrine Falcons was found at the Judith A long-staying bird at Dresser Bridge over the Chickahominy R., James City 1 Apr Settler’s Mill, James City (ph. SD et al.). The birds were later confirmed to be nesting that was first seen 4 Nov at this location (BWa, MB). 2016 continued almost daily A Western Tanager at Bill Wil- through 19 Mar (BW, AW, liams’ home in Settler’s Mill, James City 17 Mar

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 15 m. obs.), marking the ninth consecutive year that one has been recorded at this location. A different m. Western Tanager “based on red on the head” was at Linden Lane, James City 11 Mar (DC). Another m. Western Tanager, likely a third bird, was in Charles City 8 Apr (ph. IC). There was an influx of Dickcissels this spring, with one m. at Mainland Farm, James City 30 Apr (ph. BT); a singing m. at Chippokes Plantation S P, Surry 29 May (AD); and a m. at Shirley 13 May (ph. JS). Up to 3 singing Dickcissels were reported from this location 14 May (EO), and reports continued through the end of the reporting period (m. obs.).

Contributors: James Abbott, Matt Anthony, Nancy Barnhart, Rob Bielawski, Jeff Blalock, Cathy Bond, Mitchell Byrd, Jim Corliss, Dan Cristol, Inge Curtis, Shirley Devan, Adam D’Onofrio, Kevin Ernst, Tom Johnson, Richard Korpi, Jan Lockwood, Joyce Lowry ( JLo), Sue Mutell, Nick Inge Curtis’ 8 Apr photo of a Newberry, Ellison Orcutt, Phyllis Roth, Dave Shantz, Ty Western Tanager on Cedar Bluff Smith, Jason Strickland, Brian Taber, Hope Trisler, Bryan Rd., Charles City Watts (BWa), Arlene Williams, Bill Williams, Clyde Wilson, Dave Youker

East Guest Editor: Nick Newberry 11018 Devenish Drive Oakton, VA 22124 [email protected] Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties

A total of 224 species was recorded this spring, which is LaGrange Lane near Sealston, King George); New Point almost exactly the average for recent springs. Highlights Comfort (New Point Comfort NAP, Mathews); Wilna were a Regional first Anhinga, a flock of 20 nonetheless, (Wilna unit of Rappahannock R. NWR, Richmond); another sizeable flock of 10 American White Pelicans, Washington’s Birthplace (George Washington Birthplace many Cattle Egrets, a breeding plumaged Black Tern, National Monument, Westmoreland) nesting Peregrine Falcons, and a stunning adult male Evening Grosbeak. Data were sourced from the Virginia WATERFOWL–RAPTORS Birds listserv, eBird, NNASnet (Northern Neck Audubon The only Cackling Goose of the spring came from a Society listserv), and the Gold Book. single bird found in a flock of 115 Canada Geese along Cottage Farm Rd., Westmoreland 5 Mar (FA). The only Abbreviations: Belle Is. (Belle Is. SP, Lancaster); Bethel other goose species was Brant from the species’ typical (Bethel Beach NAP, Mathews); Hughlett Pt. (Hughlett wintering location offshore of Bethel with a maximum Pt. NAP, Northumberland); Leedstown (Westmoreland); of 31 on both 2 & 5 Apr (KK, WE). As what may have LaGrange La. (FIELD IS PRIVATE FROM LANE ONLY been a lingering fragment of this flock, 13 were seen at the

16 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 same location 9 Apr (DS) representing a new late date for RC). An alternate-plumaged Black Tern seen preening on the Region, although it falls well within the extreme dates the sandbar in the ponds off LaGrange Ln. 14 May (FA) for the Coastal Plain per the Gold Book. Tundra Swan was the first eBird record for the Region in the spring. It abundance and peak dates were average for the past 3 years was something of a banner year for Northern Gannets on with the peak count of 347 at Washington’s Birthplace the Rappahannock R. with a maximum of 9 making it as occurring 2 Mar (HT), which is the classic week for high far upriver as Suggett’s Pt., Richmond between 20 & 28 numbers of swans moving through the Region. A sizeable Mar (LA). A smaller group of 6 was seen at the Simonson late push of 315 Gadwall 2 Apr at LaGrange Ln. provided Landing Boat Ramp, Richmond 1 Apr (MA, JF, JS). These a new Regional high count for this month (FA). A flock of four records represent the first forRichmond . The York R. 78 Northern Shovelers at LaGrange Ln. 5 Mar proved also sported its furthest upriver sighting to date, including to be a new spring high count for the Region (FA). A very counties on its southern border, with an individual seen heartening high count of 1400 Canvasbacks 5 Mar at West near the mouth of Aberdeen Cr., Gloucester 28 Mar Point, King William, (EO) following a good winter for this (HC, RC). Following the apparent trend of substantial species, was hopefully a sign of resurgence. Canvasbacks numbers of fish-eating birds, a new all-seasons Regional have seen steep declines during the past couple of decades high count of 1712 Double-crested Cormorants, also at in the Region. Two lingering m. Ring-necked Ducks were Aberdeen Cr., Gloucester 29 Mar (HC, RC), surpassed the seen at a private pond in King George 14 May (FA); this previous high count of 1200 at Windmill Pt., Lancaster species usually has a few representatives in the Region 18 Apr 2015 (EO, BO). A long awaited Regional first and well into May. A late, possibly lame, f. Red-breasted a new state high count 20 ANHINGAS seen from York Merganser was at a farm pond in Singerly, Richmond 20 R. SP, James City soared into either King and Queen or May (TD). A small flock of 7 Ruddy Ducks consisting of 3 Gloucester 16 Apr (ph. NN). At least 10 AMERICAN m. and 4 f. was in Nomini Cr., Westmoreland 26 May (CC). WHITE PELICANS were photographed from a kayak in Northern Bobwhite were detected in 8 of 11 counties, Currioman Bay, Westmoreland 14 Apr (ph. DG), only the which has been about average for the past few years, third spring record and the highest spring count to date. hopefully a sign of this species stabilizing in the Region A couple of Brown Pelicans were seen at Suggett’s Pt., after a substantial decline. A Horned Grebe at New Point Richmond 20 Mar, which was a good sighting for this far Comfort 8 May lingered about a week and a half past when upriver (LA). Not detected every spring, 2 Tricolored its conspecifics left the Region (EO). Considered by many Herons observed at Bethel 8 May were notable (EO). to be a harbinger of spring, the first Chimney Swift arrived While this species seems to be becoming less notable 1 Apr at Port Kinsale Marina, Westmoreland, about on par every year, they are still worth recognizing: Cattle Egrets with most years if not a couple days earlier than is typical were found in five widely separated locations with single (MA, JF, JS). Ruby-throated Hummingbirds appeared individuals at Middle Peninsula SP, Gloucester 8 Apr not to arrive en masse until almost the beginning of May, (BB); in the fields at Salt Pond Farm, Northumberland about two weeks later than is typical for large numbers 14 May (TS) and 2 at Currioman Bay Westmoreland 23 to be moving through. Likely because the species can be Apr (FA); 2 at Woodberry Rd. Sod Farm, King William difficult to detect, King Rail reports are few and far between 26 May (EO); in Hayes, Gloucester 7 Apr (M&LB); and in the Region, not occurring every year. In fact, a calling one at Middle Peninsula SP 8 May (BB). A single Glossy individual at a private marsh along the Rappahannock R. Ibis was seen 13–14 May at Hughlett Pt. (TS). Ospreys in Leedstown, King George 2 Apr (FA) was one of only arrived this year in late Feb (see winter report), about on a small handful of records for the Northern Neck and par with previous years. Likely an underreported species the first in eBird. A flooded field at the intersection of in the Region based on numerous records from the Shiloh School Rd. and Balls Neck Rd., Northumberland relatively more birded areas to the north and south, single hosted a Black-necked Stilt 26 Apr (TS, ph. JW), one Mississippi Kites were reported from two locations in the of fewer than five records for the county and a very rare Northern Neck: at Cloverdale Rd., Westmoreland 14 May species in the Region, especially on the Northern Neck. (FA) and s. of Farnham along Rte. 3 in Richmond 20 May A Lesser Black-backed Gull that spent 13–15 Mar near (TD), which also appears to be a first county record. The the mouth of Aberdeen Cr., Gloucester, was one of only a Middle Peninsula still lacks any Mississippi Kite records. small handful of records for this species in the county (HC,

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 17 WOODPECKERS–blackbirds Hopyard Farm, King George 9 Apr (SB) arrived well before It was something of a banner spring for Red-headed the expected arrival date of 15 Apr listed in the Gold Book. Woodpeckers, reported from 10 of 11 counties, with only A singing Lincoln’s Sparrow was found at a subdivision the relatively under-surveyed King and Queen not reporting in Essex 6 May, a first spring eBird record for the Region one. The maximum count was only of 4 along Peedee Cr., (DS). The first Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the season, a f., Westmoreland 20 May (TD), so hopefully the many pairs appeared at a feeder in Gloucester 20 Apr (EB). The largest reported will successfully breed this summer. The Peregrine flock of Rusty Blackbirds found this spring was of 17 birds Falcons nesting on the Downing Bridge, Essex hatched out in Leedstown 2 Apr (FA), which was by far the smallest 2 nestlings from a nest box, which was visible 7 May (FA). high count for the Region in the past 5 years; the previous A pair of Common Ravens was seen near the landfill in lowest was 33 in 2015. King George 2 Apr (FA), further evidence of the species’ slow expansion into the Region. Following a good winter Contributors: Lee Adams, Matt Anthony, Fred Atwood, for this species, a trio of Red-breasted Nuthatches lingered Eirlys Barker, Meredith & Lee Bell, Bill Blair, Scott Byrd, at a private residence in Heathsville, Northumberland until Catherine Casey, Erin Chapman, Harry Colestock, Rochelle 27 May ( JW). Both King William and King and Queen Colestock, Todd Day, Doug Dwoyer, Wendy Ealding, have very few records of Brown-headed Nuthatches, so Leslie Fellows, James Fox, Doug Graham, Bruce Hill, Ann an individual 24 May at the West Point Boat Ramp in the Jennings, Kim Kozella, Nick Newberry, Ellison Orcutt, Tom former county (MA) and one less than a mile away 30 Apr in Saunders, David Smith, Mark Sopko, Jason Strickland, the latter county (AJ) were notable. While it was an overall Hannah Tripp, Lisa Tripp, Brian Turner, Jeffery Wright poor year for Pine Siskins throughout Virginia, there were three spring records: an individual at a feeder in Gloucester 24 Mar (DD) and 2 the next day at another feeder in the same county (MG); the third report was of 2 well described and very late birds at Monroe’s Birthplace, Westmoreland 21 May (BH), which is two days before the extreme late date noted in the Gold Book. A clear highlight of the season was an ad. m. Evening Grosbeak that was present at a feeder in Gloucester 1–5 Apr (ph. EB, EC, ph. MA, JS), the only contemporary record for the county and one of very few for the Middle Peninsula since the precipitous decline of this species over a decade ago. A total of 27 warbler species was highlighted by an Orange-crowned Warbler at Wilna 18 Mar (ph. HT, LT), one of only a handful of records for the Northern Neck, many of which have come from this location. A singing m. Bay-breasted Warbler near Beulahville, King William 7 May was a first eBird An Evening Grosbeak photographed 2 Apr in Gloucester county record and one of very few for by Matt Anthony the upper Middle Peninsula (FA). A late f. Chestnut-sided Warbler at Bethel 28 May fell on the extreme late date noted in the Gold Book as well as constituting a first eBird record for Mathews (EO, MS, BT). An uncommon spring migrant, 2 Wilson’s Warblers were reported from Belle Is. 13 & 20 May (LF, TD). An early Grasshopper Sparrow at

18 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 Coastal Editor: Bill Williams 154 Lakewood Drive Williamsburg, VA 23185 [email protected] Accomack and Northampton counties; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic area; the cities/towns of Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Chincoteague, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach

The Region’s meteorological summary was highlighted by winter was last reported there 4 Mar (K&KR et al.). Two the warmest April on record and the third wettest May on Common Eiders were off the CBBT 4 Mar (K&KR et al.) record. At season’s end the Region’s rainfall total was 4.8 and 2 first-winter m. were near Metompkin Is.,Accomack inches above normal for the year. The all-star line-up of birds 7–27 May (ph. JL). A significantly tardy m. Bufflehead brought standing observations for Black-bellied Whistling was at the Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton 27 May (ph. Duck, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, multiple Western HL); 10 Apr is this species’ average late date. A Common Grebes, Yellow Rail, White-winged Dove, Yellow-nosed Goldeneye was a surprise at Chinc. 10 Apr ( JB, CM); this Albatross, White-tailed Tropicbird, White-faced Ibis, a kite species’ average late date is 30 Mar. Single Red-necked species spectacle, a trio of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and a Grebes were at Little Is. 2 (AB) & 9 Mar (ML); off the rarely reported Eastern Towhee form. CBBT 4 & 5 Mar (RBr) and at Chinc. 21 Mar (GM). The Buckroe Beach, Hampton Eared Grebe was last Abbreviations: Beasley (Beasley Tract, Princess Anne viewed 26 Mar (ph. EA, TC, m. obs.). The WESTERN WMA, Virginia Beach); Cape Charles (town of Cape GREBE found off Little Is./Back Bay much of the winter Charles, Northampton); CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge was present at the former location 3 Apr (ph. MCM, AB). Tunnel s. of Northampton); Chinc. (Chincoteague NWR, Numerically unprecedented for the state were 3 Western Accomack); CCCHNAP (Cape Charles Coastal Habitat Grebes together off Assawoman Is.,Accomack 20 Apr (ph. Natural Area Preserve, Northampton); Craney (Craney MY, LR). Birders raced to Marvin Dr., Hampton for the Island Dredged Material Management Area, Portsmouth); White-winged Dove visiting a feeder there 16 May (EM, FINWR (Fishermans Is. NWR, Northampton); Little ph. m. obs.). A Black-billed Cuckoo was at Sandy Bottom Is. (Little Is. Pk., Virginia Beach); KSP (Kiptopeke Pk., Hampton 4 May (MN); another was off Knotts Is. S P, Northampton); Magothy Bay (Magothy Bay NAP, Rd., Virginia Beach 13 May (DC) and one was at KSP Northampton); NNP (Newport News Park, Newport 16 May (ph. BT). The season’s first Common Nighthawk News/York); NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric reported was at PHP 28 Apr (AB) followed by 2 there Administration); PHP (Pleasure House Point, Virginia 29 Apr (AB, TT); 5 were at Craney 4 May with a peak Beach); Rudee (Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach) count of 11 (one on a 2-egg nest) at the facility 18 May (LS, BT, BW, DY). Elsewhere, 2 Common Nighthawks WATERFOWL–SHOREBIRDS were at Cypress Pt., Virginia Beach 14 May (DS) and 9 Two BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were at were at Wellington Neck, Northampton 16 May (RK). An Bayville Golf Course, Virginia Beach 22 Apr (ph. TBa). Eastern Whip-poor-will was in full voice in Hampton 8 A late Tundra Swan was off Pleasant Ridge Rd., Virginia Apr (BB). A YELLOW RAIL was photographed huddled Beach 21–26 May (ph. AB). Chinc.’s Eurasian Wigeon against a brick wall outside Great Bridge Middle School, was on hand to 6 Mar ( JB, CM). A f. Northern Pintail Chesapeake 21 Mar (ph. Anonymous). The m. Ruby- on FINWR 16 May (ESB) was almost a month past the throated Hummingbird that wintered in the Alanton, species’ 15 Apr average late date. For the 5th consecutive Virginia Beach neighborhood continued through 26 Mar year a EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL was at Craney, (MP). Three Common Gallinules were reported: one at this one 20 Apr (ph. BT, LS, BW, DY). The imm. King Chinc. 15 Apr (BG) to 15 May (KB, EN); one at Sandy Eider that frequented the CBBT complex during the Bottom Pk., Hampton 10 (ph. ABo, MN) through 18

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 19 Mar (BW et al.), 3 in Burton’s Bay, Accomack 17 May (ESB, ph. RK), and a fly-by at Cape Charles 24 May (ESB). One Wilson’s Phalarope was at Craney 27 Apr (ph. DY, LS, AH) followed by 2 there 11 May (ph. BT, BW, DY). A Red-necked Phalarope was at Craney 4 May (LS, ph. BT, ph. BW, DY); one was at Chinc. 14 May (AL) and 7 were at Craney 25 May (BW, LS, BT, DY). JAEGERS–RAPTORS Single Parasitic Jaegers were seen from Rudee 6 Apr (CD) and the CBBT 16 Apr (ESB). Last season’s Razorbill phenomenon extended through most of March including a peak count of 1289 off Little Is. 17 Mar (AB). Up to 6 (18 Mar–ph. EM) were off Ft. Monroe, Hampton to 26 Mar (one–ph. EA, TC, CK), the last date the species was reported The Yellow Rail found 21 Mar at Great Bridge Middle in the Region. Chinc.’s Black-headed Gull continued School, Chesapeake through 20 Mar ( JB, CM). The highest reported Lesser May (GR); and, one at Back Bay 28 May (ph. RBi). One Black-backed Gull total was 126 at Chinc. 18 Apr ( JB, Sandhill Cranes to 2 were photographed in the vicinity CM). Eight Black Terns at Chinc. 10 Apr ( JB, CM, MH) of Gum Bridge Rd., Virginia Beach 4 (CO) through 14 reset the species’ Regional extreme early date (formerly 16 May (TM, M&RF). Single Sandhill Cranes were observed Apr); singles were at Craney 4 (BT, DY, LS, BW) & 25 over Deep Hole Rd., Accomack 7 May (EN, CR) and in May (BT, LS) and one was off Back Bay 23 May (EK, PK). Black-necked Stilt flight over FINWR 16 May (ESB). A A one-egg Common Tern nest on the HRBT 3 May (LS at Craney 5 Apr (BT, DY) tied this species’ extreme early et al.) established a new early egg-date for this species; the date. The species’ peak count was 64 there 25 May (LS, BT, previously known early egg-date was 10 May. A Sandwich BW, DY). Three Black-necked Stilts at Chinc. (JMo, SH, Tern at Messick, Poquoson 11 Apr (ph. AH) may have GL) and one at Queen Sound Channel 14 Apr were the been among the 142 on HRBT 10 May (LS et al.). Seven first of numerous reports from northernAccomack . Seven Sooty Sheawaters were seen 12 May, 5 off Rudee (AB) occupied nests were found near Queen Sound Channel 30 and 2 off 12th St., Virginia Beach (AB, RBi). A Manx May (RBt et al.). Other reports for this species were: one Shearwater passed off Little Is. 20 Mar (AB, TT, K&TB). at Back Bay 26 Apr (ph. MCM, ph. K&TB); one at Mapel The NOAA ship Gordon Gunter encountered 2 Wilson’s St. Wetlands, Virginia Beach 28 Apr (AB, ph. RBi) then 11 Storm-Petrels off Virginia Beach 19 May ( JLo); 6 were in (AB) & 13 May (AB, TT); 2 at Muddy Cr. Rd., Virginia an Accomack portion of the Chesapeake Bay at 37.7011,- Beach 8 May (AB, ph. MCM, JM, ph. JSt); one–2 at New 76.1702 on 28 May (HL). A Diomedeid carefully studied Market Cr. off LaSalle Ave., Hampton 11 May (ph. EM, with spotting scopes for almost 2 hours off Rudee 15 May JA, JSt, ABo (2)); and, one near Locustville, Accomack 22 was identified as a YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (AB, May that had been present “for a week or so” (GR fide HA). TT, MCM, ph. RBi, ESB). The Gold Book lists 2 previous American Avocet The only reports were from Craney sight records for this species: one e. of Assateague Is., where the count ranged from 62 on 2 Mar to a high of Accomack 3 Dec 1979 and one off Back Bay 28 Nov 1981. American Golden- 92 on 13 Apr (LS, BT, BW, DY). An A WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD was “east of Norfolk Plover Ruff was in Cape Charles 25 May (ESB) and a was Canyon” 10 May (TP fide ESB). Stumpy L., Virginia video recorded (MM) near Locustville, Accomack 22 May Beach hosted 6 Anhingas 14 (ph. RBi, ph. RF) & 17 Apr (fide HA, GR). The average Coastal Plain arrival date for (ph. EA, ph. TC, ph. BSC, ph. JSn); one to 3 (21 Apr–JSo) White-rumped Sandpiper is 30 Apr, so one at Chinc. 22 sustained birder interest at that location through 2 May Apr (DCr et al.) was most unexpected. An exceptionally (m. obs.). Three Anhingas were near L. Smith, Virginia Pectoral Sandpiper early was at Craney 2 Mar (AM, BT, Beach, ~7 km n. of Stumpy L. 27 Apr (TT). One of 2 ph. BW, DY); this species’ average early date is 25 Mar. WHITE-FACED IBIS video recorded at Chinc. 7 Apr ( JE) Long-billed Dowitcher reports included one at Craney 3 was chronicled by m. obs. through 24 Apr (ph. PL). These

20 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 reports marked the ninth consecutive spring/summer this TT); one near Custis Tomb, Northampton 16 May (ph. species has been recorded in the Region. Likely the same MeP, MiP, ph. DR, ph. BT); and, one off Chincoteague Rd. Swallow-tailed Kite was ticked at Back Bay 6 (MD) & 22 at the NOAA facility entrance, Accomack 18 (ESB, ph. JSt) Apr (AB). At least 3 of these stunning birds were seen and & 19 May (ph. CR, EMo). A Warbling Vireo at Carolanne photographed, often together, by m. obs. as they foraged Farms Pk., Virginia Beach 11 Apr (BH) established a new over lower Northampton from Eastville to Cheapside 23 Coastal Plain extreme early date (previously 27 Apr) for Apr (3) ESB) through 30 May (one) (WT). This season’s this species; one was at KSP 16 May (BT) and up to 2 were Mississippi Kite chronology proved to be dramatic and at Craney 11 May into the summer season (ph. BW, DY). complex. Not unexpectedly, the first one detected was at A Red-breasted Nuthatch was still at White House Ln., Whitehouse Ln., Virginia Beach 14 May (TT) not far Virginia Beach 15 May (TT) and a Brown Creeper was from the Curtiss Dr./Burroughs Ct. site this species has in NNP 3 May (EW). A Veery at Red Wing Pk., Virginia nested the previous two years. Indeed, 3 (2 were ads.) were Beach 20 Apr (K&TB) was 5 days ahead of the species’ at the latter location 23 (BBe, TBe, MNo) & 24 May 25 Apr average arrival date. A ad. m. Lapland Longspur (LRa) with one there 30 May (ME, PE). Elsewhere, 4 were was at Chinc. 25 Mar (ph. DMi). The season’s final Snow on the Eastern Shore 16 May: 2 ads. over FINWR (ESB), Bunting report had 2 at Ft. Monroe, Hampton 25 Mar an imm. at KSP (ESB), and quite notably, one at Chinc. (ph. CK). A Black-and-white Warbler was at Deep Creek (m. obs.). Those were succeeded by 2 over Craney 18 May Lock Pk., Chesapeake 2 Mar (ph. LM). A Swainson’s (ph. BW, LS, BT, DY). Three Mississippi Kites at Magothy Warbler was an unexpected visitor to the CCCHNAP 14 Bay 25 May (ESB) and 2 near Eastville, Northampton 26 & 15 May (ESB). The arrival date and location of a Black- May (ph. RBi) were precursors of an extraordinary array of throated Green Warbler off Douglas Rd., Chesapeake sightings that began with a post of 17 at the end of Culls 25 Mar (DC) suggested this bird may have been of the Dr., Northampton at 0921 on 27 May (ESB). Almost 3 waynei subspecies. By contrast, a Black-throated Green hours later (1210) a “conservative count ” (EF, ph. SF, MLe, Warbler at Chinc. 26 & 27 May (TBe) was 12 days past PLe) tallied 30 at Magothy Bay, ~15 km the species’ typical 15 May late- (9 mi.) s. of Culls Dr.; one heading w. date. A “white (or pale)-eyed” was at Culls Dr. at 1330 (MeP). Reports Eastern Towhee documented of this species over ensuing days found: at Back Bay 28 May (ph. RBi) 4 at Culls Dr. at 0915 (JA) and 3 at was an eBird first for Virginia. Cheapside, Northampton between 1345 Such individuals in se. VA are (EF, SF, ph. PLe) and 1705 (SG) on not without precedence. The 28 May; 2 at Culls Dr. (1024) and 7 at last AOU checklist (1956) to Magothy Bay (1230) on 29 May (ESB); list subspecies indicated that and 2 at Magothy Bay 31 May (MA). the “pale-eyed” rileyi Eastern Seasonally late were a Northern Harrier Towhee form occurred north to at Magothy Bay 27 May (ESB, RBi), a se. VA (Pungo). Those birds were Broad-winged Hawk near Cedar Grove, considered not “typical” as they Northampton 29 May (ph. JSt), and a showed some characteristics Merlin at Back Bay 20 May (ph. JEs). of the rileyi form but were not necessarily pure rileyi (fide BP). FLYCATCHERS–BLACKBIRDS A Vesper Sparrow was near Single Willow Flycatchers were at Back Persimmon Pt., Accomack 10 Bay 9 May (ph. K&TB) and at Craney 11 May (EN, ph. MR, et al.). A May (BW). A singing Least Flycatcher Rob Bielawski’s shot of a “white-eyed” LeConte’s Sparrow on Beasley was near the junc. of Box Tree Dr./Seaside Eastern Towee at Back Bay, Virginia 9 Apr (AB, ph. RBi) was near Beach 28 May Rd., Northampton 25 May (ESB).There the location where one was seen were 3 different SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS by m. obs. in Dec 2016. A m. Western Tanager was at recorded: one at the junc. of Muddy Cr. and Gum Bridge Sand Pine Rd., Virginia Beach to 10 Mar (ms) and a f. Rds., Virginia Beach 7 May (AB, ph. RBi, ph. MCM, ph. stayed devoted to a feeder in the Alanton, Virginia Beach

Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4 21 neighborhood through 10 Apr (MP). The Coastal Plain S. Brinkley, Kelly Broadway, Rexanne Bruno (RBr), Joelle extreme early date for Blue Grosbeak had been 15 Apr Buffa, David Clark, Betty Sue Cohen, Tamara Conklin, until a m. presented itself at Chinc. 10 Apr ( JB, CM, MH). Marie D’Auteuil , Clancy Deel, Dan Cristol (DCr), Jennifer By contrast a m. Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Machipongo, Elmer, Jack Esworthy ( JEs), Mike Eubank, Peggy Eubank, Northampton 27 May (ph. MeP) was a week beyond Eliza Fraser, Scott Fraser, Marie and Ron Furnish, David that species’ 20 May average late date. Painted Bunting Gibson, Stephen Grimes, Burak Gunes, Andy Hawkins, reports included: a m. in the South Norfolk section of Mike Hillman, Brandon Holland, Scott Housten, Roberta Chesapeake through 4 Mar then again 5 Apr (ph. DG); a Kellam, Eric Kershner, Philip Kline, Victor Klein, Cary f. at Cypress Pt., North Pt. Ct., Virginia Beach to 16 Apr Koronas, Patricia Lalonde, Gordon Lam, Allen Larner, (DS); a second ad. m. in Chesapeake 19 Mar (ph. JMP); Joanne Laskowski, Maria Lehman (MLe), Phil Lehman an imm. m. in Parksley, Accomack 12 Apr (ph. VK); and, a (PLe), Hannes Leonard, Michael Linz, Aylett Lipford, singing m. on FINWR 16, 18 & 19 May (ESB). Singing John Loch ( JLo), Laura Mae, Michael Male, Tommy m. Dickcissels were at KSP 16 (ph. MeP, MiP, ph. BT) Maloney, Gabriel Mapel, Jim Marcum, David Matson, & 18 May ( JSt), Collipher Farm, Virginia Beach 20 May Mary Catherine Miguez, Ernie Miller, Alex Minarik, Dave (AL), and Magothy Bay 24 (ph. RBi) through 27 May (m. Mitchell (DMi), Elton Morel (EMo), Jessica Morgan obs.); the latter was accompanied by a f. 24–26 May (m. ( JMo), Clyde Morris, ms, Marc Nichols, Erica Nol, Max obs.). A copulating Bobolink pair was at Magothy Bay 27 Nootbar (MNo), Clark Olsen, Melanie Parker (MeP), May (ESB). At least 10 Brewer’s Blackbirds continued at Michael Parker (MiP), Michelle Payne, Bruce Peterjohn, Breeze Farm, West Gibbs Rd., Virginia Beach through 3 Jessica Murray Price, Todd Pusser, Luis Ramos, Louis Mar (K&TB). Rajnys (RJa), George Reiger, Garrett Rhyne, Chris Risley, Karen and Keith Roberts, Melanie Routh, Dick Rowe, Contributors: James Abbott, Eric Alton, Matt Anthony, Debbie Schroeder, Lee Schuster, Jonathan Snyder ( JSn), Harry Armistead, Andrew Baldelli, Bryan Barmore, Jeffery Sole ( JSo), Jason Strickland ( JSt), Brian Taber, Tracy Tim Barry (TBa), Baxter Beamer (BBe), Tucker Beamer Tate, Wes Teets, Elizabeth Wilkins, Bill Williams, Dave (TBe), Karen and Tom Beatty, Rob Bielawski (RBi), Youker, Matthew Young Ruth Boettcher (RBt), Adam Bollinger (ABo), Edward

22 Virginia Birds Volume 13 • Number 4