VA BIRDers,
David Ledwith and I pursued a few year birds in No VA today. At 8am we arrived
at Silver Lake and noted a variety of waterfowl in the old, flooded quarry.
Unfortunately, we did not see the Greater White-fronted Goose recently reported
- this species appears to be an “albatross” to us this year! Highlights were 2
Canvasbacks plus over 30 Redheads. Also notable were Red-headed WP and Fox
Sparrow.
We then went to Lake Brittle, driving past North Fork Wetlands which added GC
Kinglet. Lake Brittle did not have the target goose, but the consolation were
5 Green-winged Teal. We continued on to CM Crockett Park, passing a few
Red-shouldered Hawks on the way. Unfortunately, Crockett did not yield up the
Goose, but we saw another Canvasback, some Redheads, and a Northern Pintail.
We headed north, stopping at the Airlie House where we asked permission to
visit. Permission was gladly given along with directions to a viewing location
of Airlie Reservoir, which is on private lands. Our view was slightly
obstructed and, despite a bit of sun glare, we scoped out a huge number of
waterfowl - several thousand. Again the “goose” was not seen, but we found
unbanded Trumpeter Swans, incl 2 Adults. Plus Snow Goose, Cackling Goose,
Tundra Swan, and a great Bald Eagle strafing show. Not to mention more
Northern Pintails and 2 Lesser Scaup.
Our next destination was the Harrison Rd area which produced some Savannah
Sparrows. The lake was still frozen solid and no waterfowl were in sight.
Afterwards, as it was past noon, we stopped at a nearby Scottish Restaurant for
a takeaway meal (consumed near Rectortown) before continuing our Birding quest.
Fortunately, as we set out again, a nearby flock of a dozen Wild Turkeys added
a fine tally for the trip.
Heading north, we drove Carr Lane hoping for eagles, but we settled for
Savannah and White-crowned Sparrows plus our only Red-winged Blackbird flock of
the day. We arrived at Sky Meadows and Barn Owl was the payoff; nearby were
Common Raven and Eastern Meadowlark. But, it was getting late and we needed to
head east.
Along the way we decided to try for the Northern Shrike (again for me) at Sully
Woodlands. Well..no Shrike. Our consolation was a flyby Merlin. And another
pleasant addition was a hunting adult Coopers Hawk.
Overall, we had a reasonably good day netting a few good targets (and 70
species). But, as I am sure you can imagine, there are more targets to pursue
next time!
Wishing You All Good Birds!
David and Kurt
Sent from my iPad
