VA-Birders,
We had a rewarding walk in our neighborhood in Hayes (southern end of
Gloucester County) today. We saw an OSPREY fly overhead right after we started
out. We've never seen one this late in the year before.
A lone male BUFFLEHEAD was in Sarah Creek. At least six EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and a
few CHIPPING SPARROWS were spotted on the wires.
The real highlight was a BARRED OWL that flew across the road in front of us
and landed on a nearby branch. He turned and watched us until some dogs barked
and he flew a little further down the road, where he was still visible.
Beautiful! A number of smaller birds became quite active when the owl landed
near them - RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH and several
YELLOW-RUMPS.
Then we spotted two RED-TAILED HAWKS fly towards the York River.
Good birding!
Meredith and Lee Bell
Hayes, VA
