I spent several hours birding today, making stops at Fort Monroe (Hampton),
Little Creek Inlet (Norfolk), and Rudee Inlet, Sherwood Lakes, and Little
Island Park in Virginia Beach. The main highlights for me were
Red-necked and Horned Grebes changing into their breeding plumage;
At least one Red-necked Grebe at pretty much every stop that had a body of
water, including Sherwood Lakes;
One Black-headed Gull still at Little Creek Inlet -- its head is about half-way
black now;
Two Common Goldeneye hens at Little Creek Inlet;
The King Eider still at Rudee Inlet;
Thousands of Northern Gannets streaming north along the coast, viewed at Little
Island Park and Sandbridge; it was an incredible sight, well worth suffering
through the cold temps and high winds on the fishing pier.
I saw much more, but these were the highlights. I just had to see the King
Eider, RN Grebes and the BH Gulls one more time before they leave. There are
many reasons I look forward to spring, but I will mourn the wonderful winter
birds we've had this year when they go. A few photos from the day are at
www.flickr.com/birdingva.
Karen Kearney
Chesapeake
