At 6:40 this morning, two Chuck-will's-widows were interacting just over
rooftop level at the corner of Strawberry Street and Tazewell Avenue. They
were flying rapidly around the old Presbyterian Church, presumably checking
on the large old trees here, before settling in after migration. One bird
seemed to be diving aggressively at the other. They vanished quickly into
the trees. It's easy to forget how enormous these birds are, until you see
one flying! The species used to nest next to Bayshore Concrete Products, on
the south side of the harbor, but I have never detected a migrant in town
before.
This is the third day in a row for large numbers of migrants (warblers,
vireos, thrushes, Northern Flickers, Merlins, etc.) in Cape Charles town.
Heavy rains will have made farm fields better for shorebirds, though the
peak of their migration has passed. It's remarkable to have such a strong
flow of reverse migrants here in town under the adverse conditions for
flying, especially of the past two nights. I have to leave for work out of
town today, a pity - such a great time of year for birding!
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, Va.
