After my neat experience with everything at Crewes Channel on Friday
night, I spent more time there this weekend. I wanted to share the info
with you.
Friday night, I got there about 5:30 and there were about 12 egrets
toward the back. As the time passed, many moved out to the center and
there were about 20 or so moving around when I left.
On Saturday morning, I arrived about 6:45 AM and there was ONE egret in
sight. But at about 7:15, the sleeping beauties must have awaken and
they started moving around in the back of the channel. There were at
least 30 that I counted flying around in the back. They came out in
groups of 6-8. Several of the groups landed in the water in the center
of the channel, while most of the groups flew over me headed toward the
river. I counted a total of 42.
Sunday morning, I got there about 7am and again there was just one in
the channel. No movement in the back yet. After sitting a half hour or
so, I was joined by fellow birder Art from Mechanicsville and we watched
as they came to life again. There was lots of movement in the back, and
they started coming out in small groups again. Only this time they all
flew off, none stayed in the channel. We counted at least 36 of them.
I couldn't stop this morning, but swung by there this evening on the way
home. There were a couple in the channel and no movement in the back.
The water level is getting lower and lower so that will pull them out to
the channel if they are still around as the week goes on.
Also, the White Ibis are still there, the same 5 that have been there
since last week. They tend to stay in the center/back of the channel.
There are some other shorebirds mixed in, but a good ways out in the back.
I will monitor them more this week and keep you posted.
Barbara Houston
New Kent, VA
