Found at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve Friday, 26 May 2017, at ~9 AM.
Male/pair territorial, as:
--three sightings, all between last turn from Bull's Lane to parking spot
at sign of Preserve; watch to the east and scan patiently
--sightings spaced about 10 to 20 min apart
--each time, male perched at top of tree
--twice, both times on same tree, joined by female for short period
Thus, seemed to want to stay in circumscribed area, with female staying at
one tree.
Not the strongest evidence, yet. . .
Please stay on lawnmower-cut trails.
*****
Singing Prairie Warbler, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobwhite. A
number of other species, e.g., Osprey, Barn Swallow, . . . Much more to be
seen at this site: expect Indigo Bunting, Catbird (heard), possible Blue
Grosbeak, possible Oriole, nuthatches if you reach pines, . . .
One Collared Dove on wire between telephone poles at beginning of Bull's
Lane.
*****
Fields from Onancock south with standing water from recent rain held many
shorebirds. For those where I stopped, had White Ibis (Capeville and
fly-over at Machipongo--that from E to W), Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone. Most
shorebirds seen were flocks (Dunlin-like) in flight as I cruised non-stop
to S on Hwy 13--State Police as active as Dunlin (hyperbole).
*****
No doubt about this being tick haven.
David Matson
--
David Matson
Suffolk and Onancock, Virginia
