I managed to get to Homestead and Peach Roads in the Sunray (also called Bowers
Hill by some) section of Chesapeake for a little bit before dark, this
afternoon. I was daydreaming about the Fork-tailed Flycatcher at work today, so
I thought I better make sure the bird wasn't around (probably have better odds
of winning the state lottery!). Of course, dreams must remain dreams, but a few
Eastern Kingbirds and a Eastern Wood-Pewee, that I hoped would remain silent
(so I could try to turn it into a Willow Flycatcher), but it refused to remain
silent, provided a few flycatchers. Also, a Northern Bobwhite sang from a tree,
but was well hidden! A family each of Eastern Bluebirds and Blue Grosbeaks were
obliging and allowed good views. The Dickcissel made an appearance and sang
from a dead tree, next to the power line along Peach Road, about a tenth of a
mile east of the intersection with Hertz Road. At about 9pm, an American
Woodcock flew by at close range. This was along Peach Road, near the
intersection with Homestead Road.
A nice variety of frogs, toads, and dragonflies were present. Eastern
Narrow-mouthed Toads, Cricket Frogs (Southern by range?), Squirrel Treefrogs,
Cope's Gray Treefrogs, and Pine Woods Treefrogs were present, I believe. I am
still learning to ID them. A swarm (~40) of dragonflies present appeared to
mostly be Green Darners, I believe. Lighting was poor at the time I saw them.
Also, a correction to my description of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher seen in this
area on 6/18/11. I thought the bird had yellowish markings on its forehead, but
upon viewing the bird through a spotting scope and looking at pictures of the
bird, I realized I mistook light brown tones for yellow. I goofed!
Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA
