VA BIRDers,
Chip Johnston and I paddled out into Dyke Marsh early this morning. It was a
pleasant trip on a smooth river, albeit a bit humid. I noted several groups
of Red-winged Blackbirds southbound past the marina as we set out. Swallows
seem to be building at Dyke with nearly a dozen Rough-winged Swallows mixed in
with the Barn Swallow crowd at the boat launch. The first Purple Martin of
the month was noted - I hope their numbers are recovering from the effects of
the spring '03 big freeze in the inland portions of the mid-Atlantic. A Yellow
Warbler still sang from the island near the marina. Osprey young were out
flying and calling quite loudly this morning. We noted an adult Osprey carring
a
still golden-yellow carp, banking closely by a perched bird-of-the-year. I
guess it was fishing lesson time.
As we paddled to the southern entrance to the Big Gut we noted many Eastern
Kingbirds in the few trees dotting the river's edge of the marsh. I am sure
many were this year's breeders, but a few could be transients. Yet, one of the
most interesting sightings of this species was a pair feeding young in nest
inside the Big Gut - we could just barely see the heads of the nestlings (must
be small) - this would be one of the latest breeding records of Tyrannus
tyrannus in Virginia.
During the trip we encountered our first (female) Belted Kingfisher in the
Big Gut. Soon, after a few bends in the "road" we came across our first Least
Bittern. Nearby was a second. They both seemed to be hatch year birds or
really dull adult females. Another bend, a Marsh Wren sang nearby, and then a
very
dull hatch year Least Bittern flew over the cattails. We paddled on; another
Marsh Wren; a Common Yellowthroat still sang - and the next stretch produced
an adult male Least Bittern - still fairly bright orange on the dorsal parts.
We noted a single Barn Swallow nest - empty - under the foot bridge of the
bicycle trail. On our return trip we studied the Eastern Kingbird nest +
parents
at length and later came across an Eastern Phoebe - dispersal or migrant?
On the way back to the marina a Spotted Sandpiper flew centimeters above the
water from one muddy beach to another. We rounded the bend of trees that marks
the northern edge of Pipeline Bay and noted a skulking Brown Thrasher - Chip
and I noted one at this location in June and so breeding is clearly probable.
The second Belted Kingfisher was noted, a male perched upon a fallen tree at
the water's edge near the Little Gut. I saw another Great Egret and, when
marking it down on my notes, totaled that the marsh was dotted with eight
widely
separated Great Egrets. The push had clearly started for this species, the big
numbers from up north will be down here in a few weeks.
After work I scoped Hunting Creek Bay for waterfowl. One of the Lesser Scaup
pairs were still present, clearly into molt. I don't think these birds are
going too far too soon!
Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Belle Haven Marina, fast by Dyke Marsh.
Ask Chip about the road you want to take.
Kurt Gaskill
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