Nick Flanders and I briefly visited the Jericho Ditch entrance to the Dismal
Swamp this morning from about 6:30 to 9:30 am. Quite a bit of time was spent
along the entrance road. Two birds flew by very early...sounding much like
White-winged Crossbills (kind of a rapid "jit, jit, jit" to me, although Nick
may have a better description). We listened to recordings out in the field, and
I listened to a few more after getting home. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot
of experience with flyby crossbills, and thought that they could be Reds at
first, but now feel fairly certain they were white-wings. The birds were seen
briefly in flight and poor light. They appeared heavier than goldfinches. A few
Purple Finches were seen as well, also giving their "tick" note, along with a
vireo-like note. A Blue-headed Vireo was heard in partial song along the
entrance road as well. A robin flock feeding in the road held White-throated
Sparrows, a Fox Sparrow, and a handful of Rusty Blackbirds (some were singing
from treetops while others were on the road). Hermit Thrushes were out in good
numbers. Two Orange-crowned Warblers were found too. All expected woodpeckers
were found, including Red-headed Woodpecker. We headed south from the parking
lot (a few Rusties were there too) and heard a White-eyed Vireo. It got quiet
later, but we saw several dragonflies, near the intersection with Lynn Ditch.
We had good looks at one. I was thinking Ruby or Cherry-faced Meadowhawk, but
I'm not sure if they occur here and it is late. Autumn (formerly Yellow-legged)
seems more likely according to Beaton's guide to SE dragonflies and damsels,
but I have no experience with these species. Would love to hear opinions.
Forgot to mention that an Orange-crowned Warbler was seen at Back Bay
yesterday. Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA
