I birded Grandview Nature Preserve and some nearby roads in Hampton this
morning, 4/25/09, for the Hampton Roads Bird Club's Spring Bird Count. A few
singing Marsh Wrens were joined by two Sedge Wrens around dawn in the marsh
along the entrance path leading to the Chesapeake Bay. Lingering waterfowl
included Buffleheads, 1 Common and 1 Red-throated Loon, 6 Gadwall at a nearby
pond and, much to my surprise, a flock of 112 Brant.
There were some fun mixed flocks of shorebirds on the Beach, comprised
mostly of Sanderlings and Dunlin with smaller numbers of Willet, Ruddy
Turnstone, Black-Bellied Plover, and Peeps: Least, Semipalmated, and a single
White-rumped Sandpiper. Spotted Sandpiper and Greater Yellowlegs were also
observed. I counted 9 Least Terns during the morning, and the salt marsh
towards the north point of the beach held Seaside Sparrows and Clapper Rails.
I also stumbled across a stunning, adult male Yellow Warbler that was singing
in a yard along Hall Road. Take care,
Nick Flanders.
Newport News.
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