I spent this afternoon walking the Jericho Ditch. I was almost continually
surrounded by Robins, and amongst these flocks were good numbers of Red-winged
Blackbirds. I also found many Cedar Waxings and Rusty Blackbirds moving around
and feeding on berries with the other birds. Excellent views of six Hermit
Thrush, and I counted over 30 Swamp Sparrows. Other sparrows included: Towhee
(many), Fox, Song, Dark-Eyed Junco, and White-throated. I came across two
Eastern Phoebes and nine Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, although I couldn't find any
Golden-Crowned. Gray Catbirds seemed to be enjoying berries along with
everyone else, and I was kind of surprised to see atleast three Red-headed
Woodpeckers as I have never seen them in this part of the swamp before. I was
really happy to see three Purple Finches, I had been hoping for some today but
wasn't counting on it. Three Wild Turkey were feeding in the road and I heard
an Eastern Screech Owl at 4:00 p.m. Finally, my luckiest sighting was two
Bobcats sitting and cleaning themselves in the middle of the road! I really
got some nice views until I was noticed and the pair creeped off into the
woods. Now I must go and study, but what an afternoon!
Nick Flanders
Newport News
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