I visited Hog Island WMA in Surry Co. this morning. Water levels are still
rather high and shorebird habitat was limited. However, there were some
shorebirds scattered around the area which included KILLDEER, SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, both YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED, PECTORAL, LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS.
Terns seen included a dozen LEAST TERNS and several CASPIAN TERNS. I guess the
most unusual bird of the day was an AMERICAN COOT in the first impoundment.
Wondering if this is a really early bird or one that has spent the summer? Also
somewhat early was a female NORTHERN SHOVELER at the north end. A juvenile
TRICOLORED HERON was also at the north end. I pasted a link to a photo of the
unseasonal coot below. Good birding.
Adam D'Onofrio
Dinwiddie Co.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39668089@N05/6009758127/in/photostream ;
