I birded down at Kerr Reservoir in Mecklenburg County today. Dick Cross WMA
was very active with good numbers of kinglets, mostly RUBY-CROWNED. The common
sparrows were numerous as well. I had 8 species with the best being a late
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and an immature WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Other highlights
there included 2 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, one which was singing, 3 PALM WARBLERS
(all yellow/eastern) and 4 AMERICAN PIPITS flying over and calling. The
winter birds have arrived as I enjoyed several HERMIT THRUSHES, YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS and DARK-EYED JUNCOS.
Overall, the reservoir around the dam was quiet . Most of the activity was at
Palmer Point where I encountered an adult RED-THROATED LOON and 15 COMMON
LOONS. Also there were 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS that were working the muddy
shoreline. Two HERRING GULLS were loafing there as well. The water level was
extremely low today. I've never seen it that low but it made it easier to
scope the open water, especially at Palmer Point. Wonder if it will be like
that all winter?
Adam D'Onofrio
Dinwiddie Co.
