I couldn't get out yesterday due to Irene but was able to make my way to Kerr
Reservoir at daybreak this morning where I was eventually joined by Paul Glass.
Five species of terns were seen from the overlook south of the dam which
included 3-4 ROYAL TERNS, 1 COMMON TERN, 3 FORSTER'S TERNS, 3 CASPIAN TERNS and
5 BLACK TERNS. Not much else of note down there. We then traveled to Staunton
View Park where we bumped into Ryan Kelley who pointed out the continuing
MARBLED GODWIT. The TRICOLORED HERON is still there and an immature LITTLE
BLUE HERON was noted. WHITE IBIS numbers have diminished to about 8 birds. In
the shorebird category, an adult AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was on the big flat
opposite the parking lot. A few other "good" shorebirds were far upriver today
including a stunning BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER working the edge of the grassy
flat. Seems I always use the word stunning to describe this bird because
that's what comes to mind. Also upriver was a pair of STILT SANDPIPERS among
the yellowlegs, pectorals and dowitchers (presumably Short-billed?). Up to a
dozen BLACK TERNS were gracefully working the shorelines. Good birding.
Adam D'Onofrio
Dinwiddie Co.
