I figured I'd check the farm fields for shorebirds after the past couple days
of rain, hoping for new species for my "Great Bridge Green Birding Challenge."
I found 4 adult breeding-plumage Long-billed Dowitchers in the flooded fields
along Blue Ridge Rd in Chesapeake (luckily they vocalized as they flew in!).
While I was watching them I also noticed a Wilson's Snipe feeding nearby in the
muddy stubble area, very close to me near the roadside ditch.
The birds were there when I left. The location is: from Centerville Turnpike Rd
go east on Blue Ridge Rd. Continue past Bedford Rd, and past the wooded creek
crossing (thin band of trees). As the road bends (before the lone house, and
before Carter Rd), on the left side there are fields that are muddy. Killdeer
tend to hang out there, so listening for them is the best clue to location.
These two species were #89 and #90 "green birds" since July 1 and I couldn't
ask for a better #90 than a snipe. But I doubt I can get to 100 before I leave
in a week, unless I get some north winds!
Diana
Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
Facebook.com/Birding.Aboard
