Ty Smith and I took a very cold walk today at Holliday Lake State Park,
located in eastern Appomattox County, to search for the female LONG-TAILED
DUCK which has been hanging out on the lake here for over almost two months
now. We were surprised by the high species diversity
(it's been extremely quiet here the past few months) as well as the weather
which seemed to get colder and then started lightly snowing. Beach
area highlights included a pair of MALLARDS dabbling in Saunder's Creek
cove, a couple RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES calling from the pines, and a few
woodpecker species near the boat ramp including a HAIRY WOODPECKER. We
walked along Lakeshore Trail about half a mile to Northridge Overlook where
the duck was usually seen. We easily found the LTDU swimming and diving
near the overlook since the upper portion of the lake (Holliday Creek cove)
was entirely frozen. She was in the company of 3 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 2
REDHEAD, 1 CANVASBACK, and 1 LESSER SCAUP. These are all incredible species
for this area, especially since waterfowl have been fairly scarce so far
this season, and to see them all together in one spot was amazing. Both the
COGOs and REDHs have only been seen in both counties only couple times
before today. The ducks moved slowly across the lake toward Forbes Creek
cove as soon as we got to Northridge Overlook.
Note: the county line between Appomattox and Buckingham runs through the
center of the lake; any birds seen near or against the far shore while at
the overlook are technically in Buckingham County. Some digi-scoped photos
were obtained.
Appomattox List: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52268912
Buckingham List: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52268916
A PINE WARBLER, fairly uncommon this time of year, was also seen at the
overlook with an EASTERN PHOEBE and HERMIT THRUSH. Hoping the cold weather
drops even more ducks in our area soon. Holliday Lake State Park is open
8:00 am - 4:30 pm through February, and a $4.00 parking fee is required at
all times.
Evan Spears
Farmville, VA
