While at the Dismal Swamp Birding Festival yesterday, I heard from Nick
Flanders that there was at least one singing Nelson's Sparrow at the Ragged
Island WMA marshes, so I stopped by the marshes this morning. Thankfully, the
wind was fairly calm. Four Nelson's Sparrows were singing, three to the east of
the boardwalk and one to the west. At least six Seaside Sparrows were also
singing and one adult Red-headed Woodpecker was visible. Other interesting
birds included a Yellow Warbler, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a Clapper Rail that
came out into the open.
Elisa Enders
Portsmouth, VA
