All,
I am forwarding, with the permission of the original sender, a report
originally posted on the informal Northern Neck Audubon Society bird
wire: "Spotted two anhingas at a small marshy pond on Betts Bottom Rd.
which is between Heathsville and Burgess. They are a little north of
their usual territory which is usually North Carolina south to Florida
and all along the Gulf Coast. Attached are a few photographs I was able
to get. It was in the late afternoon on May 1st. Thanks, Richard
Davis"
Luckily, Mr Davis was able to take several excellent photos of the birds
and there is no doubt of the ID. In a follow up email he told me he
"went by Betts Bottom Pond the next night and they were still there.
They seemed to be there in the late evening around 5:30 or 6:00. I
haven't seen them since but they could still be around. If I see them
again I'll let you know and hopefully you can come out and take a look.
I'll keep you posted."
I don't have a handy site on which I can post the photos (volunteers?)
but anyone who wants a copy need only write and I'll send them on their
way.
For anyone intending to go look for the birds, Betts Bottom Road is
perhaps three miles east of Heathsville, the county seat. It's all
private property, so be mindful of where you park, please.
Tom Saunders
Kilmarnock and Cape Charles