Hello Birders,
Richmond Audubon led a trip to Curles Neck Farm in eastern Henrico on
Sunday. Curles Neck is the feature property in a series of plantation
farms that makes the upper reaches of the tidal James River excellent for
winter waterfowl.
During our visit to the farm we sorted through thousands of Canada Geese
and maybe 2,000 Lesser Snow Geese. We managed to find one Ross's Goose and
approximately 12 Cackling Geese (Richardson's). A pair of the Cackling
Geese (photo; a male and female based on size) participated in brief
courtship activities.
Among 72 species, other highlights included 4 Tundra Swans, 3 Vesper
Sparrows, Rusty Blackbirds and a few birds that were pretty good candidates
for Cave Swallows but snuck by before field marks could be gathered.
After the trip a group reported a Northern Goshawk while on their way out
of the farm. Curles Neck is private and not open to independent visitors.
The eBird checklist includes a few photos from the trip:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S25844502
Good birding,
Ellison
--
Ellison Orcutt
Birder/Naturalist
Richmond, Va
Cell: (804) 339-6976
Mr.EllyO@xxxxxxxxx
