Stopped by Ragged Island WMA on my way to Surry Co. this morning. Not much
to add to Stephen Living's earlier report, lots of sparrows but the only ones
who would let me look were Songs and Swamps. A nice view of a Northern
Harrier, and I was able to spot two Surf Scoters on the James River.
Headed to Hog Island WMA from there. Stopped by the Carlisle Tract first,
plenty of sparrows in the power line right-of-ways. Lots of Song Sparrows and
White-throats, and I also found a few Swamp Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and a
Palm Warbler. Fifteen Wood Ducks flew overhead.
The large sign on Hog Island Road said that the Hog Island Tract was
closed, but it was actually open, as it will be on Sundays only through the
rest of the winter. There were several large rafts of waterfowl on the first
lake, but unfortunately most of them were beyond the range of my binoculars and
were left unidentified. There was a group of Northern Shovelers who were very
cooperative, and other species included Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck (50+), and
Green-Winged Teal. Alot of sparrows around this area as well, but nothing
different. In the pine woods I found some great looking Pine Warblers, a Brown
Creeper, a Common Yellowthroat, and several Golden-Crowned Kinglets. The
biggest miss was Bald Eagle, I did not see a single one all day, definately a
first for me on a trip to Hog Island. Take care.
Nick Flanders, Newport News.
_________________________________________________________________
Boo! Scare away worms, viruses and so much more! Try Windows Live OneCare!
http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/purchase/trial.aspx?s_cid=wl_hotmailnews
