Hey all, Tom Saunders was kind enough to share his expertise and show me around
his stomping grounds on the lower Northern Neck, and I was impressed with the
bird activity in Northumberland Co. on another hot day. Hughlett Point NAP
held some notable species, including the lingering Horned Grebe which Tom first
spotted in early July. Among a mixed flock of gulls and terns at the south end
of the beach was a single Sandwich Tern, rare this far up the Bay. The
presence of numbers of vocal Common Terns was also a treat and the Least Tern
colony appeared active, please follow all posted signs to minimize disturbance
to this sensitive species. Migratory shorebirds were represented by 3 Least
Sandpipers, 4 Greater Yellowlegs, and 3 Spotted Sandpipers .
The temp.s were really starting to rise by the time we reached Dameron Marsh
NAP, and most of the shorebirds were too far to ID, although atleast 1
Dowitcher was present. The highlight here was a great look at a Tricolored
Heron, both in the marsh and in flight.
Thanks Tom! I'm looking forward to my next birding trip to that part of the
Chesapeake Bay waterfront.
Nick Flanders.
Newport News.
