I drove down to the Sandy River Reservoir this afternoon, but the Greater
White-fronted Geese were a no-show. There were no more than 10 Canada Geese
when I was there and they didn't stay long (possibly because of hunters).
The Horned Grebes and Common Goldeneyes were still there, however. Most
were quite far out on the water. Totals were as follows (most numbers are
appropriate):
1. Blue Jay - 1
2. Greater Scaup - 10
3. Bald Eagle - 1 (immature. At times standing on the ice, circling the
reservoir, and calling)
4. Hooded Merganser - 31
5. Ruddy Duck - 12
6. Ring-billed Gull - 15
7. Bufflehead - 6
8. Redhead - 1 (male)
9. Gadwall - 12
10. Common Goldeneye - 2 (females)
11. Common Loon - 3 (one standing on the shore by the bridge. First time
I've ever seen one on land)
12. Belted Kingfisher - 1
13. Horned Grebe - 2
14. Red-breasted Merganser - 12
15. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler - 2
16. American Crow - 1
17. Song Sparrow - 1
18. Canvasback - 30
19. American Black Duck - 8
20. Mallard - 150
21. Great Blue Heron - 1
(the ABDU's and the MALL's were all at the end of Gates-Basse Road)
Alyssa Freeman
Henrico Co.
