Hi VA Birders,
Allow me to add to the reports from the Hampton/Norfolk/VA Beach area over
the weekend. Tom Hardman and started early on Sunday by walking Grandview
Natural Preserve in Hampton. Highlights of the walk included: many loons of
both species; Common Goldeneye (4 including 1 male head bobbing for the
ladies); Long-tailed Ducks (2); close views of all 3 Scoter species
(including 5 White-winged); a lone Western Sandpiper and a handful of BB
Plovers amongst the Dunlin and Sanderlings; Bonaparte’s Gull (30, nothing
wild mixed in); many Gannets; and Savanna Sparrows. As we neared the point
after a long walk, the group of anticipated SNOW BUNTINGS flew directly
over us and settled perhaps a hundred yards back from where we had come. We
counted 14 birds in flight and were able to relocate them in the dunes on
the Back River side along Grundland Creek. While observing from a safe
distance, the group eventually took flight again and re-settled along the
second jetty back from where we had come (again). I thought I noticed a
non-bunting-like bird within the group of 14 while in flight. We relocated
the flock on the second jetty and were able to pick out 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS
that we scoped for some time. The second bird (an adult winter male?)
showed a more brightly patterned face and rufous nape. We spent longer than
expected at Grandview but it was a very productive morning. The Snow
Bunting was a long awaited Virginia Bird for me.
We then popped out to island #1 of the CBBT and had lunch but not before
locating and admiring the 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS that had been reported. Such
awesome birds! It was also very rewarding continuing to watch this group
from the resto window. We ran into others from the various birding groups
out that day and exchanged sightings a bit bummed that we couldn’t access
the rest of the islands to re-find their goodies. No evidence of the Common
Eiders on island #1 but we did have close range views of all 3 Scoters, 24
Long-tailed Ducks, RB Mergs, Purple Sands and plenty of Gannets.
We spent about an hour and a half at Pleasure House Point before having to
(unfortunately) pull the plug at 3:30. 40+ Brant were highlights as was a
Sedge Wren, Pine Warb, several Osprey and a few additional duck species on
the day. I’m fairly certain we did briefly observe the Western Tanager
while at the spot with a smattering of other birders, but I didn’t get the
bill to clinch the ID. It will go down as unrecorded but I noticed it was
observed later in the day near the same spot. We ended the day with some
great year birds, a few lifers for Tom and a total of 17 duck species
(minus both Scaup species, Redhead, etc.).
Cheers,
Will McPhail
Washington, DC
