----- Original Message -----
From: Clark
VSO Virginia Beach
Despite less than desirable weather, thirty-three hardy birders made the trek
to Virginia Beach for the annual VSO Field trip - December 5-7, 200d. The
weekend
of birding began for 14 birders at the Whitehurst Tract in Virginia Beach on
a windy, overcast Friday afternoon. Raptors were the feature this afternoon
with all three resident Falcons - Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, and American
Kestrel - seen along with Sharp-shinned Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The
Peregrine Falcon was seen harassing a large group of Green-winged Teal. Other
birds of note were White -crowned Sparrow and Virginia Rail. In all, 32 species
were seen or heard at the Whitehurst Tract.
The Friday evening visit to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum was both a
visual and gastronomic delight. Thanks go the our hosts Tom and Karen Beatty
and the members of the Back Bay Bird Club for a very enjoyable evening.
Saturday morning found 23 bundled-up birders on the tram trip at Back Bay
NWR. Windy and cold conditions made for a brisk tram ride. Due to insufficient
tram battery power, we were unable to visit False Cape State Park. This had the
effect of greatly reducing the number of small birds seen. Overall 46 species
were seen at Back Bay NWR. Highlights were both Swans, Lesser Black-backed
Gull, and 2 Glossy Ibis.
Sunday morning arrived with unusual weather conditions - sunshine! That was
tempered by the gale force winds - up to nearly 60 mph on the CBBT.
Nevertheless bird activity on the CBBT Islands was outstanding for the birders.
A great total of 32 species were observed. Best sighting of the day was a
Black-legged Kittiwake seen with a small group of Bonaparte's Gulls from Island
4. Other species of note were a first year male Common Eider, a striking male
Harlequin Duck, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, a drake Common Goldeneye, all 3
Scoter species, a red Fox Sparrow, an American Pipit, and a Snow Bunting.
A total of 82 species were seen on the weekend, down from last year because
we did not get to False Cape State Park, but still a good weekend of birding
considering the weather conditions.
The success of any VSO field trip is largely due to the field trip leaders.
Thanks go to David Hughes for his great leadership of all the weekend field
trips this year.
Mark your calendar for next year's VSO Virginia Beach field trip - December
3-5, 2004. See you there.
Clark White
Please include my e-mail address.I welcome any inquiries.
Clark
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