Today, about noon, I visited the Hermitage grounds in Norfolk to do a bit
of birding. Between the main entrance and the little bridge that looks out
over the water I saw what I first imagined was a rufous sided towee,
because it was scratching backwards on the ground with both feet. But it
was much smaller, had a black and white striped head and distinct bright
yellow spectacles, as well as a broad white throat patch. It was a white
throated sparrow, a bird I have not seen before. It remained where it was
for some time, just jumping from twig to twig on a small bush. I did not
have my camera at the time. This is a life bird for me.
To find the Hermitage Museum get on Hampton Blvd, come past ODU towards the
base and turn left onto North Shore Rd. The museum is located just around
the bend of the loch.
Christina Birdsong
Norfolk VA
