With obligations after work, I haven't had much time to spend looking for
migrants this week. However, this morning, while at taking a break from work in
Portsmouth, I heard a Blue Grosbeak singing and saw and heard (singing) an
Orchard Oriole. Yesterday, a Northern Parula and a Great-crested Flycatcher
were also heard.
I failed to post about the Weyanoke walk this past Saturday. There was nothing
found that was unexpected, but a male Hooded Warbler provided excellent looks,
a Black-and-white Warbler was heard and seen (briefly), Yellow-rumped Warblers
were seen well and in full song, and at least one each Northern Parula and Pine
Warbler were singing. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are back as well (seen last
month too). Hermit Thrushes are still around, but Veeries, Swainson's Thrushes,
etc. have not arrived yet.
This past Saturday night, a Chuck-wills-widow was heard along Old Mill Road (in
Isle of Wight County, if I read the map correctly), south of Route 460 and west
of the Route 460 exit off Route 58.
Also, on Sunday, David Hughes led a Cape Henry Audubon trip to the Canal Trail
and Douglas Road, on the east side of the Dismal Swamp. We did not find any
unusual birds, but had great looks at few species and enjoyed ourselves. A
Swainson's Warbler was heard singing along Douglas Road.
Wish I hadn't missed the Blue-winged Warbler yesterday.
Elisa Flanders
Portsmouth, VA
