A breeding plumage male LAZULI BUNTING was reported this morning from a
private residential neighborhood on the northern edges of Kilmarnock,
Lancaster County, lower Northern Neck. The couple that reported it said it
was similar to a bluebird but had two white wing bars, a white belly, light
gray undertail coverts and a small black bill. The bird didn't hang around
long enough for them to take photos and hasn't been seen since. I spent an
hour in the area soon after noon without any luck. I don't have permission
to post the exact location and it is all private property but I thought I
ought to post this second-hand report so that others could be on the look
out. The Gold Book states that the last time this species was seen in
Virginia was October 9, 1975, so the timing is at least plausible. Can
anyone tell me the expected state of molt at this date?
Tom Saunders
Kilmarnock
