Virginia Birds. Volume 9, Number 2 Fall Records August November 2012

Transcription

1 Virginia Birds A Quarterly Journal of Ornithological Sightings in the Commonwealth Published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology Volume 9, Number 2 Fall Records August November 2012 Volume 9, Number 3 Winter Records December February 2013

2 Editors' Notes The presence of a number of irruptive species was noted in several Regions in the fall and across all Regions during the winter period with observations of Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Crossbills and Evening Grosbeak. The only notable weather events were Hurricanes Sandy and Isaac. While the former had a devastating impact on some parts of the East Coast, Virginia was largely spared. Good Birding, Alan and Linda On the Cover: This photo of the Chincoteague Black-tailed Godwit was taken 6 October 2012 by Steve Baranoff. Publisher Virginia Society of Ornithology Printed on recycled paper Editors Linda Fields Alan Schreck vsoeditors@comcast.net Regional Editors Fred Atwood Lenny Bankester Adam D Onofrio Wendy Ealding Clyde Kessler Lynda Mayhorn Roger Mayhorn C. Michael Stinson Bill Williams Terms and Abbreviations Species name in bold first time mentioned (RARITIES bold and all caps) County names are in italics Abbreviations: ad. (ads.) adult(s) BBS breeding bird survey CBC Christmas Bird Count Cr. Creek et al. and others f. female fide vouched by FOS First of Season Ft. Fort Gold Book Virginia's Birdlife, An Annotated Checklist. Virginia Avifauna No. 7, Fourth Edition, Hwy. Highway I. Island(s), Isle(s) imm. (imms.) immature(s) Jct. Junction juv. (juvs.) juvenile(s) L. Lake MAPS Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship m. male m. obs many/multiple observers Mt. Mountain, Mount NWR National Wildlife Refuge ph. photographed (by + initials) Pt. Point R. River Res. Reservoir Rte. Route SF State Forest SP State Park VARCOM Virginia Avian Records Committee VDGIF Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries VSO Virginia Society of Ornithology WMA Wildlife Management Area VARCOM Review List Bird written details submitted * specimen collected Submissions Send reports and photographs to the Regional Editors. Photographs should be the highest electronic quality possible. Send with release form, which can be found on the VSO web site: www. virginiabirds.net Articles for consideration can be sent to vsoeditors@comcast.net Page 2 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

3 Season Summer (Jun Jul) Fall (Aug Nov) Winter (Dec Feb) Spring (Mar May) Reports Due to Regional Editors 15 Aug 15 Dec 15 Mar 15 Jun Virginia Birds Regions Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 3

4 North Fall Reporting Period August November 2012 Editor Lenny Bankester 5615 Chase Court Alexandria, VA Arlington, Culpepper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas and Manassas Park. No report received. West Editor Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 Radford, VA Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Bath Rockbridge, Botetourt Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. Two Snow Geese were found at McCune s Pond in Fishersville, Augusta 30 Oct (VL & GM) and 47 flying over the library at Virginia Tech, Montgomery provided a new local peak count 13 Nov (CK). Two Ross s Geese were found on the New River at Parrott, Pulaski 17 Nov (DH). A Tundra Swan was at Massadoah, Shenandoah 16 Nov (CF), two were at Willow L., Rockbridge Nov (JP, RR, et.al) and one was seen flying over the hawk watch site on Afton Mountain, Augusta 24 Nov (GM). On a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge 26 Blue-winged Teal were found 4 Sep (KD, BK, JP and MS). A Northern Shoveler was seen near New Castle, Craig 28 Sep (BK). Three were present on the New River downstream of Radford University s Dedmon Center 4 Nov (CK). A Canvasback was seen at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 5 Nov (GM) and one was at Greenville L., Botetourt 21 Nov (BK). Scaup observations were of 20 Greater Scaup at Willow L., Rockbridge 4 Nov (RR) and 65 Lesser Scaup were on Claytor L., Pulaski 18 Nov (CK). Nine Surf Scoters were at L. Frederick, Frederick Oct (DC & WL). Two were present at Willow L., Rockbridge Oct (JP, ph. RR). On 25 Nov 91 Hooded Mergansers provided a new peak count for Augusta (AL). Ten Ruddy Ducks were at L. Laura, Shenandoah 30 Oct (ET). Pied-billed Grebe reports were of 20 at Willow L., Rockbridge 13 Oct (RR); 7 at Murray s Pond, Roanoke; 15 at Greenville L., Botetourt 1 Nov (BK); and 27 at Claytor L., Pulaski 18 Nov (CK). At the Afton Mountain Hawk Watch 252 Double-crested Cormorants were tallied on 2 Nov (VL, GM, & RT). Additional reports were from L. Frederick 30 Oct (DC), and 27 at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 30 Oct (DL). Fifteen Great Egrets were observed at Parrott, Pulaski 7 Aug (CK). More than forty seen in Blacksburg provided a new peak count for Montgomery (AT) and 54 recorded on 9 Oct in Rockbridge provided a new high count for the Mountains and Valley Region of the state. Six Little Blue Herons were seen at Parrott 19 Aug (RC & CK). An immature Black-crowned Night-Heron was photographed at Willow L., Rockbridge 14 Aug (RR). An adult was seen at Bisset Park in Radford 9 Sep (CK). One was found at Wetzel s Pond, Shenandoah 5 Oct (ET) and another was observed 29 Nov on the South River Greenway Trail in Waynesboro, Augusta (WC & MF). An immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was seen on Page 4 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

5 the South River Greenway Trail, Waynesboro 26 Aug (WR), one was found along Blue Grass Trail Road, Rockbridg 28 Aug (DL), and one was at the Roanoke River Greenway, Roanoke 20 Sep (KD). A Swallow-tailed Kite was photographed in the town of Pulaski 7 Aug (SB). As many as four were present near Oxford Church, Rockbridge 10 Aug 8 Sep (m. obs). One to two Mississippi Kites were found often with the Swallow-tailed Kites in the same area of Rockbridge August (m. obs). A Northern Goshawk was observed in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 1 Oct (BT). A Roughlegged Hawk was found Nov in Lynhurst, Augusta (m. obs) and another in Swoope, Augusta 18 Nov (AL). A Sandhill Crane was photographed at Willow L., Rockbridge 5 Sep (RR) and six were observed at the Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 11 Nov (WL). An American Avocet was observed and photographed at Willow L Sep (RR et.al). An American Golden Plover was found 13 Sep in Fishersville, Augusta (BL & HL), and one was in Rockingham 21 Sep (WL). Two Semipalmated Plovers were seen at a farm pond on Old Farm Rd., Rockbridge 4 Sep (JP) and the same pond held 5 Semipalmated Sandpipers and one Western Sandpiper 4 Sep (KD, BK, JP & MS). Later that day 2 Least Sandpipers and one Pectoral Sandpiper were also found there (JP). One Stilt Sandpiper was seen at McCormick Farm, Steeles Tavern, Augusta 1 Sep (RR), and one was also found at the sewage treatment ponds in Roanoke City 18 Sep (KD). An American Woodcock was at a farm pond near Dublin, Pulaski 8 Oct (CK) and one was on Wengers Mill Rd., Rockingham 13 Oct (MG). Tern sightings included 5 Common Terns at Willow L., Rockbridge 3 Oct (BK & JP); 3 Caspian Terns 17 Aug at Claytor L. (EB) and one at L. Frederick 30 Oct (DC); a Forster s Tern flying past the beach area of Claytor L. State Park 16 Aug (CK), one at L. Shenandoah 7 Oct (DL) and one at L. Frederick 30 Oct (DC). Six Yellow-billed Cuckoos were found 30 Aug at Stony Man Overlook, Skyline Drive, Page (TDa) and one Black-billed Cuckoo was reported from Skyline Drive 2 Aug (GM). Ten Red-headed Woodpeckers were in Shenandoah National Park, Warren 9 Sep (GK), and five in Swoope, Augusta (VL). A Merlin was seen on the Virginia Tech campus 16 Oct (CK). One was also seen in New Hope, Augusta 22 Oct (DM, GM & MM) and in Stuarts Draft 2 Nov (BT). Peregrine Falcons were reported (all single birds) from Wengers Mill Rd, Rockingham 9 Oct (MG), in Waynesboro18 Oct (PN) and at Riverview Park in Radford 28 Oct (CK). An Olive-sided Flycatcher was observed at Glen Alton, Giles 13 Sep (BK), another at Fenwick Mines, Craig 14 Sep (KD), one in Warren County 22 Sep (Btu), and one in Rockbridge 3 Oct (GT). Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were reported at Stuarts Draft 1 Sep (BT), in Shenandoah National Park 8 Sep (JF), along Judge Rye Rd, in the George Washington National Forest, Shenandoah) 8 Sep (ET), in Rockbridge (GT), and in Craig 26 Sep (KD). Philadelphia Vireo observations (all single birds) were from Union Springs Hollow L., Rockingham 16 Sep (WL); Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center, Botetourt 22 Sep (BK); Shenandoah River State Park, Warren 23 Sep (GK); Fenwick Mines, Craig 28 Sep (BK); Augusta Springs Wetland, Augusta 7 Oct (AC, BKe & AL); and Wolf Gap, Shenandoah 8 Oct (FA). Furnishing a new fall peak count for Augusta 65 Purple Martins were found in Stuarts Draft and Fishersville, 2 Aug (AL). On the same day 741 Barn Swallows were counted in Augusta, also providing a fall peak count (AL). Nine Veeries were found on Skyline Drive in the vicinity of Stony Man Overlook 30 Aug (TDa). A Snow Bunting was at Reddish Knob 4 7 Nov (m. obs) and one was at Willow L., Rockbridge Nov (RR & WT). Warblers of note were a Golden-winged Warbler at Fenwick Mines 10 Sep (WT); 4 Bay-breasted Warblers at Glen Alton 11 Sep (KD); 2 Canada Warblers on the BRPW, Augusta 2 Sep (VL) and singles at Fenwick Mines 12 Sep (WT), in Harrisonburg 12 Sep (DL), and in Shenandoah 2 Sep (ET); and a Wilson s Warbler at L. Frederick 19 Sep (WP) and one at Fenwick Mines 27 Sep (WT). Sparrow sightings included 2 American Tree Sparrows on the Luray Greenway, Page 31 Oct (CE), and a Nelson s Sparrow found at L. Shenandoah 4 Nov (VL). A Fox Sparrow was at McCormick Farm, Augusta 17 Oct (LR & RR), 10 were at Reddish Knob 7 Nov (EG & GM), six were at Fenwick Mines 20 Nov (KD), and eight were near Switzer L., Rockingham 23 Nov(GMo). Lincoln s Sparrows were reported near Fenwick Mines 7 Oct (KD), near Dublin 8 Oct (CK), along Wengers Mill Rd, Rockingham 9 Oct (MG), at Willow L., Rockbridge 20 Oct (JP), and at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 4 Nov (DW) most reports were of single birds. There were only a few reports of Rusty Blackbird in the Region: twenty at Willow L., Rockbridge 29 Oct (JP), one near New River Valley Airport, Pulaski 3 Nov (CK) and one on Third Battle of Winchester Biking and Hiking Path, Frederick 17 Nov (JL). Eight Purple Finches were visiting a feeder in Christiansburg, Montgomery 31 Oct (TD), and twelve were noted on Wengers Mill Rd. Rockingham 13 Oct (MG).There were several reports of Red Crossbills during September at Glen Alton,Giles with thirty on 15 Sept (CS). Seven were observed at Jeremy s Run Overlook on Skyline Drive 11 Nov (GK), and twelve were seen on Afton Mountain 4 Nov (GM). One White-winged Crossbill was found at Natural Bridge, Rockbridge 17 Nov (WT). Pine Siskins were found at L. Frederick 19 Oct (WP) and at feeders in Christiansburg, Montgomery 31 Oct (TD) both with counts of over 40 and more than 500 were tallied by several observers on 27 Oct in Augusta. One Evening Grosbeak was found in Staunton, Augusta 31 Oct (JK); six were at Weyers Cave, Augusta 8 Nov (MH), and one at Flying Fox Farm, Rockbridge 23 Nov (PK). Contributors: Frederick Atwood, Stan Bentley, Ed Burroughs, Ray Callahan, David Carr, Walt Childs, Kent Davis Tom Davis, Todd Day (TDa), Calvin Eanes, Marshall Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 5

6 Faintich, James Fox, Chris French, Eve Gaige Matthew Gingerich, Diane Holsinger, Mariannis Houff, Buck Kent (BKe), Clyde Kessler, Josephine King, Barry Kinzie, Phil Klingenhofer, Glenn Koppel, Allen Larner, Vic Laubach, William Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, Jon Little, Beth Lumadue, Harry Lumadue, Daniel Mapel, Gabriel Mapel, Mary Mapel, Greg Moyer (GMo), Peter Nebel, John Pancake, William Parkin, Wendy Richards, Lucy Rowe Richard Rowe, Casey Setash, Debra Stoner, Mike Stinson, Amy Tanner, Wes Teets, Brenda Tekin Rose Thomas, George Tolley, Ed Trelawny, Boyd Turner (Btu), David Wendelken. Central Editor C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania Counties; and the cities of Charolttesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. No report received. East Editor Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, Academic Drive Oakton, VA Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Matthews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Note that the northern and eastern shores of the Northern Neck overlook Maryland waters. Guest Editors: Sayed Malawi and Nicholas Newberry The data for this season s report were primarily gleaned from ebird and from postings on VSO s VA-Bird and Northern Neck Audubon Society s NNASnet. An impressive total of 222 species were observed in the Region this season including such exciting birds as a probable Ross s Goose X Snow Goose hybrid, White Pelican, Wood Stork, Hudsonian Godwit, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Baird s Sandpiper, Selasphorus hummingbird, Cave Swallow, Black-billed Cuckoo, Lark Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak and Red Crossbill. Because of the poor cone crop up north, the Region had large numbers of irruptive species such as Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins as well as some winter finches that are only rarely seen in the area such as Evening Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills. Hurricane Sandy delivered the first Regional record of Cave Swallow, but it did not blow in any unusual terns, gulls, or seabirds. Abbreviations: Beaverdam (Beaverdam Park, Gloucester); Belle Isle (Belle Isle State Park, Richmond); Bethel (Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve, Mathews); Birthplace (George Washington s Birthplace National Monument, Westmoreland); Colonial Beach (Colonial Beach, Westmoreland); Dameron (Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve, Northumberland); Dogue (Cleve Rd area, Dogue, King George); Hughlett (Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, Northumberland); K. G. Ponds (LaGrange La and private ponds along Route 3 near Sealston, King George); Leedstown (Leedstown, Westmoreland); New Point Comfort (New Point Comfort Reserve, Mathews); North Haven (North Haven Beach, Mathews); The Pocket (in Pamunkey Indian Reservation along Pamunkey River, King William); RRVNWR (Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge); South Haven (South Haven Beach, Mathews); Wilna (Wilna Unit of RRVNWR near Warsaw, Richmond); Windmill (Windmill Point Resort, Page 6 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

7 Lancaster); Woodbury (Woodbury Rd and turf farms stay on paved road, private, King William) WATERFOWL GREBES The first Snow Goose of the winter, a solitary blue morph in a flock of Canada Geese, was sighted at Lottsburg, Northumberland 4 Oct (SF). A probable Snow x Ross s Goose hybrid (ph. FA) and the only Cackling Goose of the fall combined for some excitement at a private farm near The Pocket 23 Nov (FA). The summering Tundra Swan at K. G. Ponds continued to be seen throughout the autumn (m obs) and the high count of this species was a flyover flock of 66 at Windmill 13 Nov (PD). Wood Duck counts peaked with 34 at Mercer Place, Lancaster 20 Oct (PD). The high count for Gadwall was a combined total of 455 for two locations at K. G. Ponds 30 Oct (FA). The 60 Blue-winged Teal in Dogue 8 Sep (FA) was, the second highest all-time count noted in ebird for the Region. The first Northern Shoveler was seen at K. G. Ponds 23 Sep (FA) and the high count was 32 at The Pocket 11 Nov (FA). Northern Pintail arrived late, with the first individual at Windmill 10 Nov (PD), but were noted in full force the next day, with 1150 at The Pocket (FA). The sole Canvasback of the season was right on schedule at K. G. Ponds 10 Nov (m. obs), while the only Redhead was at Beaverdam 26 Nov (G&RH). A pair of vanguard Ring-necked Duck scouted K. G. Ponds 25 Aug (FA), eventually followed by over a thousand birds, but the largest flock of 2100 elected to stay at a private farm near The Pocket 23 Nov (FA). The peak count of Greater Scaup was 30 at Beaverdam 26 Nov (G&RH), but they were outnumbered by the 200 Lesser Scaup at the same location 30 Nov (GG). Both species continue to appear in far lower numbers than in previous decades. It was a good fall for Black Scoter, with six sightings in Lancaster and Mathews including 10 at Bethel 29 Nov (G&RH). Bufflehead peaked towards the end of the season, with 160 at South Haven 29 Nov (G&RH). The only merganser of the fall was Hooded Merganser, with a high count of 100 at Beaverdam 26 Nov (G&RH). The same trip yielded an impressive 2000 Ruddy Duck, the peak count for the season. Northern Bobwhite snuck through four counties, never surpassing the count of eight at Suggett s Pt., Richmond 3 Sep (LA). Lancaster contributed the greatest count of Wild Turkey with 19 seen in a cornfield 11 Nov (PD). All five sightings of Red-throated Loon were from Mathews, including a high count of 10 at Bethel 23 Nov (DL). The high for Common Loons was 50, spread out in all directions This probable Snow Goose x Ross's Goose hybrid was at a private farm near The Pocket 23 Nov. Photograph by Fred Atwood. at Hughlett 31 Oct (TS). Pied-billed Grebe sightings increased even more this year, with 66 seen gathering at dusk at K. G. Ponds 30 Oct (FA). The three reports of Horned Grebe were from three different counties, including six at Bethel 23 Nov (DL). HERONS GULLS Windmill hosted the only three reports of Northern Gannet, with a peak of 15 on 3 Nov (PD). Doublecrested Cormorant flocked in Westmoreland with 1070 seen at Colonial Beach 30 Oct (FA). The high count of 154 Brown Pelican 29 Oct during Hurricane Sandy at Windmill (PD) is nearly twice the previous ebird all time high-count for the Region. A flock of 4 American White Pelicans at Dameron 9 Nov was a rare treat. Presumably the same four birds were seen later that day in Reedville, Northumberland (M&LJ). Two American Bitterns at Leedstown 23 Sep (FA) were the only ones reported in the Region this fall. Great Egret peaked at 24 in King William 2 Sep (AB), while Snowy Egret reached a high of just four at New Point Comfort 1 Sep (DY). Three single Little Blue Herons were reported: Hughlett 5 Aug (AB), King William 25 Aug (m. obs), and Mathews 9 Sep (G&RH). One of the most exciting finds was a well-described Wood Stork feeding in a puddle in the cemetery at the corner of Courthouse Rd and Davis Mill Rd., Lancaster 24 Aug (EA). Osprey was reported through early Nov, the last report being four in Gloucester 8 Nov (G&RH). Mathews was once again the Clapper Rail champion of the Eastern Virginia Conference, with 20 seen 19 Oct Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 7

8 (AB, ABr), while King William won the Sora division with 25 calling from marshes along the Pamunkey River 29 Sep (ABr), edging out the 17 counted at Leedstown 23 Sep (FA), and nearly matching the all-time high of 26. Two thousand American Coot enlivened the reservoir at Beaverdam 12 Nov (G&RH), matching last year s high at the same location. A high of 14 Blackbellied Plover enjoyed the low tide at Bethel 19 Oct (G&RH). American Golden-Plover was reported seven times from 25 Aug 23 Sep; all were individuals, except for a group of five at Hughlett 26 Aug (LS). Ninety Killdeer at Leedstown 8 Sep (FA), was the high count for the season, but was only a fifth of the all time season high. A Willet was unusually far up the Northern Neck, with possibly the same individual being seen at two different points at Colonial Beach, 30 Oct (FA). Dogue produced 90 Lesser Yellowlegs 25 Aug (FA), the season peak, and tying the all-time ebird high. A flock of 16 Hudsonian Godwits early in the morning at K. G. Ponds 25 Aug constituted only the fifth report of the species in the Region in the last 20 years (FA). Fifteen Ruddy Turnstones at Bethel was impressive for this Region 19 Oct (G&RH). The high counts for Sanderling, 26 at Bethel 19 Oct (G&RH), and Semipalmated Sandpiper, 20 at Old Garden Road, Mathews 9 Sep (G&RH), were both down from last year. Western Sandpiper was reported just once: 5 Sep at Woodbury (AB). Also at Woodbury was the highest number of Least Sandpipers this fall, 30 seen 29 Aug (AB). The only Baird s Sandpiper was in a flock with other peeps at Woodbury 25 Aug (FA). Fifteen Pectoral Sandpipers made up the high count for the species 8 Sep Woodbury (m. obs). Bethel contributed the peak of 73 Dunlin 1 Nov (G&RH), which is below average for a seasonal high. While many shorebird species seemed to suffer this fall, it was a remarkable season for Stilt Sandpiper with five reports from Dogue and Woodbury including a surprising high of 14 at Dogue 25 Aug (FA), easily the all-time high for a species with only six prior ebird reports in the Region. An all time Regional ebird high of five Buff-breasted Sandpipers in Woodbury 6 Sep (G&RH) topped the tables for the species over four reports, all at this location 2 6 Sep. Short-billed Dowitcher was reported twice, with four at Hughlett 5 Aug (AB) and one at Dogue 25 Aug (FA). Nine reports of Wilson s Snipe, including a high of six at Leedstown 21 Nov (FA), provided some consolation for the absence of American Woodcock in this fall s reports. Another 21 Nov report included a surprise 10 Bonaparte s Gull at Dogue (FA). Laughing Gull peaked at 2600 at K. This Selasphorus hummingbird stayed about six weeks in Nothumberland. Photograph by Janet Pawlukiewicz. G. Ponds 30 Oct (FA). Two trips yielded Lesser Blackbacked Gull: one at Bethel 9 Sep (G&RH), and two, an adult and a first-year, at Colonial Beach, 30 Oct after Hurricane Sandy (FA). Great Black-backed Gull had peak observations of 47 at Windmill 31 Aug and 4 Oct (PD). Seven tern species were observed this fall. The single report of 25 Least Terns was from Bethel 4 Aug (JS), while the high for Caspian Tern was 16 at Windmill 28 Aug (PD). The same location provided the season s single Black Tern 26 Aug (PD), and the high counts for Common Tern, 37 on 31 Aug (PD), Forster s Tern, 128 on 4 Nov (PD), and Royal Tern, 86 on 4 Oct (PD). It was an extremely strong fall for Sandwich Tern, with a high of 19 at Bethel 1 Sep (DY) over 14 reports, primarily congregating around the eastern ends of the peninsulas. DOVES SWALLOWS Mourning Doves were found on many occasions, however the highest number of individuals in one sighting was a measly 32 birds 23 Sep Leedstown (FA) when the peak count for this species is typically over 100. Eastern Screech-Owls were reported from five locations including Dameron 24 Oct (FD). A Barn Owl was an exciting find at dusk near Shiloh School, Northumberland 31 Oct (TS). Only the second report for the Region on ebird, and the first occurring in the fall, a Black-billed Cuckoo was sighted at Bethel 6 Oct (AB, ABr). The only sighting of a Common Nighthawk this season was of a single bird flying over fields in Leedstown (FA) 23 Sep, which is notably on the late Page 8 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

9 side for this species in the reporting area. People who leave up hummingbird feeders after the Ruby-throateds depart at the end of September, might be treated to a rare late fall hummer. Such was the case in Heathsville, Northumberland 22 Oct (JP) with a Selasphorus hummingbird that stayed for about six weeks (ph. JP). The last Chimney Swifts of the fall were 19 birds over Kilmarnock 24 Sep (PD); curiously this also constituted the high count for this species. Observers were fortunate to find five Pileated Woodpeckers, rarely found in numbers more than two, 5 Oct at Wilson s Circle, Gloucester (R&EB). The first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker arrived on schedule 6 Oct Mathews (AB, ABr). A count of 10 American Kestrels 29 Sep (ABr) in King William was encouraging considering this species steep decline nationally. Continuing an autumn full of good falcon sightings, there were three reports of Merlin: one at Woodville Park, Gloucester 30 Sep (G&RH), and the other two observed less than two miles apart, in the span of two hours, possibly representing two individuals, but more probably only one, Bethel and Old Garden Road (G&RH). Completing the falcon trifecta, were three sightings of the elusive, and often missed, Peregrine Falcon: Bethel 9 Sep (G&RH), Kilmarnock, Lancaster 8 Oct (NNAS) and Belle Isle 17 Nov (PD). Never common in the Region, three Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were recorded, including two at Beaverdam on 4 and 9 Sep, and one 26 Sep at Wilna (all G&RH). A probable Willow Flycatcher was found at Beaverdam 9 Sep (LS). In Gloucester, an early and potentially local Traill s (Willow/Alder) Flycatcher was located on 18 Aug (R&EB). Rounding out the empid extravaganza of the fall, two Least Flycatchers, locally uncommon, were found 8 Sep at Belle Isle (PD) and 23 Sep at Dogue (FA). A Great Crested Flycatcher lingered at Glen Roy Estates, Gloucester 29 Sep (FR). Another late-staying individual, a White-eyed Vireo, was detected on 1 Nov in Gloucester (R&EB). A seasonal Regional high count of 16 White-eyed Vireos was recorded on 8 Sep at Beulahville, King William (FA). Typically hit-or-miss in the Region, two Philadelphia Vireos were recorded from Gloucester: one 9 Sep at Beaverdam (LS) and the other 7 Oct at a private location in the county (G&RH). A fairly late Blue-headed Vireo was in Deltaville, Middlesex 10 Nov (PD). The observation of 180 American Crows in Leedstown 25 Aug is the highest Regional ebird total during fall (FA). Pre-winter flocks of Horned Larks do not regularly reach more than a couple of dozen birds so a congregation of 50 individuals 8 Sep in Leedstown (FA) gave an early teaser of the large wintering flocks that sometimes grace the area. Another species showing in larger numbers than usual was the Northern Rough-winged Swallow of which 50 were discovered at Woodbury 25 Aug along with 200 Barn Swallows (FA). Both counts were all-time seasonal Regional high counts. Also present were 125 Bank Swallows and a single Cliff Swallow (FA), the only sighting of this species in the Region this season. On the tail of Hurricane Sandy a well-described Regional first CAVE SWALLOW was found among a small group of Tree Swallows at K. G. Ponds 30 Oct (FA). A potentially astounding report from Dameron was 100+ possible cave swallows also after the passage of Hurricane Sandy 30 Oct (TT). They appeared to be looking for a roosting spot to spend the night near the observation deck. In recent years, reports of this species have been growing north of their usual range, especially in the fall, and in excess of 200 birds have been seen along the New Jersey coast. So this sighting, which would provide a new state high count, is not without precedent. The observer not realizing that Cave Swallows could be found here, at first thought they were the very similar Cliff Swallow, which, though it breeds in the Region, is generally long gone by this date. After discussions with other birders, he concluded that they were likely Cave Swallows. Subsequent attempts to find the birds the next day were unsuccessful. NUTHATCHES FINCHES Due to a poor cone crop in the boreal forests this past year, many species were pushed south of their typical winter range. For a species that typically appears in low numbers, there was a bumper crop of Red-breasted Nuthatches, with about 85 reports from 32 locations starting 23 Sep (MB) and a peak count of 12 birds at New Point Comfort, Mathews 6 Oct (AB). It was also a good year for the local Brown-headed Nuthatches with high counts of 21 at New Point Comfort 19 Oct (G&RH) and 20 at Bethel 24 Nov (MM). Infrequently noted, migrant Sedge Wrens likely pass through the area every fall yet their cryptic plumage and secretive habits make them a less-than-annual find. That said, one bird was discovered 29 Nov at North Haven Beach (G&RH). For a common, though patchily-distributed, breeding species it is surprising that Marsh Wrens were only recorded twice, 6 Oct in Mathews (ABr, AB) and two 15 Nov in Gloucester (R&EB). All of the regularly occurring species of thrush were seen. Most notable were two reports of Gray-cheeked Thrush along the Piankatank R. 6 Oct (DD) and Suggett s Pt., Richmond 14 Oct Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 9

10 (LA). Likely migrant Wood Thrushes passed through later than usual at a location in Gloucester, two on 15 Sep and one on 21 Sep (R&EB). The first migrant American Pipits of the year appeared on 23 Sep at KG ponds (FA). Twenty-five species of warbler were detected this fall. A single female Kentucky Warbler at Belle Isle 8 Sep (PD) was only the second ebird record of this species in the past five years. A very uncommon and welldescribed first fall female Orange-crowned Warbler was found in Gloucester 27 Oct (G&RH). A Blue-winged Warbler was at Hill s Creek, Lancaster 31 Aug and a Worm-eating Warbler was in the same location 4 Sep (FS). Although never a very abundant fall migrant, only two Nashville Warblers were seen this autumn: Chilton Woods State Forest, Lancaster 8 Sep and Belle Isle 22 Sep. Some warblers on the late side include: a single Common Yellowthroat 21 Nov Leedstown (FA), a Black-throated Blue Warbler at Beaverdam 11 Oct (G&RH), and a Prairie Warbler Mathews 6 Oct (AB, ABr). As for high counts, seven Hooded Warblers were detected 8 Sep Beulahville, King William with at least two adult males present. Even though this species is known to breed at this location, post-breeding dispersal usually means that not many are found at breeding sites this late in the summer. No Palm Warblers were found until 23 Sep when seven reports of 25 different birds were submitted (m. obs). A respectable high count of 125 Yellow-rumped Warblers was at Beaverdam during peak migration season on 18 Oct (G&RH). During the last days of the count period on 29 Nov, an uncommon transient American Tree Sparrow was an early arrival at North Haven and one of few ever reported in the Region (G&RH). Even less common, a Lark Sparrow was found in Hill s Creek 28 Sep (FS). Other more common yet still scarcely encountered sparrows include: Grasshopper Sparrows with two and four seen at Wilna and K. G. ponds two days apart on 24 and 25 Aug (DY and FA); three Seaside Sparrows 6 Oct in Matthews, likely from the summer breeding population that winters in the area in low numbers (AB, ABr); the first two of only four Fox Sparrows on 5 Nov at Birthplace (RW); and one migrant Lincoln s Sparrow discovered on 27 Oct at Glen Roy Estates, Gloucester (FR). The first White-throated Sparrow of the season showed up on 20 Sep, a little bit earlier than usual at Beaverdam (G&RH). The first Dark-eyed Junco was in Bruington, King and Queen 8 Oct (NK). A high count of 42 Indigo Buntings was in Westmoreland 23 Sep (FA). Four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks passed through the area from 22 Sep 8 Oct in Gloucester (R&EB, EB) and Richmond (LA). A very late and well-documented Bobolink was discovered at Belle Isle 17 Nov (PD). The high count for Bobolink was 120 in the rice marshes along the Mattaponi R. near Walkerton, King and Queen 25 Sep (BP). Eastern Meadowlarks were relatively scarce with only 26 seen in seven locations. The high count for the declining Rusty Blackbird was 41 in Beulahville King William 11 Nov (FA). Also due to a poor boreal cone crop, many northern finches pushed much farther south and in larger numbers than is typical. Between 21 Oct and 30 Nov there were 26 reports of Pine Siskins from 13 locations. Most notable was a flock of 37 at Suggett s Pt., Richmond 22 Oct (LA). Two fabulous finch sightings came from a flock of 8 Evening Grosbeaks (WH fide HW) in Bena Gloucester 5 Nov, and a single Red Crossbill, which flew over the K. G. Ponds 10 Nov (m. obs). Capping off a memorable season for migrating winter finches, 13 sightings of Purple Finches were recorded from seven locations with the first report coming from King George, 17 Oct (AJ). Contributors: Lee Adams, Elizabeth Anderson, Fred Atwood, Meredith Bell, Roy and Eirlys Barker, Arun Bose, Allen Bryan (ABr), Eugene Burreson, Fenton Day, Paul Dennehy, Sharon Fine, Geoff Giles, George and Rosemarie Harris, William Hogge, Annaliese Jenkins, Marylayce and Lance Johnson, Nora Kroll, Diane Lepkowski, Northern Neck Audubon Society (NNAS), Janet Pawlukiewicz, Bill Portlock, Felicity Rask, Thomas Saunders, Frank Schaff, James Shelton, Laura Slaughter, Tom Teeples, Hayes Williams, Rick Wright, David Youker Page 10 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

11 Southwest Editor Roger and Lynda Mayhorn HC Box 44A Pilgrims Knob, VA Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe Counties. The weather for Southwest Virginia for the four month period was drier than normal with November being the driest on record. August had an average temperature of 75 F with six days of rain. September had eight days of rain with an average temperature of 67 F. October had the most precipitation with seven days of rain and four days of snow with an average temperature of 56 F. November had only one day of rain and one of snow with an average temperature of 49 F. Sightings of note during the period included a Brant in Bristol and a Tundra Swan in Abingdon, both in November. Double-crested Cormorants were observed in Dickenson. Bald Eagles were observed in Grayson, Russell, Tazewell, and Wythe. A late Ruby-throated Hummingbird was found in Carroll. Barn Swallows nested late in Washington. Red-breasted Nuthatches moved into Buchanan, Russell, Wise and Washington during the period. A Prothonotary Warbler appeared in Buchanan in September. A LeConte s Sparrow was discovered in Buchanan in October. Record numbers (for the area) of Rusty Blackbirds were observed in Buchanan. Large numbers of Pine Siskins came into the area during the fall. Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Dickenson); FOS (First of the Season); JFR (John Flannagan Reservoir, Dickenson); RRL (Rural Retreat Lake, Wythe); SHL (South Holston Lake, Washington). WATERFOWL - THRUSHES A BRANT was found in Bristol, Washington 13 Nov (WC). Also in Washington a Tundra Swan was observed in Abingdon 8 Nov (HM). Ten Green-winged Teal, a species unusual for the area, were discovered on JFR 20 Oct (DC, RM). Eighteen Double-crested Cormorants flew over the BP 29 Sep, a rare sighting for the area (RM, DR). The annual Mendota Hawk Watch atop Clinch Mt. in Russell recorded 7035 raptors for the fall count - 25 Bald Eagles, 30 Ospreys, 4 NORTHERN GOSHAWKS, 6,815 Broad-winged Hawks, and 19 Peregrine Falcons (TH). A late migrating Broadwinged Hawk was observed in Lebanon, Russell 15 Oct (LH). An imm. Bald Eagle flew over the JFR 20 Oct (DC, RM). Two Bald Eagles and a Rough-legged Hawk were observed at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 10 Nov (BBC). An ad. Bald Eagle flew over Laurel Bed Lake in the Clinch Mt. WMA, Russell 2 Sep (JR). A Bald Eagle was spotted in Independence, Grayson 21 Oct (DJ-R). Another Bald Eagle was observed at a farm in Wythe 10 Nov (SM). Two Bald Eagles, also in Wythe, were observed 16 Nov (JM). A Bonaparte s Gull made a stop at the Beaver Pond in the BP 3 Nov (J&S K). A Ring-billed Gull was found at a parking lot in Big Stone Gap, Wise 29 Oct (BC). Spring Creek in SHL was the location for a Forster s Tern 29 Oct (WC). Eight FOS Common Nighthawks were spotted at a Baywood farm in Grayson 17 Aug (BD). Two hundred Common Nighthawks were observed at the same farm 22 Aug (MD). A late Ruby-throated Hummingbird was reported at Woodlawn, Carroll 1 Nov (BP). A FOS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was observed at a home near Galax, Grayson 17 Oct (BD). Twenty-five Eastern Kingbirds were observed in one tree at RRL 14 Aug (JM). A Loggerhead Shrike was found at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 10 Nov (BBC). A very late nesting of Barn Swallows was discovered in a barn near Meadowview, Washington 25 Aug. The three nestlings fledged 27 Aug with both parents present. (SLH). An irruption southward into the U.S. of Red-breasted Nuthatches took place in the fall with a FOS one for Russell appearing at the Mendota Fire Tower on Clinch Mt 6 Sep (TH, MS). Two FOS Red-breasted Nuthatches came to a yard stream on Compton Mt., Buchanan 16 Sep and in the following weeks became regular visitors there (RM). On the same day another appeared in a yard on the opposite side of Buchanan Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 11

12 These three young Barn Swallows were discovered at a nest near Meadowview at the late dat of August 25th. Photographed by Steven L. Hopps. near the BP (DR). On 13 Oct at least eight were heard and observed at Gladys Fork Wetlands near High Knob, Wise at ~2500 ft elevation. A couple were thought to be young, as they were begging for food. (DC, MS). A female came to a yard in Abingdon, Washington 6 Nov (J&S K). A FOS Winter Wren made an appearance at a Baywood farm in Grayson 19 Oct, and 2 FOS migrating Marsh Wrens were observed at the same farm 4 Oct (B&M D). A FOS Golden-crowned Kinglet was spotted on the same property 20 Oct (B&M D). Since 2003 the Buchanan County Bird Club has created, monitored and maintained three Eastern Bluebird Trails with more than 70 nest boxes. This year the next boxes produced 282 Eastern Bluebirds, 37 Tree Swallows, and 2 Carolina Chickadees for a total of 321 birds fledged. Since 2003 the trails have fledged 2024 Eastern Bluebirds, 425 Tree Swallows, 179 Carolina Chickadees and 17 House Wrens (RM). A Gray-cheeked Thrush was observed at Baywood, Grayson 21 Sep (MD). The FOS Swainson s Thrush for Buchanan was found on Compton Mt 28 Aug (RM). WARBLERS - TANAGERS The annual Fall Migration Count for Compton Mt, Buchanan was conducted from 22 Aug to 15 Oct. Twenty-five warbler species, total of 422 birds, were counted. The most unusual warbler species found was a Mourning Warbler that came to the yard stream 15 Sep. The warbler species logged in order of abundance were: Tennessee Warblers 146, Cape May Warblers 84, Yellow-rumped Warblers 35, Bay-breasted Warblers 21, American Redstarts 19, Magnolia Warblers 17, Chestnut-sided Warblers 16, Worm-eating Warblers 12, Blackburnian Warblers 10, Ovenbirds 9, Hooded Warblers 8, Yellow-throated Warblers 8, Palm Warblers 6, Black-throated Green Warblers 5, Common Yellowthroats 5, Black-throated Blue Warblers 4, Blue-winged Warblers 4, Black-andwhite Warblers 4, Blackpolls 2, Northern Parula 2, Mourning Warbler 1, Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Nashville Warbler 1, Pine Warbler 1, and Yellow Warbler 1. (RM). Forty-four species of other migrants were counted with a total of 711 individuals. Migrants that were present for more than one day may have been counted more than once. The top ten species in order of abundance were: American Robins 60, Blue Jays 56, Rosebreasted Grosbeaks 55, Swainson s Thrushes 54, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 54, Scarlet Tanagers 53, Brown Thrashers 48, Chipping Sparrows 44, Gray Catbirds 42, Indigo Buntings 30 (RM). Two Nashville Warblers were observed at a home in Rugby, Grayson 11 Sep (AH). Arriving fall migrants included: 3 Magnolia Warblers on Compton Mt., Buchanan 2 Sep (RM) and a m. Black-throated Blue Warbler there 1 Sep (RM); Yellow-rumped Warbler at a Baywood Home in Grayson 21 Sep (MD); a Blackburnian Warbler at a home on Compton Mt. 20 Aug (RM), another on the same date in Grayson (SJ-R) and two more at a home in Rugby, Grayson 26 Aug (AH); and 2 Palm Warblers near Galax, Grayson 22 Oct (B&M D). A late Palm Warbler was observed 13 Nov at Woodlawn in Carroll (BP). Two Bay-breasted Warblers were found on Compton Mt., Buchanan 30 Aug (RM). A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER appeared at a home in Hurley, Buchanan 24 Sep (CB). This is only the second reported sighting of the species within the county. On 6 Oct a Northern Waterthrush came to a small yard pond in Breaks, Buchanan (DK,DR). On 12 Sep a Yellow-breasted Chat was an unusual sighting at a home in Rugby, Grayson (AH). A Summer Tanager, a species not common in the area, bathed in the yard stream at a home on Compton Mt., Buchanan 2 Oct (RM). SPARROWS - FINCHES A LE CONTE S SPARROW was found in a field near a home in the Breaks community in Buchanan 6 Oct. The first of that species found in Buchanan was discovered in the same area the previous year during fall migration (DK, DR). A FOS Lincoln s Sparrow appeared in a field at a Baywood home in Grayson 3 Oct ( B&M D). Twenty White-crowned Sparrows were found around Page 12 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

13 that same home 17 Oct (BD). A FOS Lincoln s Sparrow for Buchanan came to a yard stream on Compton Mt. 4 Oct (RM). A FOS Swamp Sparrow was spotted in the Breaks community, Buchanan 29 Oct (DR) with a FOS Dark-eyed Junco being found there the same day (DR). The FOS White-throated Sparrow for Wythe was heard 15 Oct (JM). Rusty Blackbirds appeared in record numbers (for the area) in Buchanan during the fall migration. The first was found near a yard pond on Compton Mt. 28 Oct (RM), and two more were discovered on the same date in another part of the county at Breaks (DR). Eighteen Rusty Blackbirds were found at that same Breaks home 1 Nov (DR). Three were observed near the Beaver Pond within the BP 4 Nov (J&S K), and seven were once again found on Compton Mt. on the same date. (RM). On 28 Nov the number of Rusty Blackbirds in the Breaks area increased to 26 (DR). A single appeared once again on Compton Mt. 14 Nov (RM) with three more showing up in Breaks the following day (DR). Another came to the same home on Compton Mt. 21 Nov (RM). A FOS female Purple Finch came to a yard stream on Compton Mt., in Buchanan 11 Sep (RM).Two male Purple Finches and 19 Pine Siskins came to a feeder in Rugby, Grayson 20 Oct (AH). A FOS male Purple Finch came to a feeder in Russell 14 Nov (TH). Two FOS Pine Siskins came to a seed feeder on Compton Mt. 15 Oct (RM). The following day 15 FOS Pine Siskins came to a feeder in Lebanon, Russell (TH). Two dozen Pine Siskins came to a feeder in Abingdon, Washington 28 Oct (E&H M). Contributors: Clarence Brown, Bill Cawood, Bristol Bird Club, Don Carrier, Wallace Coffey, Bill Dunson, Margaret Dunson, Bill & Margaret Dunson, Steven L. Hopps, Anita Huffman, John & Sheri Kelly, Dan Kendrick, Laverne Hunter, Tom Hunter, Roger Mayhorn, Jim Minick, Sarah Minick, Helen Morgan, Ed & Helen Morgan, Bob Perkins, Debby Jackson-Ricketts, Scott Jackson-Ricketts, David Raines, John Rucker, Mike Sanders Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 13

14 South Central Editor Wendy Ealding 1384 Palmore Road Powhatan, VA Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Greensville Counties, and the cities of Danville, Emporia, and Martinsville. The summer drought continued into fall 2012 and led to very low water levels in the upper reaches of the Staunton River, providing ample feeding opportunities for migrating wading birds and shorebirds on the exposed mudflats visible from Staunton View Park. The remnants of Hurricane Isaac passed through Tennessee and West Virginia during the first few days of September; this may have displaced a number of unusual shorebird species from their normal migration path. Abbreviations: SVP (Staunton View Park, Mecklenburg); SRSP (Staunton River State Park, Halifax); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg); Dick Cross (Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg). WATERFOWL HUMMINGBIRDS Eleven Tundra Swans, uncommon in the southern Piedmont, were reported 18 Nov at Kerr (AD, PG). Redhead is also not common in this part of the Region but 25 were at Kerr 18 Nov (AD, PG). An adult Snowy Egret with retained plumes was at SVP 7 Aug (, ph. AD); this record has been accepted by VARCOM as a Category 1 record. One individual was also seen at this same location 26 Aug (PG). There were multiple reports of Little Blue Herons; two imms. were seen from SRSP 4 Aug (MF). Most reports were from SVP: 15 juvs. on 7 Aug (ph. AD), an adult and nine juvs. on 11 Aug (MF, PG), two imms. on 15 Aug (JB), and seven juvs. on 26 Aug (PG). A juv. Tricolored Heron was reported 11 Aug at SVP (MF, PG), 21 juv. White Ibis were at SVP 7 Aug (AD), an imm. was in Pittsylvania 10 Aug (MF) and 24 juvs. were at SVP 11 Aug (MF, PG). A Swallowtailed Kite was in Pittsylvania 30 Aug (LM) and 3 Sep (MF) and 5 and 8 Sep (LM). Five Mississippi Kites were hunting over a field in Dinwiddie 2 Aug (AD) and an imm. was at South Boston, Halifax about five miles from the known breeding area along the Banister River 5 Aug (PG). One was seen soaring over the airport at Danville 11 Aug (JB). Spotted Sandpiper has overwintered at Tailrace Park, Mecklenburg in past winters; a report of two at this location 30 Oct (JB) and 11 Nov (AD, TA, MF, PG) is perhaps an indication that they may do so again this season. The exposed mudflats due to abnormally low river levels at SVP combined with the possible effects of the remnants of Hurricane Isaac farther west may have been the reason for a number of sightings of shorebird rarities 3 Sep; all of the various sandpipers were juveniles. Prompt reporting by the observers and review by VARCOM provided a number of new accepted records Two of the many-reported Little Blue herons in the Region, here 7 August at Staunton View Park. Photo by Adam D"Onofrio. - see Table on page 15 for details. These shorebirds did not stay for a prolonged period as the Ruddy Turnstone was the only one still present 9 Sep (AD, PG). Forty Bonaparte s Gulls, fairly rare fall transients in the region away from Kerr, were seen at SRSP 4 Nov (JB). Migrant Caspian Terns were at SVP 15 Aug (JB), 26 Aug (PG) and 3 Sep (AD, PG). There were several reports of rare transient Black Terns at SVP, with a single 11 Aug (MF, PG), nine on 15 Aug (JB) and two on 3 Sep (AD, PG); a Common Tern was reported from the same location 11 Aug (MF, PG) and 15 Page 14 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

15 Aug (JB). Apparently continuing their northward expansion in this part of the region, 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves were seen 20 Oct at Keysville, Charlotte (SD). Three Common Nighthawks were at South Boston, Halifax 26 Aug and 12 at the same location 6 Sep (JB), and two were in Dinwiddie 16 Sep (AD). An Archilochus sp. hummingbird was present at a feeder in Charlotte 28 Oct through 1 Nov (SD). PASSERINES An Empidonax Flycatcher 21 Sep at Dick Cross, which was reported as Traill s sp. (Alder/Willow) was not resolved as to species (AD, PG). Common Raven continues to expand its range south and east, with a 16 Sep report of one from Dinwiddie, one of the easternmost counties in the region (AD). Black-capped Chickadee appears to be undergoing an irruption for the second season in a row, with a report of one 10 Nov in Patrick (CK). The fall irruption of Redbreasted Nuthatches started early with sightings 11 Sep in Buckingham (MS), 14 Sep at White Oak Mountain WMA, Pittsylvania (MF), 15 Sep at Dry Fork, Pittsylvania (MF), and 16 Sep at Burnt Chimney, Franklin (AQ). American Pipit is an uncommon and irregular transient in the Piedmont; this makes a 24 Oct report of a flock of 25 among a flock of Horned Larks in a field in Pittsylvania noteworthy (MF). A cold and wet morning 8 Oct brought a somewhat late Bluewinged Warbler to Wilck s Lake, Prince Edward (ES). An imm. male Mourning Warbler at Amelia WMA, Amelia 23 Sep may well provide a first county record (WE et al.) A very early Yellow-rumped Warbler was at Wilck s Lake, Prince Edward 24 Aug (ES), a month earlier than the previous Piedmont early date. Fairly rare in the Region, an adult male Wilson s Warbler was present 2 Oct at Dry Fork, Pittsylvania (MF). A somewhat late juv. Grasshopper Sparrow was at Dick Cross 20 Oct (AD, PG). More than a week later than the typical last date for the species, a Scarlet Tanager was photographed near the Dan River in Pittsylvania 19 Oct (ph. MW) A somewhat late female Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited a yard in South Boston, Halifax 14 Oct (PG). A late pair of Blue Grosbeaks 20 Oct were at Dick Cross (AD, PG). Contributors: Tony Adcock, Jeff Blalock, Adam D Onofrio, Sue D Onofrio, Fenton Day, Wendy Ealding, Mary Foster, Paul Glass, Clyde Kessler, Lexi Meadows, Alyce Quinn, Evan Spears, Mike Stinson, Martin Wall VARCOM accepted shorebird records from Staunton View Park 3 September 2012 Species no./age observers acceptance comments 1 ad. AD,, ph. Category 1 PG American Golden-Plover Ruddy Turnstone 1 juv. AD,, ph. PG Sanderling 2 juv. AD, FD, PG Baird s Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper 4 juv. AD, FD, PG 16 juv., ph. AD, FD, PG Category 1 Category 2 Category 2 Category 1 First VARCOM record for Piedmont south of I-64; rare but regular fall transient per Gold Book Seventh Piedmont record; second since 2002 No previous VARCOM record; 17 prior fall records per Gold Book Second Piedmont record since 2001; record high count for Piedmont Seventh Piedmont record, third since 2002; record high count for Piedmont Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 15

16 Southeast Editor Adam D'Onofrio Smith Grove Road Petersburg, VA Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and York Counties, and the cities of Richmod, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. Temperatures were slightly above normal for the first three months of the period continuing a trend of above average temperatures but in November it cooled off with temperatures averaging 3.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation amounts were below normal with only October having above average precipitation levels mainly due to the heavy rain from Hurricane Sandy which passed east of the Region on October 29. The trend of late passerine migration continued this fall with many migrants still being found in the latter part of October and early November. Some of these were certainly affected by Hurricane Sandy but most migrants probably lingered due to mild temperatures and adequate food supplies. Shorebirding at Hog Island in Surry County was hampered by high water levels but some interesting observations were made at this location nonetheless. Rarities this season included Cave Swallows, Western Tanager, Clay-colored Sparrow, multiple Lark Sparrows and Evening Grosbeak. Abbreviations: College Creek (College Creek Hawkwatch, James City); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Henricus (Henricus Park, Chesterfield); Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry); J.R.P. (James River Park, Richmond); Norge (Norge, James City); Ragged Island (Ragged Island W.M.A., Isle of Wight); Shirley (Shirley Plantation, Charles City). This juvenal Tricolored Heron was one of two at Hog Island 3 August. Photo by Adam D'Onofrio. GEESE SHOREBIRDS A Greater White-fronted Goose was photographed in Charles City 24 Nov (ABr). An early Snow Goose was detected in a small flock of Canada Geese in flight over the Henricus marsh 6 Oct (DY). A Richardson s Cackling Goose was photographed in eastern Henrico 17 Nov (ABr). An early Greenwinged Teal was carefully studied among a group of Blue-winged Teal at Shirley 29 Aug (AD). A Ringnecked Duck, first detected 24 Jul, continued at Hog and was joined by a second bird 17 Aug (BA, BK, JP). A count of 31 Surf Scoters on the James R. at Ragged Island 25 Nov was noteworthy that far upriver (NF). A White-winged Scoter was seen from College Creek on the James R. 28 Oct (BT). Three Black Scoters, rare upriver, were also noted on the James R. from Ragged Island 25 Nov (NF). A Red-throated Loon, uncommon upriver, was viewed on the James R. from Ragged Island 25 Nov (NF). An early Piedbilled Grebe was in the marsh at Henricus 5 Aug (JB). Seventeen Northern Gannets, 16 ads. and one imm., were seen on the York R. from Yorktown, York 7 Nov (BW), setting a new local early date. An Anhinga was spotted on a stump at a roadside pond in Prince George 23 Sep (BR). An American Bittern was discovered between the two observation decks in the Henricus marsh 23 Nov (ph. HB). The bird was seen again in the same location 30 Nov (ph. BH). A lingering Great Egret was at Swift Creek Res., Chesterfield 30 Oct (EO). Two juv. Tricolored Page 16 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

17 Herons were at Hog 3 Aug (ph. AD). Up to three juv. White Ibis, an increasing post breeding visitor, frequented the pond at Shirley 12 Aug 3 Sep (AB, ABr). Another White Ibis, presumably a juv., was found at Diascund Creek Wahrani Lane, New Kent 21 Sep (MQ). A Glossy Ibis, an uncommon to rare transient inland, was at Hog 18 Aug (AB). A pair of Ospreys were lingering at Swift Creek Res., Chesterfield 30 Oct (EO). A Sharpshinned Hawk, rare in summer, was delightfully videotaped in a backyard in Richmond 1 Aug (BS). Three American Coots, first detected 24 Jul, continued at Hog 3 Aug (ph. AD). Five American Avocets, rare inland, were discovered at Hog 18 Aug (ph. AB). A lingering Greater Yellowlegs was at Jones Creek, Isle of Wight 25 Nov (NF). An Upland Sandpiper, a fairly rare transient, was well seen in flight at Hog 18 Aug (AB). Even rarer in the Piedmont, another Upland Sandpiper was found at the Chesterfield County Airport and seen on subsequent days Aug (RS). According to a former long time resident of the county, this may provide a first county record as a search in ebird did not turn up any other sightings and the resident couldn t remember any sightings of this species in Chesterfield in the past 30 years (WE). A wonderful count of 18 Buff-breasted Sandpipers was made in Charles City 3 Sep (AB). A single Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Drummond s Field/Carlton Farms, James City 4 Sep (BW, SD, GG). Two Wilson s Snipe at Hog 23 Aug were slightly early (EE). NIGHTHAWKS WRENS Three Common Nighthawks were observed at Settler s Mills, James City 27 Aug. Four were at Hatch Year Rufous Humminbird photographed in a residential yard in Chester County by Julie Kacmarcik. Greensprings Greenway, James City 3 Sep (B&AW). A f. Ruby-throated Hummingbird that overwintered at a feeder in Governor s Land, James City in returned to the same feeder on 30 Nov. The bird was originally banded 28 Jan 2012 and identified this season through photographs (ph. TM, BP). An imm. m. Rufous Hummingbird was also present at the same location 17 Oct through the end of the period and was also identified through photographs (ph. TM, BP). Another hatch year m. Rufous Hummingbird appeared in a residential yard in Chester, Chesterfield 28 Oct and remained throughout the period. The bird was banded successfully 24 Nov (ph. JK, BP). The same yard in Chester also hosted an unidentified Selasphorus hummingbird Sep (ph. JK). Other Selasphorus hummingbirds in the Region included one at Yorktown, York 4 Nov (GG) and a possible/probable bird at Grafton, York 30 Oct 27 Nov (PR). A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was slightly early at J.R.P. 24 Sep (GW). A very late Eastern Wood-Pewee, possibly a bird sent back north by Hurricane Sandy, was heard in a woodland area at Larus Park, Richmond 1 Nov (VB). A Yellowbellied Flycatcher, a fairly rare transient, was at the main section of J.R.P. 24 Aug (AB). A Blue-headed Vireo at Jamestown Island, James City 30 Aug set a new local early date for that species (BW). A late Philadelphia Vireo was in Charles City 31 Oct (ABr). A group of 13 Northern Rough-winged Swallows was seen at Fort Boykins Historic Park, Isle of Wight 31 Oct (TC). Eleven Northern Rough-winged Swallows continued at this location 2 Nov (TC). Formerly very rare at this time of year, there has been a recent increase in November records of this species in the mid-atlantic but the presence of these birds may have been a result of Hurricane Sandy. Although CAVE SWALLOWS have become expected along the immediate coast in Autumn, they are still very rare in this Region. Four Cave Swallows were seen clinging to a Wax Myrtle at the College Creek Hawkwatch site, James City 29 Oct during heavy rain generated by Hurricane Sandy (BT). Two more were observed feeding over a soybean field in Charles City 1 Nov (ABr). Many Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported this season during a major irruption of this species that began in this Region in September. A Sedge Wren, rare inland, was found at Bandy Field, Richmond 5 Oct (AB). WARBLERS FINCHES Golden-winged Warblers are rare transients in the Region so two reported this season were noteworthy. One was at the Wetlands section of J.R.P. 19 Sep (AB) and another was near Norge 20 Sep (BW). An Orange-crowned Warbler was photographed in Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 17

18 Hopewell 11 Nov (ABr). Another one was photographed in Charles City 25 Nov (ABr). Single Tennessee Warblers were noted near Norge 10 & 20 Sep (BW). Two lingering Northern Parulas were in Hopewell 21 Oct (AB, ABr). A late Yellow Warbler was at Ragged Island 5 Oct (WL). Five Chestnut-sided Warblers were near Norge 10 Sep, establishing a new local high count for the species (BW). An early Magnolia Warbler was at Governor s Land, James City 13 Aug (CO). The latest Magnolia Warbler reported was one at the University of Richmond, Henrico 24 Oct (BE, DJ, SR). A latish Black-throated Blue Warbler was discovered at Pocahontas S.P. 23 Oct (WE). A fallout of Blackpoll Warblers occurred at City Point in Hopewell on 21 Oct. A conservative estimate of 43 birds was made (AB, ABr). The latest Blackpoll Warbler reported was a single bird at the Henricus Marsh 11 Nov (JE). A f. Black-and-white Warbler at Mainland Farm, James City 4 Nov established a new local late date (BW). A late American Redstart was photographed in Charles City 31 Oct (ABr). An amazing four Connecticut Warblers, a bird rarely reported in the Region, were found this season. Single birds were discovered near Norge 10 & 20 Sep (BW), one was at Mainland Farm, James City 29 Sep (BW) and another was at the Reedy Creek section of J.R.P. 7 Oct (AB). A Wilson s Warbler, a fairly rare transient, was near Norge 10 Sep (BW). Another was found in Hopewell 21 Oct (AB, ABr). A Clay-colored Sparrow, very rare away from the immediate coast, was beautifully photographed at Ragged Island 15 Oct (KR). A Vesper Sparrow was noted in Charles City 31 Oct (ABr). Incredibly, at least Rare away from the immediate coast, this Clay-colored Sparrow was photographed at Ragged Island 15 October by Keith Roberts. five Lark Sparrows, also very rare away from the immediate coast, were found. The first one was in Charles City 19 Aug (ABr). This bird was joined by another in the same area 25 Aug (AB, ABr). A third bird was seen in this same location 26 Aug (ph. AB). The fourth bird was photographed at Dutch Gap 27 Sep ( ph. PB, WE, GW) and the fifth bird was photographed in a residential yard in Chesterfield 4 Nov (JE). A Savannah Sparrow at Mainland Farm, James City 12 Sep established a new local early date for that species (BW). Three Dickcissels were at Shirley 4 Aug (AB). For the fifth year in a row, a m. WESTERN TANAGER returned to James City, spending its time at its favorite location in Settler s Mill. It arrived on 13 Nov and remained throughout the period (BW). Boat-tailed Grackles, seemingly regular at this location, were at Ragged Island 4 Oct (NF, EE). Pine Siskins irrupted into the Region this year and were reported in good numbers. Evening Grosbeaks also irrupted in the east this year with most being seen along the coast in November. One female, however, made its way inland and was noted at a residential feeder in James City 18 Nov (NB). Contributors: Bob Ake, James Barnes, Nancy Barnhart, Paul Bedell, Vickie Bell, Arun Bose, Harry Brown, Allen Bryan (ABr), Shirley Devan, Adam D Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Barbara Eck, Elisa Enders, Jack Esworthy IV, Nick Flanders, Geoff Giles, Barbara Houston, Diane Jadlowski, Julie Kacmarcik, Barry Kinzie, William Leigh, Thomas Moore, Carol O Neill, Ellison Orcutt, John Pancake, Bruce Peterjohn, Myles Q, Bryan Rhodes, Sue Ridd, Keith Roberts, Phyllis Roth, Bob Schamerhorn, Randy Suhl, Brian Taber, Gerry Weinberger, Arlene Williams, Bill Williams, Dave Youker. Page 18 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

19 Coastal Editor Bill Williams, Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA Accomack and Nothampton Counties; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic area; and the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The species accounts below manifest what was, by any measure, an extraordinary season of avian diversity and abundance throughout the Region. The low volume of diurnal raptors leans as an anomaly against record setting counts of Great Blue Herons, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and a remarkable invasion of irruptive northern finches through the lower Delmarva peninsula. Hurricane Sandy s late-season passage east of the Virginia capes October rendered few avian artifacts despite delivering more than 12 inches of rain and winds of 68 mph to coastal Accomack County. The Kiptopeke Songbird Banding Station operated for a historic 50 th consecutive fall, this year 15 August through 10 September and the Kiptopeke Hawk Watch was manned for its 36 th autumn 31 August through 30 November. These seasonal projects paralleled the on-going surveys of Portsmouth s Craney Island, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. Species eliciting grandstand roars of approval this period were Brown Booby, Swallow-tailed Kite, Northern Lapwing, Long-billed Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, California Gull, South Polar Skua, Say s Phoebe, Western Kingbird, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill and Evening Grosbeak. Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay NWR, Virginia Beach); Cape Charles (the town of Cape Charles, Northampton); CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, s. of Northampton); Chinc. (Chincoteague NWR, Accomack); Craney (Craney Island, Portsmouth); CVWO (Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory); Dismal (Dismal Swamp NWR, Suffolk/Chesapeake); ESVNWR (Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR); False Cape (False Cape SP, Virginia Beach); FINWR (Fishermans Island NWR, Northampton); First Landing (First Landing SP, Virginia Beach); Grandview(Grandview Nature Preserve, Hampton); KHW (Kiptopeke Hawk Watch at KSP); KSP (Kiptopeke SP, Northampton); KSBS (Kiptopeke Songbird Banding Station at KSP); NAP (Natural Area Preserve); Sunset Beach (Sunset Beach Resort, Northampton); VSO (Virginia Society of Ornithology) WATERFOWL SHOREBIRDS A Ross s Goose was at Back Bay 20 (BA, NB, RBr) & 21 Nov (EE et al.). The season s highest reported Gadwall count was 2305 at Back Bay 6 Nov (JG). The peak reported Northern Shoveler total was 3109 from Craney 1 Nov (RB, GB, BT). A f. Common Eider was off #1 CBBT 16 & 17 Nov (AB, EO). Single Northern Bobwhites were heard at Craney 19 Aug (BW et al.) and 1 Nov (RB, GB, BT). A Wild Turkey was observed at Craney 12 Aug (SD, BW). A carefully assessed sulid over New Inlet, Northampton 6 Oct (HA) was identified as a subadult BROWN BOOBY. Three Great Cormorants passed KSP 7 Oct (SK et al.); one was off #1 CBBT 17 Nov (AB, EO). American White Pelican reports included one off Sunset Beach 29 Sep (PT), four at KSP 3 Nov (SK), two at KSP 6 Nov (SK), 14 from the KHW 10 Nov (SK), one off FINWR 17 Nov (fide AB), and nine off KSP 28 Nov (SK). A remarkable 587 Great Blue Herons were observed from the KHW 29 Sep (SK et al.), an all-time single site, non-breeding season high count for the state. A Cattle Egret was near Exmore, Northampton 13 Nov (HA). Sixty-five Blackcrowned and 28 Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were at Oyster, Northampton 23 Sep (NB). The peak reported White Ibis tally was 391 at the ESVNWR 28 Sep (PT). The 36 th consecutive KHW, a CVWO project since 1995, concluded with 15,092 diurnal raptors recorded during observation hours over 87 of 92 possible count days 31 Aug-30 Nov. This was the lowest total since 16,734 were documented during 728 observation hours over 84 of 91 possible count days in 2002, and was 37 % below the 24,143 average of the preceding three count years ( ). Species totals for Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 19

20 2012 were: one Swallow-tailed Kite; 2897 Ospreys; 255 Bald Eagles; 645 Northern Harriers; 3300 Sharpshinned Hawks; 1586 Cooper s Hawks; 11 Northern Goshawks; 103 Red-shouldered Hawks; 291 Broadwinged Hawks; 572 Red-tailed Hawks; 6 Golden Eagles; 3683 American Kestrels; 902 Merlins; 760 Peregrine Falcons; 80 unidentified (SK). The Swallowtailed Kite enlivened the watch 10 Sep as the second in the count s history; the first was recorded 8 Sep The season s Sharp-shinned Hawk total was 62% below the 8747 historic mean, whereas the final accounting of Cooper s Hawks was 28% above that species long term average of The exceptional 18 Oct 27 Nov Northern Goshawk flight exceeded the mean of seven by four birds. Golden Eagles reported from sites other than the KHW included one on FINWR 13 Oct (LG), one in Cape Charles 26 Oct (NB) and one at Saxis, Accomack 13 Nov (HA). Six King Rails were detected at Back Bay 4 Oct (DH, KKr). A Common Gallinule was noted at the Oyster Landfill, Northampton 21 (ABr, AL, JF) & 29 Sep (HA); another was at Back Bay 23 Nov (LA). A Sandhill Crane was in Chincoteague, Accomack 12 Nov (GSm). Several days of strong, sustained northeast winds preceded the discovery of the state s first NORTHERN LAPWING at Back Bay 20 Nov (ph. NH, RN, EW et al.). A recognizable phone camera image of it was captured by an Old Dominion University ornithology student who noticed the bird eluding a Bald Eagle. An American Golden-Plover at Craney 9 Aug (RB, ph. IC et al.) was six days ahead of the species normal 15 Aug arrival date. Other American Golden-Plover reports revealed one near Capeville, Northampton 19 Aug (NB), two at Craney 6 Sep (DY, V&GB), one on the Chinc. Wash Flats 15 Sep (fide MB), one near Swan Cove at Chinc. 16 Sep (fide MB), one in Snow Goose Pool, Chinc. 22 Sep (FM), one at Craney 18 Oct (RB, V&GB, DY), four at Craney 1 Nov (RB, GB, BT), and two near Indiantown Road, Northampton 4 Nov (AD, PG). A color-banded juv. Piping Plover at Craney 2 Aug (ph. BW, BT, DY) proved to be one of seven fledglings from 10 chicks that hatched 11 & 12 Jun, the progeny of three nesting pairs at Grand Marais on Lake Superior, MI (KD fide BT); 49 Piping Plovers were at Chinc 9 Sep (JB, CM). The highest number of Black-necked Stilts registered was 31 (15 ads., 16 juv.) at Craney 9 Aug (RB et al.); one was at Chinc. 10 Aug (BA) and two were at Back Bay 20 Nov (BA, NB, RBr). American Avocets were present throughout the period, all at Craney. The peak count there was 62 on 6 Sep (RB et al.). A Spotted Sandpiper at Willis Wharf, Northampton 3 Nov (AD, PG) was 19 days beyond the species typical 15 Oct late date. There were nine Upland Sandpipers at Bull s Farm, Northampton 16 Aug (CB). Elsewhere, two were at Craney for the 19 Aug VSO field trip (AB et al.) and one was there 23 Aug (BW, RB, BT, WT). LONG-BILLED CURLEWS have been detected in the coastal barrier islands lagoon system almost annually since 2003 (none were reported in 2007 or 2008). A state high count three were at Hummock Cove near Wachapreague, Accomack 12 Oct (ph. LSc, RK, DT). Virginia s first BLACK- TAILED GODWIT, found at Chinc. 8 Aug (BD), was definitively photographed there 11 Aug (RG). Potentially the same individual reappeared 5 6 Oct (m. obs), then was subsequently seen 15 (JV et al. fide PB) & 26 Oct (JB, GS fide AD). A Hudsonian Godwit was at Craney 23 Aug through at least 6 Sep (ph. BW, RB, BT, WT) and a Red Knot was there 19 Aug (BW et al.). Three late-departing Semipalmated Sandpipers were at Chinc. 12 Nov (JB, CM). A Baird s Sandpiper at Craney 1 Nov (RB, ph. GB, BT) nudged the species 30 Oct extreme date by two days. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was on the South Wash flats at Chinc. 16 Aug (JB, CM). Additional reports included one at Cedar Grove, Northampton also 16 Aug (BA, CB), one at Ft. Monroe, Hampton 30 Aug (DY), eight at Chinc. 31 Aug & 9 Sep (JB, CM), and three at Chinc. 22 Sep (FM). An accommodating Ruff was nicely documented at Chinc. 30 Aug (ph. BH). A Wilson s Snipe off Blue Ridge Rd., Chesapeake 9 Aug (DD) reset the 12 Aug Coastal Plain extreme early date by three days. Wilson s Phalaropes frequented Craney from at least 9 Aug 13 Sep (RB et al.) with a peak count of 17 there 6 Sep (BW, RB, et al.); one to three were at Chinc. 16 Aug (JB, CM) through 22 Sep (AL, JF). Two Red-necked Phalaropes were at Craney 2 19 Aug (BW et al); four were there 23 Aug (BW, RB, BT, WT). A Red Phalarope was at Chinc. 28 Nov (ph. RBr). GULLS FALCONS A 2 nd -cycle CALIFORNIA GULL, rare in the state in any season, was at Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach 15 Aug (BA, BK, JP), three months ahead of the species previous 13 Nov extreme early date.the proliferation of Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the Region was no more in evidence than totals submitted from coastal site surveys at Back Bay/False Cape and Chinc. (see table page 22). Among those totals was a new state record 628 at Chinc. 9 Sep (JB, CM). The previous high count was 505 at Back Bay/False Cape 25 Feb Page 20 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

21 A Glaucous Gull was off KSP 17 Nov (SK). An active one-egg Least Tern nest at Craney 2 Aug established a new Virginia late egg-date for the species (BW, BT, DY). A Common Tern on the CBBT south island 3 Nov (AD, PG) was almost certainly a Hurricane Sandy refugee. Four late- exiting Sandwich Terns were off the CBBT 7 Oct (BAn). The peak reported Black Skimmer count was 600 near the ESVNWR 28 Sep (PT). Hurricane Sandy brought one intermediate-morph SOUTH POLAR SKUA, one Pomarine Jaeger, and two unidentified jaegers in view of the CBBT 30 Oct (NB). Two Pomarine Jaegers slipped by Cape Charles 31 Oct (NB) and a Parasitic Jaeger was off Chinc. 14 Sep (EM, LM fide MB). A Black-billed Cuckoo was at Wellington Neck, Northampton 10 Sep (RoK); another was at KSP 8 Oct (MP) and one was at Mutton Hunk Fen NAP, Accomack 13 Oct (CM). Of three Asio sp. owls at KSP 9 Nov one was a Long-eared Owl (PB, TD). Common Nighthawks were documented in lower Northampton 16 Sep 25 Oct with a peak count of 19 at Custis Tomb 21 Sep (PN, JF). A tardy Chimney Swift zipped by the KHW 22 Oct (SK) one week beyond the species normal 15 Oct late date. A Selasphorus rufus/ sasin hummingbird tarried in the Hidenwood section of Newport News 26 Aug (ph. RM). Another intrigued Eastern Shore Birding Festival participants at the KHW feeder 5 Oct (SK, DS, HW et al.). A third individual was in Virginia Beach Nov+ (RH). The final KHW American Kestrel total was 14% below the species 4302 historic average. The peak KHW Merlin flight occurred 29 Sep with 157 of which 66 were recorded between 4:00 and 5:00 hours PM (SK et al.) FLYCATCHERS FINCHES A fly-by Olive-sided Flycatcher at the KHW 3 Sep (SK, BA, BAn, HA) may have been the one banded at the KSBS 31 Aug (CB); one was at Mariner s Museum Park, Newport News 11 Sep (DY). A SAY S PHOEBE was at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach 6 (SC, BP), 7 (ph. KR, EE, NF, JF) & 8 Oct (fide KK). A canvas of lower Northampton by-ways produced 32 Eastern Phoebes 7 Oct (LD, HW). A Western Kingbird was among 380 Eastern Kingbirds that passed the KHW 6 Sep (SK). Single Western Kingbirds flew by the KHW 12 & 16 Oct (SK) and one was in Cape Charles 25 Oct (NB). An Eastern Kingbird at KSP 2 Oct was a week past the species normal 25 Sep late date (SK). A White-eyed Vireo was at Dismal 22 Nov (EE, NF). Philadelphia Vireo reports included one at Chinc. 16 Sep (fide MB), one at KSP 17 Sep (M&LB) and one at Mariner s Museum Park, Newport News 5 Oct (NF, EE). A Warbling Vireo was banded at the KSBS 1 Sep (CB), the first since 2006; another was at Sunset Beach 10 Sep (NB). A late Purple Martin was over KSP 24 Sep (SK). A Northern Rough-winged Swallow at KSP 23 Nov (SK) exceeded the species former Coastal Plain extreme late date set 20 Nov The Region s now expected late fall Cave Swallow incursion began with 27 off the CBBT 20 Oct (fide HA). Over the following weeks reports included three off the CBBT 24 Oct (JBl), one at Bull s Farm, Northampton 30 Oct (NB) and one to six at KSP Nov (SK et al.). Redbreasted Nuthatches were widespread and abundant throughout the season accentuated by a single site state record 386 at KSP 17 Oct (SK, et al.). Two Sedge Wrens were singing at Back Bay 18 Aug (PG, HG). A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Grandview 11 Sep (TN et al.) was one day ahead of the species 12 Sep extreme early date. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was at Newport News Park, Newport News 21 Oct (PR), more than a month past that species 20 Sep average late date. A Lapland Longspur was at KSP 25 Nov (SK) and a Snow Bunting was near Chesconessex, Accomack 21 Nov (LG). Late exiting warblers included an Ovenbird at the ESVNWR 4 Nov (DY) and a Tennessee Warbler at the ESVNWR 3 Nov (AD, PG). The Gulls Gone Wild Kiptopeke Challenge team (SD, S&MP, JT) ticked a Connecticut Warbler at KSP 22 Sep. Single Mourning Warblers were banded at the KSBS 19 Aug and 2 Sep (CB); one was at ESVNWR 30 Sep (MBe). The season s first high-volume passerine flight delivered 600 American Redstarts and 450 Northern Parulas through Sunset Beach 10 Sep (TD). An Audubon s Yellow-rumped Warbler was at Sunset Beach 19 Oct (GK, MAK) and Wilson s Warbler was at Mariners Museum Park, Newport News 8 Sep (EE, NF). A Claycolored Sparrow was at KSP Sep (CB, SK, et al.); another was there 9 & 10 Oct (SK) and one was at the ESVNWR 19 Oct (MBo, GK, MAK). Single Vesper Sparrows were at Craney 18 Oct (RB, V&GB, DY), at Jones Cove Rd., Northampton 3 Nov (AD, PG) and at KSP 25 Nov (SK). Among six reported Lark Sparrows were one at Back Bay 18 Aug (LF), 2 there 5 Sep (DH), one at Chinc. 9 (DR) through at least 15 Sep (ph. RT et al.), one at Back Bay 16 (DC) & 17 (JM) Sep and one at First Landing 25 Sep (JM). A Grasshopper Sparrow was at KSP 13 Nov (HA). A 19 Oct survey of Poquoson marshes from Messick produced 19 Nelson s Sparrows, four Saltmarsh Sparrows and three Seaside Sparrows (DY). The same day 30 Nelson s Sparrows were at Bull s Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 21

22 Farm, Northampton (DG). Lincoln s Sparrow reports included one in Cape Charles 7 Oct (NB) and one on the CBBT 18 Oct (CL). A White-crowned Sparrow at KSP 28 Sep (SK et al.) preceded the species normal 10 Oct arrival date by 12 days. On the other hand a Blue Grosbeak at KSP 19 Nov (NB, SK, BW) was well beyond that species 31 Oct extreme late date. A female Painted Bunting was at a Chesapeake feeder 17 Nov (ph. KK). A trio of Dickcissel reports documented singles at KSP 16 Sep (SK, CB), in Norfolk 23 Sep (DC) and at KSP 24 Sep (SK). Four Yellow-headed Blackbirds were accounted for during the period; two were in Cape Charles 3 Oct (LS); one was off Blue Bill Lane, Accomack 9 Oct (LG); and one, different from either of the early Oct birds, was in Cape Charles 15 Oct (NB). A late Baltimore Oriole was at KSP 13 Oct (SK); at least four brightened a Chesapeake feeder 17 Nov (KK). A Purple Finch was in Virginia Beach 25 Sep (JM). Thereafter small numbers were reported across the Region highlighted by 80 at KSP 11 Nov (PB). A lone Red Crossbill kip-kipped past Sunset Beach 11 Oct (NB) piquing expectations that others might follow. And so they did, in unprecedented numbers (see table page 23). From 8 30 Nov+ >1000 were documented from the KHW with a one-day high of 270+ on 20 Nov (SK, NB et al.). Voice-recorded evidence proved conclusively Red Crossbill types 3 and 10 were among passing flocks, as were White-winged Crossbills. The single-day peak count for that species was seven on 4 Nov, 6 of which were at the KHW (SK) and one was in Cape Charles (NB). Another was a surprise addition to a Morgan s Walke, Virginia Beach feeder 18 Nov (ph. JBr fide MRB) and two were in Dismal 22 Nov (EE, NF). Common Redpoll reports included one to two from the KHW Nov (SK et al.) and three in Cape Charles 19 Nov (ph. NB). Volumes of Pine Siskins penetrated the Region during the period beginning with two at KSP 30 Sep (SK). Counts of 250+ occurred on several October dates at KSP where 1900 were tallied over three days 31 Oct 2 Nov (SK). Evening Grosbeaks were detected from the KHW almost daily 4 27 Nov (SK, NB et al.) with high counts of 22 and 33 on 5 (SK) & 6 Nov (NB) respectively; one was in Cape Charles 19 Nov (NB). Hardly a show-stopper yet worthy of acknowledgement for its apparent lack of precedence was the occurrence of two House Sparrows on #4 CBBT 10 Nov (HA et al.). Contributors: Lee Adams, Bob Ake, Bob Anderson (BAn), Harry Armistead, Mary Reid Barrow, Ruth Beck, Meredith and Lee Bell, Marissa Benavente (MBe), Jeff Blalock (JBl), Perri Borowiecki, Arun Bose, Michael Bowen (MBo), Virginia and George Boyles, Calvin Brennan, Ned Brinkley, Jean Brougton (JBr), Rexanne Bruno (RBr), Alan Bryan (ABr), Paul Budde, Joelle Buffa, David Clark, Steve Coari, Inge Curtis, Lynn Davidson, Kathy Davis, Todd Day, Shirley Devan, Adam D Onofrio, Diana Doyle, Bruce Dudek, Enders, Dot Field, Nick Flanders, Lev Frid, Jan Frye, John Gallegos, Lynn Gillingham, Paul Glass, Hannah Glass, Doug Gochfeld, Ron Gutberlet, Natasha Hagemeyer, Bill Hohenstein, Renee Hudgins, David Hughes, Karen Kearney, Rick Kellam, Roberta Kellam (RoK), Barry Kinzie, Mary Alice Koeneke, Stephen Kolbe, Glenn Koppel, Krystal Krejcik (KKr), Allen Larner, Candice Lowther, Jim Marcum, Frank Marenghi, Ken Markley, Larry Meade, Elton Morel, Clyde Morris, Geralyn Mireles, Robyn Nadolny, Paul Nasca, Tiffany Nguyen, Ellison Orcutt, John Pancake, Brian Pendergast, Margie Pitcher, Zak Poulton, Susan and Mike Powell, Keith Roberts, Phyllis Roth, Elizabeth Ruiz, Denise Ryan, Lou Schiavo, Lauren Schneider (LSc), Greg Shupe, David Sibley, Gary Smith (GSm), Brian Taber, Russ Taylor, Wes Teets, Dean Thompson, Paul Thut, Jennifer Trevino, Jim Valimont, Eric Walters, Hal Wierenga, Bill Williams, Dave Youker Fall 2012 Lesser Black-backed Gull Counts at Two VirginiaCoastal Region Sites Date Chincoteague NWR¹ Back Bay/False Cape² 3 Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep 77 9 Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct 179 ¹(JB, CM) ²(BA, DH, KKr, GM, KM, ER) Page 22 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

23 Fall 2012 Crossbill & Grosbeak Counts Date Number of White-winged Crossbills Number of Red Crossbills Number of Evening Grosbeaks 11 Oct 1 4 Nov 6 (plus 1 in Cape Charles) 1 5 Nov 22 6 Nov Nov Nov 4 10 Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov 2 16 Nov Nov Nov 3 (plus 1 in Va. Beach) Nov 20 2 (plus 1 in Cape Charles) 20 Nov Nov Nov (2 at Dismal) 23 Nov Nov 2 25 Nov 6 26 Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov 73 Unless noted otherwise all counts were from the Kiptopeke Hawk Watch platform (SK, NB, m. obs.) Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 23

24 Virginia Birds Needs Regional Editors We are seeking editors for the North Region and the Central Regions described below. Regional Editors are the life blood of this publication. They compile reports from contributor submissions, optionally supplemented by gleaning information form the listserv and ebird, and provide important insights into what is significant at the local level. If you are interested in filling one of these positions please contact the editors at North Editor YOUR NAME HERE. Arlington, Culpepper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas and Manassas Park. Central Editor YOUR NAME HERE. Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania Counties; and the cities of Charolttesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg.

25 North Winter Reporting Period December 2012 February 2013 Editor Lenny Bankester 5615 Chase Court Alexandria, VA Arlington, Culpepper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford Counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church Manassas and Manassas Park. No report received. West Editor Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 Radford, VA Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Bath Rockbridge, Botetourt Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. Abbreviations: Greenville (Greenfield Lake, Botetourt) A Greater White-fronted Goose was seen on the New River in Radford, 6 Jan (CK). One was also found in Augusta 13 Feb (BM) and photographed 16 Feb (RR). A Snow Goose was observed 1 Jan in Rockingham (DL). A Ross s Goose was at Mt. Solon, Augusta 2 29 Dec and 10 Jan and two were seen there on 3 Dec (m. obs). Eight Cackling Geese were at Willow Lake 2 Jan Rockbridge (AL & RR). Tundra Swans were reported from a few locations in January and February: one in Salem 9 Jan (KD) and 17 Feb (MH); three at Willow Lake, Rockbridge 26 Jan (RR); one on Stoney Creek, August 10 Feb (MF); and eleven at Moorestore, Rockingham 11 Feb (DH). A Trumpeter Swan seen on the Shenandoah River, Frederick 5 Jan (DC) and 29 Jan (JL), was banded in Ontario 3 Nov 2011 as a hatch year bird. High counts reported for Gadwall were 62 at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 27 Jan (EB), 26 found at Greenfield 6 Jan (MS), 24 at Old Quarry Pond, Augusta 15 Feb (EG, VL, & GM), and 25 at Lake Moomaw, Bath 24 Feb (GM). Other reports of ducks included: 26 American Black Ducks at the Pump Storage Facility, Bath 4 Feb (GM); a Blue-winged Teal at Greenfield 16 Dec (WT); 18 Green-winged Teal found near Bridgewater, Rockingham 20 Feb (GM) and 15 at Greenfield 8 Dec (KD, BK, & MS); 3 Northern Shovelers at Greenfield 27 Jan (MH), and one near Bridgewater, Rockingham 20 Feb (GM); a Canvasback at Greenfield 16 Dec WT and two there 19 Jan (KD); 5 Redheads on a pond in Blacksburg, Montgomery 23 Feb (TD), ten near Bridgewater, Rockingham 20 Feb (GM) and 38 at Lake Moomaw, Bath 4 Feb (GM); 74 Ring-necked Ducks at Greenfield 16 Dec (WT); 133 Bufflehead along the New River in Radford 23 Feb (CK) and 41 on Lake Bacova, Bath (GM); 4 Common Goldeneyes on Stoney Creek, Augusta 10 Feb (MF); and 45 Hooded Mergansers at the Pump Storage Facility, Bath 12 Jan (JL). Six Horned Grebes were seen in Blacksburg Montgomery 23 Feb (TD), three in Staunton and Fishersville, Augusta 7 Feb (AL) and one at Barger s Quarry, Rockbridge 26 Jan (RR). A pair of Bald Eagles was at a nest in Rockingham 20 Feb (GM). Three immature Golden Eagles were seen and photographed at Reddish Knob, Augusta 13 Jan (VL, WL & GM), and one was found in Botetourt 19 Jan (WT). A Long-billed Dowitcher found and photographed in Staunton, Augusta 7 Dec (MF) and Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 25

26 seen again on 8 Dec (DG) provided a first winter record for the county. In Radford 24 Eurasian Collared Doves were seen 27 Jan (CK). On the 16 Dec Augusta CBC 1,226 Mourning Doves was a new county winter peak count. There were several sightings of Short-eared Owl in Augusta with four the highest tally on two occasions, 12 Feb (DP & PW) and 15 Feb (EG, VL & GM). Merlins were found at several locations in Augusta; one in Staunton 6 Jan (DL & GMo); one photographed in Stuarts Draft 18 Jan (GM & MM); and two seen Mt Solon 28 Jan (DM & GM). One was also observed near Riner, Montgomery 10 Feb (CK). Peregrine Falcon observations were from Fishersville, Augusta 2 Jan (BL & HL), near Snowville, Pulaski 6 Jan (AK & CK), and Mt Solon, Augusta 12 Feb (JS). A Gray Catbird was an unusual winter visitor at Deerfield Park, Blacksburg, Montgomery 20 Feb (TD). A flock of 150+ American Pipits were found in New Hope, Augusta 30 Dec (AL & PW). A flock of 250 Rusty Blackbirds were seen in Staunton, Augusta 9 Jan (DL & CZ). Two Brewer s Blackbirds were observed in Swoope, Augusta 30 Dec Central (AL & PW). A Red Crossbill flew into a window, and later recovered and flew away, in Staunton, Augusta 17 Feb (JR). Two White-winged Crossbills were seen in Radford 4 Jan (LA & WR). An Evening Grosbeak was found in Waynesboro, Augusta on 6 Dec (MV). Contributors: Liz Altieri, Ed Burroughs, David Carr, Kent Davis, Tom Davis, Marshall Faintich, Eve Gaige, Doug Gochfield, Michael Hartley, Diane Holsinger, Alan Kessler, Clyde Kessler, Barry Kinzie, Allen Larner, Vic Laubach, William Leigh, Jeff Lenhart, Diane Lepkowski, Jon Little, Beth Lumadue, Harry Lumadue, Daniel Mapel, Gabriel Mapel, Mary Mapel, Brian Mase, Greg Moyers (GMo), Dan Perkuchin, Wilson Rankin, Julie Rice,Richard Rowe, John Shea, Mike Smith, Wes Teets, Mary Vermeulen, Penny Warren, Charles Ziegenfus. Editor C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA myrmecocichla@gmail.com Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania Counties; and the cities of Charolttesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. No report received. Page 26 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

27 East Editor Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, Academic Drive Oakton, VA Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Matthews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Note that the northern and eastern shores of the Northern Neck overlook Maryland waters. During the season 154 species were recorded in Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula. The most interesting birds included Blue-winged Teal, Red-necked Grebe, Great Cormorant, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Oystercatcher, Marbled Godwit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Tern, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Bluegray Gnatcatcher, Lincoln s Sparrow, Painted Bunting, Common Redpoll, and Evening Grosbeak. The data for this season s report were primarily gleaned from ebird, postings on VSO s VA-bird and Northern Neck Audubon Society s NNASnet, and three Christmas Bird Counts: Washington s Birthplace 16 Dec (compiler Bill Portlock), Walkerton, 30 Dec (compiler Fred Atwood), and Mathews, 30 Dec (primary compiler Don McKelvey). Many thanks to Teta Kain for her input on the noteworthy Christmas Bird Count sightings. One of the big stories this winter was the influx of some irruptive species including Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, and Common Redpoll. Many waterfowl numbers were reduced this year perhaps linked to a decline in aquatic vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay and rivers. Abbreviations: Beaverdam (Beaverdam Park, Gloucester); Bethel (Bethel Beach, Mathews); BirthCBC (Washington s Birthplace Christmas Bird Count); Birthplace (George Washington s Birthplace National Monument, Westmoreland); Cole s Pt (Cole s Point, Westmoreland); Dameron (Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve Northumberland); Dogue (King George);, Haven (Haven Beach area Mathews); Hughlett (Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve, Northumberland); K. G. Ponds (ponds along route 3 near Sealston, King George), Leedstown (Westmoreland); MathCBC (Mathews Christmas Bird Count); Montague (Montague I, Middlesex); Mulberry (Mulberry Island Private Hunting Preserve, Richmond); Muse (end of route 624, Muse Rd, overlooking the Potomac R. Westmoreland); New Point Comfort (New Point Comfort Preserve, Mathews); NNAS (Northern Neck Audubon Society); The Pocket (in Pamunkey Indian Reservation along Pamunkey River, King William); WalkCBC (Walketron Christmas Bird Count). WATERFOWL Thirteen Snow Geese were seen this season: a flock of 11 at The Pocket 30 Dec, including one blue morph (m. obs), and single white morphs at K. G. Ponds 1 Jan (FA), and Haven 21 Jan (JS). MathCBC tallied the only Brant (17) reported in the Region. Five Cackling Geese were reported this winter. Single birds were on WalkCBC and BirthCBC, two were at K. G. Ponds 1 Jan (FA) and 9 Feb (PB, TD), and one was in Leedstown 10 Feb (FA). Though plentiful, wintering Canada Geese were fewer than usual throughout the Region. The highest single location tally was a respectable 10,000 along route 17 in Chance, Essex 24 Feb (FA), but the totals for the three CBCs were again half to a third of their record highs: 1041 Mathews, 5829 Walkerton, and 8043 Birthplace. A total of 73 Mute Swans were reported from 16 locations with a high of 15 at Beaverdam 26 Jan (G&RH). For the second year in a row Tundra Swan counts have declined. CBC counts were again less than a quarter to a third of the previous highs: 35 Walkerton, 101 Birthplace, 68 Mathews. Scattered reports on NNASnet also lamented the lower than usual numbers. In recent years, highs have ranged from over 500 to over But this winter the ebird single-location high was a mere 78 in Middlesex 8 Feb (CB). On ebird there were 68 reports at 30 locations with an average of 21 birds. In 2012 the Chesapeake Bay Foundation noted a 21% drop in submerged aquatic vegetation (15,000 acres) and explained that this may have been due to hot summer water temperatures in 2010 which killed some plants, followed by strong fall Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 27

28 storms in 2011 that damaged their habitat. Swans and many other waterfowl eat these plants or the animals that live in them. Other waterfowl with significantly lower numbers on the CBCs included Mallard (Mathews a very low 54, Walkerton 296 far below average, Birthplace 752), American Black Duck (Mathews 17, Walkerton 60, Birthplace 49), Lesser Scaup (Walkerton 27, Mathews 0, Birthplace a very low 85), Common Goldeneye (Walkerton 2, Mathews 0, Birthplace 40), and Redbreasted Merganser (Mathews 75, Walkerton 0, Birthplace 19). Only 39 additional American Black Ducks were seen all season in nine locations. Lesser Scaup continued its relative scarcity with an average of 18 seen at 34 locations; the largest flock was 125 in Essex 15 Jan (LA). The high count for Common Goldeneye was 55 at Water View, Middlesex 27 Jan (FA) which is half the previous ebird high. Canvasback was missed on all three counts and had a high of only 263 at K. G. Ponds 9 Feb (PB, TD) and an average of 48 in 13 locations. The high count for Gadwall was 220 at Leedstown 24 Feb (FA). A total of 101 Northern Shovelers was found across six locations, with a winter ebird all time high of 36 in Dogue 3 Feb (FA). A total of 179 American Wigeon was found at nine locations including a high of 75 at Marl Bank Rd., Essex 24 Feb (FA). This season s Regional high of 925 Northern Pintails was again in The Pocket area 30 Dec (m. obs) giving the WalkCBC the highest count in the state; 55 others were seen throughout the season at three locations. Blue-winged Teal is always scarce here in the winter, so three in Leedstown, the first for BirthCBC, was a nice surprise (m. obs). Green-winged Teal were relatively scarce this year with a high of only 80 in The Pocket 20 Dec (DY) where there are often hundreds in the winter. That day and location also boasted the season high of 1500 Ring-necked Ducks (DY). Redheads were reported from 10 locations this season with a high of 78 at K. G. Ponds 9 Feb (PB, TD). A large flock of 550 Greater Scaup was eating mussels at Cole s Pt. 10 Feb (FA). This is the highest Region count in years and is a new ebird winter high. Buffleheads were present in expected numbers: Mathews 963, Walkerton 97, and Birthplace 342. The high of 180 Long-tailed Ducks was a combined total from two locations at Cole s Pt. 10 Feb (FA). Observers on the MathCBC found two White-winged Scoters and 48 Black Scoters. Black scoters were more common than in recent winters with 125 birds seen in six locations from Cole Pt. east. Single White-winged scoters were also at Bethel 5 Jan (FA) and Vir-Mar Beach, Northumberland 26 Jan (PD). Always the most common scoter here, the high count of Surf Scoter was 325 at Bethel 5 Jan (FA). Ruddy Ducks were much more scarce this winter; the high was 1500 at Taylor s Cr. and Corrotoman R. Lancaster 25 Dec (MG, DS), a tenth of last winter s high. Of the 200 Hooded Mergansers seen at K. G. Ponds 1 Jan, 153 were females (FA). Common Mergansers were relatively scarce this year. There were only 11 reports from 10 locations with an average of eight and a high of 25 at Port Conway boat launch, King George 9 Feb (PB, TD). GALLINACEOUS BIRDS HERONS Northern Bobwhites continue to hold on in the area. A total of 68 were reported; 20 WalkCBC, 26 BirthCBC, 14 Mulberry 24 Feb (FA), and 7 Lancaster 16 Feb (EW). Only 80 were reported on CBCs in the entire state. Wild Turkeys are doing well. Not including the CBCs there were 32 sightings, 13 of which were of 10 or more birds with a high of 36 King William 16 Feb (CP). The high count for Red-throated Loon was 93 at Muse 1 Jan (FA). The high for Common Loon was 47 at Montague 27 Feb (FA). The high count of 43 Horned Grebe was Taylor s Cr and Corrotoman R., Lancaster 25 Dec (MG, DS). The only Red-necked Grebe this season was again at New Point Comfort 22 Dec (G&RH). Pied-billed Grebes reached a high of 55 at Beaverdam 23 Dec (G&RH). This careful count was the all time high winter count for the Region in ebird. Brown Pelicans were more common than usual this year. MathCBC had its all time high of 162. The single location high in ebird was 67 at Windmill Pt., Lancaster 25 Dec (MG, DS). In ebird 119 birds were noted from 10 locations but there were no counts above ten after December. Northern Gannets were less common this winter with only six reports in the double digits, and a high of 79 at Muse 8 Dec (FA). A single Great Cormorant, perched on a structure off of Cole s Pt. 10 Feb (FA), provided the first winter ebird report for the Region. However the Gold Book notes as many as 16 in Westmoreland in the past and it is commonly reported on the Maryland side of the river. BirthCBC had a new high count of 399 Double-crested Cormorant. Other high counts for this species were 480 at Cole s Pt. 10 Feb (FA) and 350 in Tappahannock, Essex 22 Jan (FA). There were eight ebird reports tallying at least 100 birds from six locations. An American Bittern on the MathCBC was a nice surprise (MS). This is only the fifth winter ebird report for the Region. There were 3 Great Egrets in the area this winter: Beaverdam 23 Page 28 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

29 Dec 28 Jan (G&RH), Guinea Marsh, Gloucester 5 Jan (G&RH), and Haven 14 Jan (FR, NNAS). Two Black-crowned Night Herons were found, MathCBC and White Stone, Lancaster 1 Jan (MBe), the latter first winter ebird report. RAPTORS OWLS MathCBC had their highest counts of Turkey Vultures, 229 and Bald Eagles, 54. WalkCBC and BirthCBC totaled 45 and 105 Bald Eagles respectively. A survey conducted 7 Jan by boat along the Rappsahannock R. from Tappahannock to Mount Swamp tallied 123 Bald Eagles, including 73 adults, five fourth year, one third year, 29 second year, 12 juveniles, and three unknowns. (BP et al.). No Ospreys were noted before March this year. Northern Harriers were quite widespread. EBird reports totaled 34 birds at 25 locations, and the Birthplace CBC reported 20 birds. A total of 21 Cooper s Hawks and 17 Sharp-shinned Hawks were reported in the Region. American Kestrel numbers were lower than usual on two of the CBCs, with six on Birthplace and one on Mathews but Walkerton had 12. Eighteen additional kestrels were reported from 14 locations during the season. The only Peregrine Falcon noted was in Dogue 1 Jan (FA). Two Merlins were noted: Maryus-Guinea Loop, Gloucester 2 Dec (MB) and Birthplace 10 Feb (RM). Five Virginia Rails were reported from three locations: two in Leedstown on BirthCBC (m. obs), two at Mulberry 24 Feb (FA), and one Montague 27 Jan (FA). A single-location high of 9 Clapper Rails was again at Bethel 12 Jan (FA) and 19 were reported from five locations. The winter high of 2000 American Coots was again at Beaverdam throughout the winter (m. obs). Fifty coots were observed at seven other locations including one on the MathCBC where it is rarely seen, and a waybelow-average seven on WalkCBC. Thirty Black-bellied Plovers were at Bethel 14 Jan (FR, NNAS). The high count for Killdeer was 212 WalkCBC, but BirthCBC had a remarkably low count of five. This scarcity was evident throughout the area as there were only four reports of more than 25 birds. MathCBC participants had a great day for shorebirds including new high counts of 9 Willets and 34 Greater Yellowlegs, as well as rarelyfound American Oystercatcher (one) and Marbled Godwit (one) and the more-expected 119 Sanderlings, 921 Dunlin, and 2 Ruddy Turnstones. The only Lesser Yellowlegs were 10 in King William on the WalkCBC (DB, BW). That team also had a flock of 40 dowitcher sp. fly by, a very high count for the Region. Sanderlings were found at four locations, all at the easternmost areas of the Region with a high of 200 at Bethel 21 Jan (JS). A high of about 50 Wilson s Snipes were in the farm field near Dameron 27 Feb (TS). Only 27 others were seen in five locations this winter. BirthCBC had a new high count of 14 American Woodcocks. WalkCBC again had the highest woodcock count in the state (24). The King William team of that count (DB, BW) tallied 22 birds, a far cry from their record-breaking 180 last year, despite the same degree of effort. WalkCBC finally had its first Bonaparte s Gull and Forster s Tern this year (TH, NN). The high count for Laughing Gull was 2300 K. G. Ponds 8 Dec (FA), but after this date there were only six reports, all fewer than four birds. BirthCBC had its all time highs of 2594 Ring-billed Gulls and 82 Great Black-backed Gulls. WalkCBC had its highest count of 19 Herring Gulls, a species that does not normally wander that far upriver. A Lesser Black-backed Gull made a surprise appearance on the MathCBC. Another Lesser Black-backed Gull was at K. G. Ponds 1 Jan (FA), and two were at a private location in Mathews 25 Jan (EO). MathCBC had its first CASPIAN TERN. This is the first winter sighting that the editor is aware of in the Region. No Shorteared Owls or Barn Owls could be found this year. Birthplace CBC found their all-time high count of 19 Great Horned Owls. Surprisingly, the only CBC to find Barred Owls this year was Walkerton (6), which also recorded 9 Eastern Screech Owls. WOODPECKERS WARBLERS Red-headed Woodpeckers were hard to find. A total of 19 were tallied at 11 locations with a high count of three at The Pocket (m. obs) 2 Jan. Only four were found on the CBCs: Mathews 0, Walkerton three and Birthplace one. According to ebird and CBC totals, Downy Woodpeckers are about six times more common than Hairy Woodpeckers. One of the most exciting finds of the season was a WESTERN KINGBIRD found on the MathCBC at Gwynn s I 30 Dec (EB) (This is the first winter sighting that the editor is aware of in the Region). The 30 Eastern Phoebes in Walkerton were the highest CBC count in Virginia this year. A high of 114 Blue Jays was the total for Sector IX of the Brooke CBC, King George 17 Dec (CE). A total of 24 Fish Crows were reported from eight locations including a new high of six on the WalkCBC, only the second time for this count. Two Common Ravens were at Dogue 3 Feb (FA), not far from where they were seen last year at K. G. ponds. Horned Larks were again scattered Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 29

30 and hard to find this year. There were 21 sightings at 18 locations, but only two flocks exceeded 20 birds. The high was 50 in Leedstown 10 Feb (FA). Two swallow sp. at Windmill Pt., Lancaster 16 Dec were most likely late-departing Tree Swallows (PD). The earliest apparent spring migrant Tree Swallows were six in Essex 15 Feb (DS) and two more 28 Feb Beaverdam (G&RH). There are only seven other winter ebird reports for this species in this Region. This could perhaps be called the year of the Red-breasted Nuthatch. On ebird there were 187 reports from 60 locations, quite a change from last year s total of three individual birds. MathCBC found 58, an all-time high for the count and the highest CBC count in the state this year. WalkCBC also tallied its highest count (5). The highest single-location count was 12 at Suggett s Pt., Richmond 21 Jan (LA). Marsh Wrens put in a good appearance this winter. Twelve were found in five locations including a high of six during a banding expedition from the Center for Conservation Studies 24 Feb (B&TH). Three were at Mulberry 24 Feb (FA) and single birds were at Dameron 2 Dec (LS), West Point King William 5 Jan (FA) and Montague 27 Jan (FA). No Sedge Wrens were found, but 15 House Wrens were reported from eight locations this season, all except two were after 15 Feb. Most notable were single birds in Gloucester 1 Dec (G&RH) and West Point, King William 5 Jan (FA). An exciting find on the MathCBC was a late Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. There are no winter ebird reports for this species. American Robins were not as common as in some years with only eight sightings of more than 100 birds from seven locations; high of 300 in Dogue 3 Feb (FA), where some winters there are thousands. WalkCBC had a new high count of 365 American Pipits the second highest CBC total in the state this year. Nineteen Pine Warblers were reported from ten locations in addition to five on MathCBC. The high count was five at Wicomico Church, Northumberland (RM). Other less common warblers this winter included single Common Yellowthroats at Leedstown 8 Dec (FA) and West Point, King William 5 Jan (FA); and 8 Palm Warblers: one at K. G. Ponds 8 Dec (FA), two in Leedstown 8 Dec (FA), and five in another Leedstown location on the Birthplace CBC (m. obs). SPARROWS FINCHES WalkCBC finally had its first long-awaited American Tree Sparrow in the King William sector (DB, BW). Sixteen others, an unusual number for this Region, were noted in seven locations. All were after 15 Feb One of eight Evening Grosbeaks at a feeder in Bruington. Photo by Nora and Ron Kroll. except for two at John s Pt. Landing, Gloucester 1 Jan (G&RH). A Lincoln s Sparrow was found on the Birthplace CBC; only the second for that count. The Center for Conservation Studies banding session at Guinea Marshes 24 Feb found 2 Nelson s Sparrows, 7 Salt-marsh Sparrows, and 4 Seaside Sparrows (B&TH). Three additional Seaside Sparrows were at Mallard Bay, Northumberland 18 Feb (GY). Whitecrowned Sparrows were more common than last year; 94 birds were found in nine locations with a max of 41 at Leedstown 10 Feb (FA). Fox Sparrows were also more common this year. There were at least 34 reports from 20 locations in addition to birds seen on all the CBCs. The high count was eight at Hughlett 27 Jan (LA). WalkCBC had a new high count for Swamp Sparrow (119, previous high 93). Chipping Sparrows were also easy to find with a high of 50 in Fleeton, Northumberland 15 Feb (PS). Eastern Meadowlarks were more common throughout the Region this winter. Their numbers increased somewhat on the CBCs, and on ebird 336 birds were reported from 20 locations with a high of 60 at John s Pt. Landing Gloucester 1 Jan (G&RH). There were 13 sightings of Rusty Blackbirds in four locations including a high of 70 in Leedstown 24 Feb (FA) and a new high count of 15 for BirthCBC. A large flock of Common Grackles estimated at around 40,000 was near The Pocket 30 Dec. For the fourth year in a row, a male PAINTED BUNTING was seen sporadically at a feeder in Wicomico Church, Northumberland throughout the winter (JC). Though not as common as Red-breasted Nuthatches, this was Page 30 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

31 a good year for both Pine Siskins and Purple Finches. There were 20 ebird sightings of Pine Siskins at nine locations with a high count of 10 at a home feeder in Gloucester 13 Jan (G&RH). Pine Siskins were also found on MathCBC (five) and Birthplace CBC (one). There were 59 ebird reports of Purple Finches from 18 locations with a high of nine in Gloucester 18 Feb (DBa). Purple Finches were also found on MathCBC (five) and WalkCBC (three). Some of the most exciting finds for the period were two rarely-encountered irruptive species, Common Redpoll and Evening Grosbeaks. Three COMMON REDPOLLS were spotted at feeders: one in Gloucester 2 Feb (LS) and two in Hartfield, Middlesex (BK). At least 24 EVENING GROSBEAKS made their first visit to the area in many years. Up to eight (one male and seven females) sporadically visited a feeder in Bruington King and Queen (ph. N&RK). Another group of up to six pairs sporadically visited a feeder all winter in Middlesex starting 22 Jan (ph. BK). Four more Evening Grosbeaks were found 11 Feb Balls Neck Northumberland (TS). Contributors: Scores of volunteers on the three Christmas Bird Counts, as well as the following: Lee Adams, Fred Atwood, Cathy Baldwin, Meredith Bell, Michael Berry (MBe), Perri Borowiecki, Dana Bradshaw (DB), JoAnne Chewning, Todd Day, Chris Eberly, Maren Gimpel, Tim Hodge, Bill and Tyler Hohenstein, Brenda Knupp, Nora and Ron Kroll, Robert Mains, Roz Messing, Nicholas Newberry, Northern Neck Audubon Society (NNAS), Northern Virginia Bird Club (NVBC), Ellison Orcutt, Bill Portlock, Felicity Rask, Frank Schaff, James Shelton (JS), Dan Small, Mark Sopko, Paul Sparks, Everett Warren, Bryan Watts, Gary Yordy, David Youker. Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 31

32 Southwest Editor Roger and Lynda Mayhorn HC Box 44A Pilgrims Knob, VA Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe Counties. The average temperature for the report period was 42 F with 24 days of rain and 18 days of snow. Interesting sightings were a Tundra Swan in Wythe, a Red-necked Grebe in Washington, several Bald Eagles in Grayson, Tazewell, Washington and Wise, and a nest found in Wythe, and an Evening Grosbeak in Grayson. Ron Harrington reported that the Glade Spring CBC took place 15 Dec with 71 species logged and 5638 birds counted. Interesting finds were American Tree Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Ross s Goose, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle and Loggerhead Shrikes. Jerry Thornhill reported that the 17th annual Blackford CBC in Russell was held 29 Dec with 63 species logged and 5037 individual birds counted, making this the third highest count of Blackford Count history. A Barn Owl was a new species added to the count this year. Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Buchanan); MC (Musick s Campground on South Holston Lake, Washington); Natural Area Preserve (NAP), RRL (Rural Retreat Lake, Wythe); South SHL (Holston Lake); SVCC (Southwest VA Community College, Tazewell); VDGIF (Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries). SWANS - HAWKS A BRANT that had been at Clear Creek for several weeks moved to Spring Lake Pond near Exit 7 of I-81 in Washington 15 Feb (WC). A lone Tundra Swan was discovered on RRL 28 Feb (ME). Five male Ringnecked Ducks (JD) and one Redhead (JK) were found on a pond in Lebanon, Russell 8 Mar. A RED- NECKED GREBE was discovered on SHL at MC 2 Jan (MS). Bald Eagle observations included: two adults discovered near Hwy 21, Grayson 6 Dec (HB); one flying upstream from Big Stone Gap, Wise 9 Dec (BC); two subadults on the New R., Grayson 14 Dec (HB) and an adult in the same area 5 Jan (HB); a juvenile at MC 27 Dec (JK,SH,MS); two adults perched in a tree in Wythe 30 Dec (JM) and an adult there 4 Jan (JM); an adult flying low over the town of Richlands, Tazewell 27 Jan (D&S R); two adults observed circling in the same area of Wythe as those of 30 Dec and 4 Jan (JM); and two seen at their nest in Burkes Garden in Tazewell 23 Feb (BCBC). A BALD EAGE NEST with an adult bird circling and flying to the nest was discovered 25 Feb on a ridge in a large pine in Wythe (JM). During the week of 10 Mar an ad. Golden Eagle was observed for several minutes in the Austinville area of Wythe (S&M B) and an immature was observed on a farm in Wythe 22 Dec (JM). Three were seen in Burkes Garden, Tazewell 23 Feb (BCBC) and another was observed flying over SVCC 27 Jan (D&S R). On 13 Jan a Rough-legged Hawk was found in Burkes Garden, Tazewell (J&D B, GE). A Rough-legged Hawk was discovered in the same location 23 Feb (BCBC). CRANES - GROSBEAKS Six Sandhill Cranes were observed flying over Washington County Park at SHL 27 Dec (JK, SH, MS). On 7 Feb three Great Horned Owls were heard calling at one time in Wythe (JM). Red-breasted Nuthatches were present throughout the period with sightings in Breaks (DR) and on Compton Mt., Buchanan (RM). A male Evening Grosbeak came to a feeder at Elk Creek, VA just north of Independence 1 Jan and stayed for a few days (NA). Contributors: Noel Amaral, Stan and Mary Bentley, Jerry and Donna Bevins, Harrol Blevins, Buchanan County Bird Club, Bill Cawood, Wallace Coffey, Jessica Duty, Glen Eller, Mike Evans, Ron Harrington, Sheri Hite, John Kelly, Roger Mayhorn, Jim Minick, David and Susan Raines, David Raines, Mike Sanders, Jerry Thornhill Page 32 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

33 South Central Editor Wendy Ealding 1384 Palmore Road Powhatan, VA Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottoway, Dinwiddie, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Greensville Counties, and the cities of Danville, Emporia, and Martinsville. The winter of would probably be considered seasonable by historic standards. But it was certainly much colder than the previous winter. The Presidents Day long weekend February brought snow and birders out in force for the Great Backyard Bird Count. The other feature of the season was the widespread irruption of winter finches. Abbreviations: Briery Creek (Briery Creek WMA, Prince Edward); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg); Sandy River (Sandy River Reservoir, Prince Edward); SRSP (Staunton River State Park, Halifax). WATERFOWL DOVES Three Long-tailed Ducks, a winter rarity, were at Briery Creek 18 Feb along with a Common Goldeneye (DS, ES). A female Common Goldeneye was reported in Danville 5 Dec (TA) and on the Danville CBC 29 Dec (MF). A high count of 64 Ruddy Ducks were at Sandy River 18 Feb (DS, ES). Red-necked Grebe was a rare winter visitor at Kerr with reports of three on 9 Dec (AD, PG) and one on 5 Jan (JB). Two overwintering Spotted Sandpipers were at Kerr 9 Dec 24 Feb (AD, PG, MF, JG). American Woodcocks were heard and seen displaying throughout the winter with reports from the Darlington Heights, Prince Edward CBC 6 Jan (DS) and Banister R. WMA, Halifax 5 Feb (JB) and one was observed giving display flights at Burnt Chimney, Franklin 23 Feb (AQ). High counts of Bonaparte s Gulls were reported under two very different sets of circumstances; very low water levels at SRSP 2 Dec where 250 were on the mudflats (JB) and a brief release of water through the sluices at Kerr 9 Feb where 150 was an unusually high count (WE, MA, PE). Single birds in Danville 5 Jan (MF) and Buckingham 17 Feb (DS, ES) may well be county firsts for the species. A Laughing Gull at Kerr 16 Feb (DS, ES) was unusual in late winter. Lesser Black-backed Gull was once again a regular at Kerr in winter with reports 13 Jan 16 Feb (AD, m. obs). Two Eurasian Collared-Doves were in South Boston, Halifax, where they are regularly found 8 Jan and 4 Feb (PG). PASSERINES A Loggerhead Shrike in Mecklenburg 27 Jan (AD, PG) appears to be a regular winter visitor to the extreme southern Piedmont. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was a rare winter visitor at SRSP 8 Jan (JB). Rather unusual in winter were two House Wrens 18 Dec at Bear Creek Lake SP, Cumberland (WE). A Gray Catbird, a rare winter visitor in the Piedmont, was at Lawson Creek WMA, Halifax, 21 Feb (JB). An apparent overwintering Northern Parula 13 Jan (PG, MF, JG), 27 Jan (AD, PG) and 31 Jan at Kerr (MS) was very unusual. Palm Warbler is also rare particularly in late winter and the Western palmarum subspecies normally outnumbers the Yellow Eastern hypochrysea subspecies; reports of a Yellow Palm Warbler 6 Jan during the Darlington Heights CBC, Charlotte (ST) and 21 Feb at SRSP (JB), were noteworthy on both counts. White-crowned Sparrow is an uncommon wintering species in the southern Piedmont; ten were reported 6 Jan from the Darlington Heights CBC, Prince Edward (DS) and a noteworthy high count of 17 was reported in Prince Edward 8 Feb (MS). Among the irruptive winter finches were high counts of 13 Purple Finches in Charlotte 16 Feb (SD) and 11 in Buckingham 23 Feb (MS). High counts of Pine Siskins included 13 at a feeder in South Boston, Halifax, 3 Feb (PG), and 21 at Dry Fork, Pittsylvania 16 Feb (MF). An Evening Grosbeak was photographed at a feeder in Dinwiddie 25 Jan (ph. PM) Contributors: Tony Adcock, Mary Ames, Jeff Blalock, Adam D Onofrio, Sue D Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Patty Elton, Mary Foster, Jason Gibson, Paul Glass, Pat Moore, Alyce Quinn, David Spears, Evan Spears, Mike Stinson, Sue Thrasher Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 33

34 Southeast Editor Adam D'Onofrio Smith Grove Road Petersburg, VA Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and York Counties, and the cities of Richmod, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. Temperatures and precipitation averaged slightly above normal for the period with no significant weather events in the Region. The two long running Christmas Bird Counts went off without a hitch. The 73 rd Hopewell CBC was run on December 16 and recorded 109 species. The 36 th Williamsburg CBC was run on the same day and recorded 111 species. For the latter count 61 participants took part including many feeder watchers, which helped record new high counts for 19 species. Highlights of both counts are in the text. The Center for Conservation Biology documented a modern day high of 53 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers during the winter population survey at the Nature Conservancy s Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County. The new high was a direct result of the banner 2012 breeding season in which ten breeding pairs successfully fledged 26 birds. The 53 birds detected consisted of 37 adults and 16 of the 26 first year birds. Rarities this season included Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow and Brewer s Blackbird. Abbreviations: Chippokes (Chippokes Plantation State Park, Surry); City Point (Petersburg National Battlefield- City Point Unit, Hopewell); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Henricus (Henricus Park, Chesterfield); Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry). GEESE WOODPECKERS A Greater White-fronted Goose was photographed in Charles City 16 Feb (ABr). A Ross s Goose was also photographed in Henrico 9 Feb (ABr). Richardson s Cackling Geese, annual in small numbers, were seen and photographed in several locations throughout the Region. New high counts for wintering ducks included 328 Gadwall, 725 Green-winged Teal and195 Buffleheads all recorded on the HoCBC. A Bluewinged Teal, uncommon in winter, was recorded on the WiCBC. Twelve Surf Scoters and three Black Scoters were seen on the James R. from Ragged Island W.M.A., Isle of Wight 28 Dec (NF, EE). A new high count of 18 Red-throated Loons was made on the WiCBC and 151 Horned Grebes was also a new high for the count. A Brown Pelican was observed on the James R. from Hopewell 6 Jan (ABr). Another or possibly the same bird was seen and photographed at Jordan Point Marina, Prince George 2 Feb (ph. ABr, LB). The WiCBC had a new high of 2,549 Double-crested Cormorants. American Bittern reports included a continuing bird from November at Henricus 2 Dec (PB, GW), one on the WiCBC and one seen crossing the James R. towards Hog 19 Feb (BT). As has been the case for a number of winters recently, an Osprey spent the entire winter at Henricus/Dutch Gap, apparently taking advantage of the warm waters provided by the nearby power plant (m. obs). As many as two King Rails were heard vocalizing from the wetlands at Crewes Channel, Henrico throughout the winter (AB, ABr). Two Soras on the WiCBC was unusual for the count. Seven Ruddy Turnstones, very uncommon west of Chesapeake Bay, were counted at Felgates Creek, York 12 Feb (FD). Three Western Sandpipers were at Grafton, York 15 Dec (MB). A good count of 47 Least Sandpipers was made in Charles City 10 Feb (AB). A new high of 4,491 Laughing Gulls was established on the HoCBC. Two first cycle Kumlien s Iceland Gulls were reported this season one at the Hopewell City Marina 2 Dec (AB) and the other at the Innsbrook Pond, Henrico 18 Jan (NN). It was a good year for wintering hummingbirds. A Selasphorus hummingbird in Grafton, York was present Page 34 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3

35 at least through 13 Dec (PR, fide DY) and two were at a feeder on Blue Wing Lane near Chippokes 26 Dec (JS, fide AW). A banded f. Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Governor s Land, James City, presumably the same bird that was banded there last winter, would not enter the trap set up by the hummingbird bander in order to confirm the band number. However, in the same yard were two Selasphorus hummingbirds that did enter the trap and were banded and identified as hatch year m. and f. Rufous Hummingbirds 19 Jan (BP). All three birds continued until at least 10 Feb when they were last reported (TM, BP, BW). Another f. Rufous Hummingbird, present at a feeder in York since 25 Nov, was banded on 10 Feb (BP, PC). The hatch year m. Rufous Hummingbird banded 24 Nov in a residential yard in Chester, Chesterfield remained throughout the period and was photographed frequently (ph. by JK, m. obs). This hummingbird was also a new species for the HoCBC. A hatch year f. Rufous Hummingbird was also banded in another residential yard in Chesterfield 21 Dec (ph. KK, BP). New high counts for the WiCBC included 43 Belted Kingfishers, 32 Redheaded Woodpeckers, 205 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 79 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and 52 Pileated Woodpeckers. The HoCBC also set a new high count for Pileated Woodpeckers with 44 counted. FLYCATCHERS FINCHES A new high count of 24 Eastern Phoebes was set on the WiCBC. An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was discovered at City Point near the intersection of Water and Pecan St. 8 Dec (ph. ABr) and then proceeded to play hide and seek with birders until it was last seen on 25 Dec (ph. LB, m. obs). The bird did appear on the HoCBC and was a new species for the count. A WESTERN KINGBIRD was found at Chippokes 2 Dec (TC) and seen subsequently through 17 Dec (m. obs). On 22 Dec, a Western Kingbird was discovered at Gospel Spreading Farm, James City (TA, ph. BT) then seen and photographed again the next day (ph. FB, BW, SD). It is presumed that these two sightings pertained to one bird and that the bird from Chippokes flew five miles due north across the James R. on the heels of strong northerly winds Dec. A dozen Tree Swallows were noted at Henricus over the James R. 18 Feb (PB). More new high counts for the WiCBC included 395 Carolina Chickadees, 369 Tufted Titmice, 51 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 283 Carolina Wrens and 22 Winter Wrens. The HoCBC tied the 2007 high count for Winter Wrens with 45. A Sedge Wren, rare west of Chesapeake Bay, was recorded on the WiCBC and was a new species for the count. A lingering Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was discovered at City Point 8 Dec (ph. by ABr). Possibly the same bird was seen in the same location 23 Dec (AD). The WiCBC continued to set new high counts with 386 Eastern Bluebirds and 57 Hermit Thrushes. A Tennessee Warbler found at City Point 14 Dec (AB) may have been a reverse migrant. The warbler showed itself on the HoCBC representing a new species for the count. It was last seen 18 Dec (TD, BA, BW). Several Orange-crowned Warblers were reported with three counted on the HoCBC. An Orange-crowned Warbler, away from the traditional reporting areas in and around Hopewell, was present at Chisel Run, James City 21 Dec 16 Feb (ph. by JN, fide BW). A Palm Warbler, uncommon in winter, was at Hopewell 10 Feb (AB). There were three Yellowbreasted Chats reported. The first was near Harwoods Mill, York, found on the Newport News CBC 15 Dec (MB) and then seen subsequently 17 Dec and again in January (DY). The second was at Fort Boykins Historic Park, Isle of Wight 18 Jan (TC) and the third was in Fords Colony, James City 4 28 Feb (ph. DW, fide BW). Rare this far south, three American Tree Sparrows were seen at Chippokes 18 Jan (TD). A single American Tree Sparrow was noted there 23 Jan (GG). The WiCBC set a new high count for Chipping Sparrows with 263. The LARK SPARROW that was first reported from a residential yard in Chesterfield on 4 Nov remained there for the entire period, providing a rare winter observation for the Peidmont (JE, m. obs). New high CBC high counts were 745 Song Sparrows (HoCBC) and 1,386 White-throated Sparrows and 442 Northern Cardinals (WiCBC). The m. WESTERN TANAGER that returned to Settler s Mill, James City 13 Nov for the fourth time in five years remained for the entire period and was recorded on the WiCBC (ph. BW, m. obs). Remarkably, a second m. Western Tanager was present at Seaford, York Feb (ph. K&MB, FD). On the flipside, there were two low counts recorded on the WiCBC, 56 Eastern Meadowlarks and 39 Common Grackles. A f. BREWER S BLACKBIRD, rare anywhere in the state, was seen in a cow pasture with other blackbirds at Gospel Spreading Farm, James City 26 Jan (BT). It seems that Boat-tailed Grackles have invaded Isle of Wight. Frequently reported the last few years from Ragged Island W.M.A., a flock of approximately 50 birds of both sexes was seen in a Hardee s parking lot in Smithfield 17 Dec (NF). Up to four Baltimore Orioles frequented a residential yard in Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3 Page 35

36 Stratford Hills, Richmond this winter (ph. AS). This has been a favored location for the species in recent years. It has been an impressive irruption year in the eastern United States for Evening Grosbeak and at least 50 were seen gorging on pine seeds at Piney Grove Preserve, Sussex 12 Dec (FS, fide BW). Contributors: Bob Ake, Tom Armour, Lewis Barnett, Paul Bedell, Meredith Bell, Kim & Matt Bickley, Fred Blystone, Arun Bose, Allen Bryan (ABr), Patricia Clark, Terri Cuthriell, Fenton Day, Todd Day, Shirley Devan, Adam D Onofrio, Elisa Enders, Jack Esworthy, Nick Flanders, Geoff Giles, Julie Kacmarcik, Kathleen Kreutzer, Thomas Moore, Jeanette Navia, Null Null, Bruce Peterjohn, Phyllis Roth, Fletcher Smith, John Spencer, Anita Storino, Brian Taber, Deborah Wagner, Gerry Weinberger, Audrey Whitlock, Bill Williams, Dave Youker. This Lark Sparrow visited residential yard in Chesterfield. Photo by Adam D'Onofrio. Page 36 Virginia Birds Volume 9 Number 2 and Volume 9 Number 3