Virginia Birds. Volume 10, Number 2 Fall Records August November 2013

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1 Virginia Birds A Quarterly Journal of Ornithological Sightings in the Commonwealth Published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology Volume 10, Number 2 Fall Records August November 2013 Volume 10, Number 3 Winter Records December 2013 February 2014

2 Editors' Notes While the progress of fall was about normal, the winter period was noteworthy for the presence of Snowy Owls in unprecedented numbers and the extremely cold temperatures to the north and west of the Commonwealth, which caused a Red-necked Grebe incursion and inland records of normally coastal winter ducks and grebes. With this issue we bid farewell to Wendy Ealding, who has been the South Central Region editor since 2010, providing wonderful insights into a sometimes under-birded area. We particularly appreciate her efforts to compile region reports while also holding down the very busy post of VARCOM Secretary. Mike Stinson, currently the Central Region Editor, will replace Wendy and Janet Paisley and Andrew Rapp are joining the team as the new Central Region Editors. Also with this issue of Virginia Birds we bring our ten years of work on the publication to a close. The VSO Board is actively seeking a new senior editor or editors. Until one is found VSO President, Joe Coleman and Virginia Birds Coastal Region Editor, Bill Williams will share the overall editorial responsibilities. Founding this publication and seeing it through its first ten years has been an amazing experience and we are enormously proud if to have played a small part in preserving information that contributes to an understanding of the status and distribution of birds in Virginia. But this has only been possible because of the work of our Regional Editors. There are really no adequate words to express our thanks to them for their contributions or tell them how much we have enjoyed working with them over the years. The best we can do is wish them, and our readers continued good birding. Alan Schreck and Linda Fields Founding Editors, Virginia Birds On the Cover: Common Mergansers were a new species for the Blackford CBC. Photograph by Roger Mayhorn. Publisher Virginia Society of Ornithology Printed on recycled paper Editors Linda Fields Alan Schreck vsoeditors@comcast.net 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) Incoming Editors Bill Williams billwilliams154@gmail.com Joe Coleman joecoleman@rstarmail.com 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 Regional Editors Fred Atwood Adam D Onofrio Wendy Ealding Clyde Kessler Lynda Mayhorn Roger Mayhorn Janet Paisley Andrew Rapp C. Michael Stinson Bill Williams 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 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 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 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 3

4 North Fall Reporting Period August 2013 November 2013 Editor VACANT 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. West Abbreviations: Fenwick( Fenwick Mines, Craig); Gala (Gala Wetlands, Botetourt); Greenfield L. (Greenfield Lake, Botetourt), Natl. Bridge (Natural Bridge, Rockbridge); Willow L. (Willow Lake, Rockbridge) GEESE TERNS A Snow Goose was found at Ashley Plantation Pond, Botetourt, 29 Nov (KA). A Ross's Goose was there 29 Nov (KA) and one was found in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 16 Nov (JS). A count of 651 Canada Geese was tallied on the New River at Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov (DH). Tundra Swans were found at Willow L. 7 Nov (JP); 50 were in Shenandoah 19 Nov (DD); and one was observed in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Wood Duck observations were of eight seen north of Goshen Pass, Rockbridge 19 Sep (BK); seven found at Shenandoah River State Park, Warren 6 Oct (TH) and eight at Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov (DH). Four Gadwall were at Willow L. 20 October, (RR). Five American Wigeons were at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK), four were at Abrams Cr. Wetlands Preserve, Frederick 9 Nov (MN) and eight Editor Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 Radford, VA ckessler@vt.edu Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Bath Rockbridge, Botetourt Alleghany, Craig, Giles, Roanoke, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. were found there 28 Nov (KA). Twelve Green-winged Teal were on Willow L. 11 Oct (RR) and sixteen were at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK). Three Northern Pintails were seen at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK). Blue-winged Teal reports were of 24 at Gala 3 Oct (BK), 15 at Douthat State Park, Bath the same day, (JW) and 13 at Mountain Meadow Pond, Augusta, 19 Oct (GM). Three Northern Shovelers were at Willow L. 11 Oct (RR); four were at Bisset Park in Radford 10 Nov (CK). Other duck observations were of 22 Ring-necked Ducks at Abrams Cr. Wetlands Preserve, Frederick 9 Nov, (MN); 6 Greater Scaup on L. Frederick, Frederick 22 Nov (WP) and 42 Bufflehead there 12 Nov (WP); 83 Bufflehead at the confluence of the Little and New Rivers, Montgomery 30 Nov (CK); one Surf Scoter at Lake Frederick 1 Nov (ET) and one Long-tailed Duck there 3 Nov (DC). Two early Common Mergansers were found on the south fork of the Shenandoah R., Page 10 August (BDe) and two were at Riverview Park in Radford 29 Nov (CK). Five Ruddy Ducks were observed at Willow L. 11 and 20 October (RR) and one was at Greenfield L. 14 Oct, (BK). Thirty-two Page 4 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

5 Wild Turkeys were seen in Shenandoah 28 Aug (ET) and 61 were observed at McCunn s Road, Frederick 30 Oct (BL & JL). Three Pied-billed Grebes were found at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge 3 Oct (RR); seven were at Willow L. 21 Oct (JP); nine were at Greenfield L. 27 Oct (BK); and six at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 27 Oct (DW). The hawk watch at Rockfish Gap, Augusta reported 74 Common Loons 12 Nov (GM). Double-crested Cormorants were present on the New R. in Radford almost daily throughout the fall season, with a peak count of 94 on 13 Oct (CK). Ten were seen at ponds in Waynesboro also on 13 Oct (EC). Six Great Blue Herons were found at Parrott, Pulaski 9 Nov (DH). Great Egret reports were of single birds at Lyndhurst, Augusta 1 Aug (AL) near Dublin, Pulaski 9 Aug (MB & SB), on the North Fork of the Shenandoah R., Shenandoah 12 Aug (BD), near Riner, Montgomery 31 Aug (CH), at Greenfield L. 14 Oct (BK), and three at Mountain Meadow Pond, Augusta 19 Oct (GM). An immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was observed at Willow L. 3 Aug (RR). A Black-crowned Night- Heron was seen at Swoope, Augusta 1 Aug (AL); one was on the south fork of the Shenandoah R., Page 10 Aug (BD) and five were found at Newman L. on the JMU campus, Harrisonburg 16 Aug (GMo). A Northern Goshawk was seen in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 27 Nov (JS). A Sora was found at Nazarene Wetlands, Rockingham 2 Aug (GMo) and located again 10 Aug (DL & GMo) and 12 Aug (BE). A Black-bellied Plover was observed at a sod farm in Rockingham 24 Aug (CM) and American Golden Plovers also observed there - four on 24 Aug (WL) and fifteen on 24 Sep (GMo). Semipalmated Plover reports were of two in Lyndhurst, Augusta 1 Aug (AL) and one at Swoope, Augusta 17 Aug (AL), one at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge, 17 Aug (RR), and five at Roanoke Sewage Treatment ponds 19 Aug (KD). Nineteen Spotted Sandpipers were found at Lyndhurst and Swoope 17 Aug (AL). Ten Solitary Sandpipers were at the Roanoke Sewage Treatment ponds 4 Aug (KD) and 20 were found in Lyndhurst and Swoope, Augusta 17 Aug (AL). Five Greater Yellowlegs were found at Swoope 17 Aug (AL) and 82 Lesser Yellowlegs were observed there 17 Aug (AL). Five Stilt Sandpipers were found at Lyndhurst and Swoope 17 Aug (AL) and two to four were observed at Nazarene Wetlands, Rockingham 6 22 Oct (MF). A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen near Bridgewater and another at Willow L. 10 Aug (DL & GMo); 45 at Swoope 17 Aug provided a new fall peak count (AL); singles were at Old Farm Road pond, Rockbridge 12 & 14 Sep and 11 Oct (RR); and six were near Mt. Crawford, Rockingham 1 Oct (WL). Four Dunlin were seen at the Weyers Cave Airport, Augusta 24 Aug (GM) and one was at a pond on Old Farm Road 10 Nov (JP). One Baird s Sandpiper was found at Roanoke Sewage Treatment ponds 8 Sep (MS). Other sandpiper reports included: 26 Semipalmated Sandpipers at ponds in Lyndhurst and Swoope 17 Aug and 21 Least Sandpipers there the same day (AL); three Least Sandpipers at Henry Hills pond, Rockbridge also on 17 Aug (RR); 3 Western Sandpipers in Augusta 17 Aug (DH), two seen at Roanoke Sewage Treatment ponds 8 Sep (KD), and one was observed in Rockingham 18 Sep (DH). Six Short-billed Dowitchers were found at Swoope 17 Aug (AL). A Bonaparte s Gull was seen at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 18 Sep (DL) and one was found at McCune s Pond, Augusta 9 Nov (VL). Three Forster s Terns were seen at Claytor L., Pulaski 2 Aug (MM) and 2 Caspian Terns were observed at Rockfish Gap, Augusta 27 Oct (GM). DOVES LONGSPURS Six Eurasian Collared Doves were in a field with about a thousand Mourning Doves near the NRV Airport, Pulaski, 21 Aug (MB & SB). Another two were found near the town of Pulaski later the same day and 15 were seen in the Belspring area of Pulaski 24 Oct (KD). Common Nighthawks were on the move with 150 seen at Union Springs Dam, Rockingham 27 Aug (KS) and 254 at New Hope, Augusta 1 Sep (GM). An adult m. Rufous Hummingbird was seen 17 Sep in Radford and remained through the autumn (MFo). It had been banded by Bruce Peterjohn the previous autumn at the same location as an immature. Twenty-five Rubythroated Hummingbirds were found on Bottom Creek Road, Roanoke 3 Aug (KD). Two Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen south of Low Moor, Alleghany 24 Aug (KD); three were in Highland 31 Aug (DCl); one adult and one immature were at Natl. Bridge 2 Sep (WT); four were at Shenandoah R. SP, Warren 6 Oct (TH) and four were at L. Frederick, Frederick 15 Oct (WP). A Merlin was found at Gala 30 Sep (BK), one in Winchester 28 Oct (WL) and one at Shenandoah R. SP, Warren 11 Nov (GK). Single Peregrine Falcons were reported near Hollins, Roanoke 9 Nov (KD), at Greenfield L. 9 Nov (MS), in Shenandoah National Park, Page 18 Oct (JSi), near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK) and in Rockingham 24 Nov (WL). An Olivesided Flycatcher was seen at Fenwick 2 Sep (MBa) and one was in Roanoke 26 Sep (MH). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was observed in Highland 31 Aug (DCl) and one at the Third Battle of Winchester Trails, Frederick 6 Sep (BL & JL). Twelve Eastern Kingbirds were north of Timberville, Rockingham 19 Aug (DH). A Loggerhead Shrike was found near Riner, Montgomery 15 Aug (CH) and one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK). Philadelphia Vireos were reported near Dublin, Pulaski 21 Aug (MB & SB), at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep (BK), at Natl. Bridge 25 Sep (WT), near Dayton, Rockingham 25 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 5

6 Sep (KS), in Roanoke City 28 Sep (MH), in Shenandoah 28 Sep (DD), and at Natl. Bridge 30 Sep (WT). Twelve Fish Crows were found near Newmarket, Rockingham 1 Aug (DH), eight in Rockbridge 3 Aug (RR), 15 at Natl. Bridge 24 Sep (JP), and 27 in Rockingham 29 Oct (DH). Nine Horned Larks were near Dublin, Pulaski 7 Sep (MB & SB); 16 were at Whitethorne, Montgomery 29 Nov (RM), and six in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Departing swallows included 550 Northern Rough-winged Swallows observed along the Shenandoah River, Elkton, Rockingham 8 Sep (KB); 3500 Purple Martins in the city of Winchester 25 Aug (BL, JL, CMi, LM, ES); 3000 Tree Swallows tallied in cornfields in Mount Clinton, Rockingham 9 Sep (DH); and 30 Cliff Swallows at the Nazarene Wetlands, Rockingham 12 Aug (BE) and 25 near Massanutten, Rockingham 7 Sep (DH). One Red-breasted Nuthatch was in Roanoke 10 Sep (MS) and one at Switzer Dam, Rockingham 29 Sep (GMo). Two Marsh Wrens were found at Gala 1 Oct (BK) and one there on 2 Oct (KD). One was observed at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 13 Oct (DL, WL & GMo) and one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK). Seventeen Swainson s Thrushes were at Natl. Bridge 16 Sep (WT) and One Gray-cheeked Thrush was also there 16 Sep (WT). American Pipits were observed with 24 at Gala 11 Oct (KD), 12 at Natl. Bridge 31 Oct (WT), 12 near Woodstock, Shenandoah 3 Nov (ET), and one at Whitethorne, Montgomery 29 Nov (RM). One Lapland Longspur was at Natl. Bridge 28 Oct (WT). WARBLERS - SISKINS Fall Warblers included 2 Blue-winged Warblers at Shenandoah National Park, Page 1 Aug (TG) one at Glen Aton, Giles 6 Sep (BK), one at Switzer L., Rockingham 7 Sep (WL), one in the city of Roanoke, 9 Sep (MH), and one in Shenandoah 14 Oct (DD); one Golden-winged Warbler at the Bath Pump Storage Facility, Bath 8 Aug (BK), one at Natl. Bridge 30 Aug (WT), and one at Fenwick 31 Aug (KD); a Lawrence s Warbler at Fenwick 2 Sep (KD, BK & MS); an Orangecrowned Warbler at Gala 1 Oct (KD) and one at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond, Montgomery 4 Nov (CK); 4 Nashville Warblers at Third Battle of Winchester trails, Frederick 6 Sep (BL & JL), one at Switzer Dam, Rockingham 7 Sep (KH & WL), two in Blacksburg, Montgomery 8 Sep (TD), one near Newmarket, Rockingham 9 Sep (DH), one at Fenwick 10 Sep (BK), one at Glen Alton, Giles 14 Sep (KD), one near Lexington, Rockbridge 14 Sep (GT), four at Monterey, Highland 18 Sep (LP), one in Staunton 27 Sep (PW), one in Shenandoah 14 Oct (DD), and one at Wildwood Park in Radford 27 Oct (CK); a Prothonotary Warbler in Roanoke 18 Sep (CB & EB); a Connecticut Warbler at Switzer Dam 5 Oct (GMo) and one at Natl. Bridge 8 Oct (WT); one Mourning Warbler at Natl. Bridge 14 Aug (WT), one in Giles 10 Sep (CS), and one in Shenandoah 27 Sep (DD); a Bay-breasted Warbler at Monterey, Highland 18 Sep (LP), one in Shenandoah National Park, Page 22 Sep (GH), two at Switzer Lake, Rockingham 22 Sep (WL), two at Natl. Bridge 24 Sep (JP), one in Shenandoah 28 Sep (DD); 12 Blackpoll Warblers in Shenandoah National Park, Page 22 Sep (GH); and a Wilson s Warbler in Roanoke City 23 Sep (MS), one at Natl. Bridge 27 Sep (WT), one near Poor Mountain, Roanoke 3 Oct (EB), and one in Harrisonburg 3 Oct (BE & KH). A Clay-colored Sparrow was found at Linville, Rockingham 1 Oct (MG) and one at Natl. Bridge 8 Oct (WT). Providing a new Augusta peak count for fall were 23 Grasshopper Sparrows (over half being hatch year birds) 1 Aug; a much more modest count of one was at Linville, Rockingham 20 Oct (MG). One Vesper Sparrow was at Linville 20 Oct (MG); five were at Natl. Bridge 31 Oct (WT); and one was at Greenfield L. 9 Nov (MS). Five Lincoln s Sparrows were found at Gala 2 Oct (KD) and four were there on 3 Oct (BK); three were in Craig 5 Oct (KD); three were at Sinking Cr., Craig (BK); one at Starkey Wetlands Boardwalk, Roanoke 12 Oct (KD); one in Shenandoah 15 Oct (DD); one at Willow L. (DH); one near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Oct (CK); and one in Staunton 25 Nov (GM). Swamp Sparrow reports were of two at a pond on Old Farm Road, Rockbridge 12 Oct (RR); one at Starkey Wetlands Boardwalk, Roanoke 12 Oct (KD); five at Wengers Mill Road, Rockingham 22 Oct (MG); three at Third Battle of Winchester north trails, Frederick 28 Oct (BL & JL); two at McCormick s Mills Augusta 3 Nov (DH); one in Blacksburg, Montgomery 9 Nov (CK); six at Gala 14 Nov (BK); and three in Highland 29 Nov (AB). Six Dickcissels were found in the Swoope area, Augusta 6 Aug (DH) and one in Highland 2 Sep (DCl). A count of 77 Bobolinks in Augusta 5 Sep was the highest report (DH); 24 were at Natl. Bridge 4 Sep (WT), and five were in Staunton 27 Sep (PW). Rusty Blackbirds were reported from three locations: 20 at Natl. Bridge 2 Nov (WT); twelve in Radford 12 Nov (CK); and 73 at Cooks Cr. Arboretum, Rockingham 23 Nov (JSh). The only Summer Tanager report was of one at Rockfish Gap 23 Sep (GM). Nine Scarlet Tanagers were found at Fenwick 1 Sep (BK), nine at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep (BK), and four near Poor Mountain, Roanoke 26 Sep (EB). Two Purple Finches were in Staunton 2 Aug (PW). Two Red Crossbills were found at Glen Alton, Giles 16 Sep (BK). Twenty Pine Siskins were at the Third Battle of Winchester trails, Frederick 31 Oct (BL & JL) and four were observed in Augusta 27 Nov (GM). Contibutors: Kirk Andrews, Mary Barritt (MBa), Page 6 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

7 Mary Ann Bentley, Stan Bentley, Kenneth Blackshaw, Allen Bryan, Carol Burroughs, Ed Burroughs, David Carr, Elaine Carwile, David Clark (DCl), Bill Dalke David Davis, Kent Davis,Tom Davis, Bob Dellinger (BDe), Bob Eggleston, Marshall Faintich, Melanie Fox (MFo), Matt Gingerich, Thierry Grandmont, Carola Haas, Michael Hartley, Ken Hinkle,Teri Holland, Diane Holsinger, Gerco Hoogeweg, Clyde Kessler, Barry Kinzie, Glenn Koppel, Allen Larner, Victor Laubach, William Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, BJ Little, Jon Little, Gabriel Mapel, Ryan Mays, Clair Mellinger, Carole Miller (CMi), Linda Millington, Central Greg Moyers (GMo), Mark Mullins, Matt Nichols, John Pancake, William Parkin, Lynne Parks, Richard Rowe, Kevin Shank, John Shea (JSh), Jeff Sieren (JSi), Mike Smith, Emily Southgate, John Spahr, Cari Lynn Squibb, Wes Teets, George Tolley, Ed Trelawny, Penny Warren, Jason Weaver, David Wendelken. 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. Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue. Incoming Editors: Janet Paisley janetpaisley@comcast.net Andrew Rapp lax3birder@live.com East Editor Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, Academic Drive Oakton, VA fredatwood@yahoo.com 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. Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue. Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 7

8 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 the four month period had an abundance of precipitation with 49 days of rain and snow. August had 17 days of rain with an average temperature of 72 F. September had 11 days of rain and an average temperature of 68. While October had only seven days of rain, there were also three days of snow with an average temperature of 55. November had less precipitation with five days of rain and six of snow with the temperature averaging 44. Sightings of note during the period included Swainson s Hawk, Franklin s Gull, Northern Bobwhite, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Selasphorus Hummingbird, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird. Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Dickenson); Compton (Compton Mt., Buchanan); FOS (First of the Season); Musick s (Musick s Campground, Washington). WATERFOWL RAPTORS A female Ruddy Duck fed on Laurel L. in the BP 7 Nov (DR). Also there that day were six Hooded Mergansers on the Beaver Pond (DR). Five Green Herons, a species not commonly found in Russell, were observed at a Stuart Land and Cattle pond 30 Aug (TH). A covey of twelve Northern Bobwhites were observed in Wythe between Max Meadows and Dublin 20 Nov (EH). A Great Egret, uncommon for the area, was near Willowbrook Country Club, Buchanan 7 Aug (DR). The first fall transient Ospreys was observed flying down the Levisa R., Buchanan 26 Sep (DO) and in Lebanon, Russell Nov (TH). Bald Eagles (all single adult birds) were observed from Clifton Farms Rd., Russell 30 Aug (TH); feeding on a raccoon carcass near Green Valley Estates, Russell 17 Sep; feeding on a deer carcass on Compton 6 Oct (RD); flying along the Levisa R., Buchanan near the KY VA state line 30 Oct (ETII); in Burkes Garden, Tazewell 28 Nov (J&J P); and from Rte. 58 between Abingdon and Damascus, 29 Nov (D&AO). A SWAINSON S HAWK was seen flying overhead This Selasphorus Hummingbird first noticed by a non-birder frequented a feeder in Grayson County and was later identified a Rufous. Photograph by Scott Jackson-Ricketts. by six birders in the Breaks community 26 Oct. After circling a couple of times the bird perched in a large oak tree where it roosted for the night. It was observed and photographed on the roost and also the next morning as it left its perch and flew eastward (DC, TH, RM, DO, DR, MS). There have been only two other verified sightings of the species in the Mountains and Valleys Region. Two Golden Eagles were found on Corn Valley Rd., Russell 11 Nov (TH). An ad. was observed at Laurel L. in the BP 14 Nov (DR), only the second reported sighting of this species in the park. A Golden Eagle was observed soaring overhead in Grayson near the NC line 19 Nov (HB). GULLS WARBLERS A FRANKLIN S GULL was a rare discovery at Musick s 4 Oct (BP, JP) This is only the second report of this species in Western Virginia. The first was 116 years ago in Oct 1898 when one was found in Blacksburg. A flock of 700 Common Nighthawks passed over a farm near Galax 27 Aug (WD) and 15 were observed over the community of Belfast, Russell 26 Aug (PH). A Salasphorous Hummingbird frequented a feeder in Grayson during Oct. (HB). An ad. Redheaded Woodpecker fed a juv. in the top of a tree at Belfast, Russell 18 Aug (PH). A Loggerhead Shrike was observed 28 Nov in Burkes Garden, Tazewell (J&J P). A FOS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and 4 FOS Page 8 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

9 Swainson s Thrushes were discovered at Rugby, Grayon 19 Sep (AH). A FOS Hermit Thrush was discovered at the edge of the woods on Compton 14 Nov (RM). A Nashville and a Palm Warbler found in a weedy fence row in Breaks were late 29 Oct (DR). Arrival of Yellowrumped Warbler was noted at a farm in Baywood, Grayson 9 Oct (W&M D). A Connecticut Warbler was found in Rugby, Grayson 8 Oct (AH). SPARROWS - FINCHES A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found in the Breaks community 29 Oct (DR). A Lincoln s Sparrow was found at RRL, Wythe 5 Oct (MD) and the seasonal first at Breaks was 9 Oct (DR). Arrival of Fox Sparrows was noted at a feeder near Lebanon, Russell 5 Nov (JT); at a feeder on Compton 23 Oct, followed by another the following day (RM); three at a feeder on the opposite side of Buchanan 27 Oct (DR); and one feeding in a garden in Independence, Grayson 26 Nov (S-J R). The first White-crowned Sparrows were heard on a farm in Grayson at Baywood/Galax 3 Oct (W&M D) and the first for Russell was a small flock discovered near Lebanon 18 Oct (JT). A FOS White-throated Sparrow South Central Staunton View Public Use Area, Mecklenburg proved to be a birding hotspot this fall season. It is not clear whether this was due to the efforts of a group of expert local birders devoting a considerable amount of time to this location, or whether weather and environmental conditions were particularly favorable. In general, the fall weather was fairly uneventful, with no tropical systems to bring in rarities. Abbreviations: SVP (Staunton View Public Use Area, Mecklenburg); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg). A Green-winged Teal was an early arrival at SVP 2 Sep (JB, AD, PG ) and a Red-breasted Merganser was at the same location 24 Nov (PG). A breeding plumage Red-throated Loon, likely the same individual seen previously 24 Apr and 7 14 Jul at Kerr, continued at this location with sightings 9 Aug (USACE staff fide appeared in Rugby 15 Oct. (AH). White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows arrived at a feeder in Breaks, Buchanan 10 Oct (DR). The FOS Dark-eyed Junco for Buchanan came to a feeder on Compton 18 Oct (RM). A male Blue Grosbeak was observed 24 Aug in Galax carrying food to a nest that contained one grosbeak egg and one nestling (W&M D). Four male Rusty Blackbirds came to a yard in Lebanon, Russell 14 Nov (T&L H), one came to a home at Oakwood, Buchanan 24 Nov (VL), and one was in a yard pond on Compton 30 Oct(RM). Arrival of Purple Finches was observed at feeders in Independence, Grayson 12 Nov (SJ-R) and on Compton 25 Nov (RM). Contributors: Harrol Blevins, Phillip Campbell, Don Carrier, Robert Daniels, William Dunson, Margaret Dunson, William & Margaret Dunson, Eric Harold, Peggy Herbert, Anita Huffman, Tom Hunter, Tom & Laverne Hunter, Veronica Looney, Roger Mayhorn, Daryl Owens, Daryl & Angie Owens, Jim & Judy Phillips, Brookie Potter, Jean Potter, David Raines, Scott-Jackson Ricketts, Mike Sanders, Ed Talbott II, Jerry Thornhill Editor Wendy Ealding 1384 Palmore Road Powhatan, VA WEalding@aol.com Incoming Editor C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA myrmecocichla@gmail.com 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. BB) and 19 Sep (BB). A Plegadis sp. Ibis, most likely Glossy, was seen at SVP 29 Sep (PG). A likely juvenile CLAPPER RAIL was photographed 2 Sep at SVP (JB, AD, ph. MF, PG). This report is currently in review with VARCOM; if accepted it would be the first officially reviewed Piedmont record and according to the Gold Book, the first Piedmont record since A road killed Virginia Rail photographed in Buckingham 6 Oct (ph. DS) likely provides a county first. Two American Golden-Plovers were at SVP 2-15 Sep ( ph. PG, TA, JB, AD, MF); this report was reviewed and accepted by VARCOM as a Category 1 record based on photographs provided. This was the second accepted record for the Southern Piedmont, and the second from this location. A Ruddy Turnstone was photographed at SVP 8 Sep ( ph. PG, JB, AD); this report was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record. Three Short-billed Dowitchers Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 9

10 were rare transients at SVP 16 Aug (JB). Two Caspian Terns and three Black Terns were noteworthy fall migrants at SVP 8 Sep (PG, JB, AD). A Merlin was hunting at SVP 15 Sep (PG, TA, MF); the species is a rare visitor throughout the Piedmont. An ad. m. Rufous Hummingbird was photographed at a feeder in Pittsylvania Aug (ph. LM). There were a number of reports of Selasphorus sp. hummingbirds from Amelia and Cumberland from late Oct through Nov (fide JL) A rare transient Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported from Halifax 15 Aug (JB). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, also a rare transient, was at SVP 2 Sep (AD, MF, PG). A Philadelphia Vireo was reported from Buckingham Southeast 24 Sep (ES) possibly providing a county record for the species. A somewhat early Gray-cheeked Thrush was at Banister River WMA, Halifax 7 Sep (JB). An adult male Golden-winged Warbler was among a mixed flock of fall migrant warblers at SVP 8 Sep (PG, AD, JB). A somewhat late Northern Parula was at Kerr 18 Nov (MS). Dickcissel is rare in the Piedmont thus one reported at Kerr 19 Sep was noteworthy (BB). Contributors: Tony Adcock, Jeff Blalock, Brian Bockhahn, Adam D Onofrio, Mary Foster, Paul Glass, Joe Lively, Lexi Meadows, David Spears, Evan Spears, Mike Stinson Editor Adam D'Onofrio Smith Grove Road Petersburg, VA bigadfromlb@comcast.net 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. The overall temperature averaged 1.8 degrees above normal with September and October temperatures slightly above normal and August and November temperatures slightly below normal. Precipitation averaged slightly above normal for the period. There were no major storms of note in the Region. Fall migration was generally lackluster with the most notable trend being the number of late passerines recorded. Interesting shorebird reports from Hog Island were among the missing as that area suffered from high water levels leaving little edge habitat for shorebirds to feed. Another complication at Hog Island was the planting of large cornfields which replaced most of the productive short grass habitat at the north end. Rarities of the season included Snowy Owl, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Western Tanager. Abbreviations: Curles Neck (Curles Neck Farm, Henrico); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry); Jamestown (Jamestown Island, James City); J.R.P. (James River Park, Richmond); Shirley (Shirley Plantation, Charles City). GEESE KINGLETS Two Greater White-fronted Geese were discovered at Hog 27 Oct (JW). Two Ross s Geese were at Curles Neck 3 Nov (ph. ABr). A single Richardson s Cackling Goose was in a large Canada Goose flock at Curles Neck 17 Nov (ph. AB, AD). An American Black Duck at Hog 4 Aug was early (NF, EE) as was a Green-winged Teal there 24 Aug (EE). Also early was a f. Canvasback seen at Byrd Park, Richmond 28 Oct (AB). A f. Surf Scoter was noted at Jamestown 16 & 17 Nov (BW). Another f. was off Archer s Hope, James City 19 Nov (BW). A f. Black Scoter was at Jamestown 7 Nov (BT). A Pied-billed Grebe in Henrico 14 Aug was slightly early (BE). Two juv. Tricolored Herons were at Hog 5 Aug (ph. AD). An Upland Sandpiper, locally rare in the Region, was at a sod farm in Charles City 1 Sep (ph. AB, ABr). The Region did not miss out on the massive Snowy Owl irruption as a SNOWY OWL was discovered at Dutch Gap 24 Nov (CG). Subsequent searches for the bird turned up empty. A group of 20 Common Nighthawks was seen moving Page 10 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

11 down the James R., Isle of Wight 3 Sep (GD). Three Rufous Hummingbirds, all males, were reported from James City: one at Mallard Hill 5 Nov through the end of the report period (CH); one at Governor s Land 20 Nov through the end of the period (CO); and one at Kingsmill, from late Nov through the period (JL). An early Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the Colonial Parkway, James City 23 Sep (VJ). An Eastern Wood-Pewee at Jamestown 18 Oct provided a new local late date (BW). Other late Eastern Wood-Pewees included one at the Reedy Creek section of J.R.P. 20 Oct (ph. AB) and one in Charles City 20 Oct (ph. ABr). A Philadelphia Vireo at Governor s Land, James City 18 Oct (CO) was running late as was a Red-eyed Vireo at Wood L., Chesterfield 17 Oct (TD). Two late Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were noted, the first at Point of Rocks Park, Chesterfield 2 Nov (AB, RT), the other at Shirley 9 Nov (JF). A very early Ruby-crowned Kinglet was seen at Wood L., Chesterfield 6 Sep (TD). WARBLERS GROSBEAKS A late Northern Waterthrush was at the Zuni Pine Barrens, Isle of Wight 17 Oct (MB). The latest Blackand-White Warbler reported was a f. in Colonial Williamsburg 29 Nov (AW), establishing a new local late date. Another late Black-and-White Warbler was discovered at the J.R.P. Wetlands section 25 Nov (ph. JS). A Tennessee Warbler near Norge, James City 15 Sep was locally rare (BW). Orange-crowned Warblers were noted in Hopewell, Chesterfield, and James City. A Nashville Warbler at Greensprings Greenway, James City 17 Nov set a new local late date (NS). Very late was a Nashville Warbler in a stretch of habitat behind the Belle Isle parking lot, Richmond 30 Nov (ph. AB). The only Connecticut Warbler reported was one in James City 25 Sep (BT). A Kentucky Warbler at Kingswood, James City 14 Oct set a new local late date (BT). A late Common Yellowthroat was found in Hopewell 24 Nov (ph. ABr). A Hooded Warbler at Powhite Park, Richmond 11 Oct was late (JS). A Cerulean Warbler, rarely seen in migration, was encountered at Robious Landing Park, Chesterfield 19 Sep (JF). There were a few late Blackpoll Warblers noted with the latest found at Hopewell 10 Nov (ph. ABr). A late f. Black-throated Blue Warbler was at Exeter Ct., James City 29 Oct (BT). A Yellow-rumped Warbler at Bryan Park, Richmond 1 Sep was exceptionally early (BE, SR). Late Yellowthroated Warblers included one at Dutch Gap 30 Sep (PB) and another at Robious Landing Park, Chesterfield 1 Oct (JF). Extremely late was a Yellow-throated Warbler found at Dutch Gap 23 Nov (RAS). Two Prairie Warblers, one at Williamsburg Botanical Garden, James City 15 Oct (SD) and one at Governor s Land, James City 15 Oct (CO) established a new local late date for the species. A Wilson s Warbler near Norge, James City 15 Sep was locally rare (BW). Another Wilson s Warbler was in Hopewell 12 Oct (ABr). Two CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, very rare inland, were found, the first in Charles City 12 Oct (ph. ABr), the second the very next day in Henrico (ph. ABr). A Saltmarsh Sparrow on Bay Tree Beach Rd., York 26 Nov provided a first confirmed local record (DY). A Swamp Sparrow at the Debord Tract, James City 23 Sep was early (BW). Eight White-crowned Sparrows at Cherwell Court/Banbury Cross, York 21 Oct provided a new local high count (LS). For the sixth year in a row, a male WESTERN TANAGER arrived at a feeder in Settler s Mill, James City 10 Nov (BW, m.obs). The arrival date of 10 Nov is the earliest date that the bird has been seen, beating the 17 Nov arrival date from the previous year. A Rosebreasted Grosbeak at the Wetlands section of J.R.P. 18 Oct was running late (AB). Also running a little late was a Blue Grosbeak in James City 20 Oct (BT). Contributors: Paul Bedell, Arun Bose, Allen Bryan (ABr), Marissa Buschow, Gregory Davis, Shirley Devan, Tom Dilts, Adam D Onofrio, Barbara Eck, Elisa Enders, Nick Flanders, Janice Frye, Cathy Gajewski, Cathy Heilman, Vitek Jirinec, Jan Ledbetter, Carol O Neill, Richmond Audubon Society, Sue Ridd, Nick Schmedding, Lee Schuster, James Shelton, Brian Taber, Russ Taylor, Jason Weaver, Alex Wiebe, Bill Williams, Dave Youker. Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 11

12 Coastal The remnants of Tropical Storm Karen yo-yoed off the Virginia and North Carolina capes 8 through 15 October grounding neotropical migrants with damp, overcast skies, gusty northeast winds approaching 50 mph, and extended periods of higher than normal tides. The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory initiated a fall-season Chesapeake Baywatch, conducted from Pickett s Harbor NAP, Northampton 1 October-30 November. The project documented a total of 53,390 seabirds/waterfowl during 221 hours over 57 of 61 possible observation days. The overlay of that work with observations from scores of accomplished birders, the Kiptopeke Hawk Watch, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seabird monitoring, and the regular survey efforts at several of the Region s essential avian stopover sites were the makings for a rousingly productive fall season. Who would ever have predicted that within a five month period all four of the world s Limosa species would be documented at a single Virginia site (Chincoteague NWR)? The appearance of a Bartailed Godwit this season added to the Black-tailed Godwit recorded last fall and winter and the more expected Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits. If that wasn t enough, and for birders it rightly so never is, the Region also hosted Bermuda Petrel, Black-capped Petrel, Anhinga, Swallow-tailed Kite, Swainson s Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Roseate Tern, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Painted Bunting. Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay NWR, Virginia Beach); Cape Charles (town of Cape Charles, Northampton); CCCHNAP (Cape Charles Coastal Habitat NAP, Northampton); CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel s. of Northampton); Chinc. Chincoteague NWR, Accomack); Craney (Craney Island, Portsmouth); CVWO (Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory); ESVNWR (Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, Northampton); False Cape (False Cape SP, Virginia Beach); FINWR (Fishermans Island NWR); Editor Bill Williams, Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA jwwil2@wm.edu 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. First Landing (First Landing SP, Virginia Beach); KHW (Kiptopeke Hawk Watch at KSP, Northampton); KSP (Kiptopeke SP, Northampton); NAP (Natural Area Preserve); NNP (Newport News Park, Newport News); Pickett s (Chesapeake Baywatch at Pickett s Harbor NAP, Northampton); Sunset Beach (Sunset Beach Resort, Northampton) WATERFOWL IBIS Chinc. s summering Snow Goose was last reported 1 Aug (CM, BHo). The season s only Ross s Goose posting was of one at Chinc. 29 Nov (L&FM). Eurasian Wigeon reports began with one at Chinc. 2 Nov (m. obs). At least one was noted there through 30 Nov (PB) with a peak count of two on 28 Nov (CL). Elsewhere, one was at Craney Nov (RB et al.) and one was at the Magothy Bay NAP, Northampton 24 Nov (NS). A season-high 2000 Blue-winged Teal were at Back Bay 24 Sep (DH, GMr) tying the state s all-time fall peak count set at Chinc. 1 Oct An intergrade GREEN-WINGED TEAL X EURASIAN GREEN- WINGED (COMMON) TEAL was at Chinc. 13 Nov (ph. AB). Eighteen Northern Shovelers at Craney 22 Aug (RB et al.), 32 days ahead of the species normal 10 Sep arrival date, were the precursor for a high count of 1696 there 3 Oct (RB et al.). The Region s average Common Eider arrival date is 30 Oct. A female spotted initially at Sunset Beach 14 Oct (DC) repaired to KSP where it was seen 17 Oct (BA, DD) through 15 Nov (CJ). Possibly the same bird was in Cape Charles harbor 22 Nov (MAK, GK); another was at Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach 24 Nov (ABa). Three Surf Scoters off the CBBT first island 18 Aug (AD) were likely holdovers from those that summered in the coastal lagoon system. An estimated 3000 Buffleheads in Magothy Bay, Northampton 14 Nov (BAn) was an exceptional fall season concentration for that species. Fifty-five Redbreasted Mergansers off Grandview 19 Oct (DY et al.) were eleven days ahead of the species average 30 Oct Page 12 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

13 early date. Single Red-necked Grebes were off Pickett s (SK) and Messick, Poquoson (JF) 23 Nov. A Northern Fulmar was ~44 mi. east of Virginia Beach at , ( , ) on 26 Oct (TJ). Virginia s first BERMUDA PETREL was photographed 12 Aug (TJ) from the NOAA vessel Gordon Gunter operating ~100 mi. off shore at , ( , ) between the tail of the Wilmington Valley and the tail of Norfolk Canyon. It was in the company of 5 BLACK- CAPPED PETRELS, 50 Cory s, 1 Great and 3 Audubon s Shearwaters. Additional Cory s Shearwater reports included eight about 64 mi. off Virginia Beach at », ( , ) 27 Sep (ALa) and one at , ( , ) ~44 mi. east of Virginia Beach 26 Oct (TJ). A Wilson s Storm- Petrel was spotted off Chinc. 11 Sep (GM). A Great Cormorant at Pickett s 2 Oct (SK) was 13 days ahead of the species average 15 Oct arrival. An Anhinga made a photo-op pass over the Oyster landfill, Northampton 16 Sep (LA, P&ME, ph. BH). American White Pelicans were widely dispersed over the Eastern Shore with 17 at Chinc. 23 Oct (S&DD), 26 over the Magothy Bay NAP, Northampton 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr, TD) and four over KSP 23 Nov (KR, BAn, TT). A total of 145 Great Blue Herons passed the KHW 8 Oct (HA et al.). On average, Cattle Egrets have departed the Region by 10 Oct. Thus, two at Chinc. 10 Nov (LGo) were decidedly late. A dozen juv. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons were at Messick, Poquoson 1 Aug (ph. V&GB). Another juv. at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach 8 Nov (KS) was almost a month beyond the species 10 Oct late date. The highest reported White Ibis count was 215 at the ESVNWR 30 Sep (HA et al.). RAPTORS JAEGERS A season high-count 606 Turkey Vultures passed the KHW between 7:00 and 10:00 AM on 4 Nov (KR). More noteworthy by circumstance however were 246 crossing the Chesapeake Bay 9 Nov (BA, HA). A Swallow-tailed Kite was in southern Chesapeake 25 Aug (TW, DF). The Kiptopeke Hawk Watch, a CVWO project since 1995, completed its 37th consecutive autumn 30 Aug-30 Nov with a total of 14,952 diurnal raptors during hours over 91 of 93 possible count days. Final species totals were: 2015 Ospreys; 225 Bald Eagles; 404 Northern Harriers; 4929 Sharpshinned Hawks; 1837 Cooper s Hawks; 4 Northern Goshawks; 67 Red-shouldered Hawks; 407 Broadwinged Hawks; 1 Swainson s Hawk; 518 Red-tailed Hawks; 3 Rough-legged Hawks; 6 Golden Eagles; 2476 American Kestrels; 1357 Merlins; 627 Peregrine Falcons; and 76 unidentified raptors (KR, m obs). Two of the Northern Goshawks passed the watch 10 Nov followed by singles 11 & 17 Nov (KR et al.). Six days shy of the species 29 Nov extreme late date were 2 Broad-winged Hawks recorded 23 Nov (KR). The Swainson s Hawk, confirmed by banding 23 Nov (KR, BAn, TT, BC) as a dark morph juv., was the count s first since two in 2011 and the 38 th in its history. Prior to the 2013 count season the KHW had documented only 28 Rough-legged Hawks, 14 of those in The 29 th, a light morph juv., was recorded 29 Oct (KR). Numbers 30 and 31 were tallied 11Nov (KR) & 23 Nov (KR, BAn, TT), respectively. Elsewhere, one was at the ESVNWR 8 Nov (BA et al.) and one, a dark morph, was at the Wallops Island Airfield, Accomack 30 Nov (CL). All of the Golden Eagle reports were from lower Northampton beginning with one near Cheriton 17 Oct (ESB). Those at the KHW included three on 25 Oct (KR) then singles 29 Oct (KR) and 4 & 19 Nov (KR). Very likely one or more of these were among individuals spotted at ESVNWR 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr) & 17 Nov (TW) and at Magotha Rd., Northampton 25 Oct and 14 Nov (BAn). One to 2 Common Gallinules frequented Lake Foster in Cape Charles 9 (PB, ESB, TD, m. obs) through 24 Nov (NS). A resident non-feral Sandhill Crane drew birders attention in and around Chincoteague, Accomack throughout the period. Other reports for this species were one over Magothy Bay, Northampton 13 Oct (LMe, GMi, DY) and a quintet at the KHW 21 Nov (BAn, BT) that was found 22 Nov off Bull s Rd., Northampton (JM), 30 minutes before reappearing at KSP (KR). American Avocets were recorded weekly at Craney 15 Aug (46) through 21 Oct (3) with a peak count of 71 there 5 Sep (RB et al.); one was at Queen Anne s Landing, Accomack 3 Oct (JS et al.). Craney Island s successful Black-necked Stilt breeding efforts were on display with 42 there 15 Aug (RB et al.) and 35 on 22 Aug (RB et al.). Although none were encountered at Craney thereafter, two were at Willis Wharf, Northampton 30 Aug (GH) and one was on the Chincoteague, Accomack mudflats 20 Sep (JW). Eastern Shore Birding Festival participants found 1850 Black-bellied Plovers on Wreck Island, Northampton 11 Oct (HA et al.). American Golden-Plovers garnered lister ticks with singles at Chinc. 1 & 22 Aug (JB, CM), one to two near Wheat Lane, Northampton 16 (BA, BK, JP) & 18 Aug (AD, TTr), one to six at Craney 29 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 13

14 Bar-tailed Godwit at Chincoteague NWR. Photograph taken by Linda Mack during the annual New Jersey Audubon DelMarva van trip. Aug (RB et al.) to 5 Oct (EE et al.), one at KSP 12 Oct (EO) and one at Back Bay 16 Nov (BA, KK). Up to 3 Semipalmated Plovers tarried near Chincoteague, Accomack through 30 Nov (PK). A Spotted Sandpiper was at Windsor Point, Norfolk 19 Oct-30 Nov (DC); another was at Magothy Bay NAP, Northampton 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr). There was only one Hudsonian Godwit report, that of 19 at Chinc. 6 Aug (ph. AL). A BAR- TAILED GODWIT, the state s third and the first since Sep 1991, captivated birders at Chinc. 3 Aug (ALr, EC, PW) through 27 Sep (LGu) then 9 Nov (SB et al.) & 11 Nov (LB). The highest reported Marbled Godwit count was 250 at Willis Wharf, Northampton 22 Nov (VL et al.). Baird s Sandpiper reports included one at Chinc. 15 Sep (LA) and two at Craney 17 Sep (ph. BW, BT et al.). A Curlew Sandpiper was convincingly photographed on Metompkin Island, Accomack 23 Sep (ph. SBr). There were only two Buff-breasted Sandpiper reports; two were at Chinc. 6 Sep (JB, CM) and one was at Craney 17 Sep (ph. BW et al.). Wilson s Phalaropes were at Craney 15 Aug (eight) through 5 Sep (four) with a peak count of 13 there 22 Aug (RB et al.). Singles were at Chinc. 22 & 29 Aug (JB, CM) and 28 Sep (WV). Craney proved to be the primary Rednecked Phalarope stop-over site 17 Aug (six) through 5 Sep (12) (RB et al.). Rare by date and location was a nicely documented Black-legged Kittiwake that passed off Pickett s 15 Oct (ph. SK). A Bonaparte s Gull at Chinc. 14 Sep (MH) was well ahead of the species 10 Oct average arrival date. Single Little Gulls were detected at Pickett s 8 Nov (SK, ESB) & 25 Nov (SK). A color-tagged Ring-billed Gull on the CBBT 15 Nov (BT) was determined to be a male, hatched 2010 or earlier, that had been banded 29 Mar 2013 at Pleasure Bay Beach, MA. The peak Lesser Black-backed Gull count at Chinc. was 222 on 6 Sep (JB, CM); at Back Bay/False Cape the high count was 179 on 16 Sep (BA, KK). An imm. Glaucous Gull was at Bay Creek, Northampton 11 Oct (EO). Two late-departing Least Terns were at Chinc. 18 Oct (VM). The Black Tern high count of 26 came from Craney 5 Sep (BW et al.). A ROSEATE TERN was at Chinc. 26 (AG) & 28 Sep (BHo). Single Sandwich Terns were at Lynnhaven Inlet, Virginia Beach 4 Nov (ABa) and off 85 th St., Virginia Beach 9 Nov (ABa). This species average late date is 20 Sep with an extreme late of 6 Nov. Also present late in the season were 2 Black Skimmers at Craney 21 Nov (BW et al.). One each Pomarine Jaeger and Parasitic Jaeger were ~93 mi. off Virginia Beach at », ( , ) on 6 Nov (ESB). Six south-bound jaeger sp., one an adult Parasitic, passed Pickett s Oct (SK); a north-bound imm. Parasitic was noted from the site 15 Oct (SK). DOVES FINCHES A White-winged Dove was closely observed as it drank from a Chinc. puddle 14 Sep (VG). A Short-eared Owl was at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach 25 Nov (BS). Sightings of passage Common Nighthawks included four over the Virginia Beach waterfront 27 Aug (RS); four over Windsor Point, Norfolk 7 Sep (DC); one over KSP 8 Oct (HA et al.); one over Portsmouth 10 Oct (EE); and singles at Wellington Neck, Northampton 14 & 19 Oct (RK). A tardy Chimney Swift at Chinc. 2 Nov (m. obs) was 19 days beyond that species 15 Oct average late date. A Rufous Hummingbird was in Mearsville, Accomack 20 Aug (MY). A Selasphorus rufous/sasin hummingbird that appeared in Norfolk in October remained through 30 Nov (fide BP). Two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were at Sunset Beach 23 Sep (ESB). The best Northern Flicker flight reported was a meager 417 at KSP 24 Sep (KR, JBt). A Merlin Page 14 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

15 at Craney 24 Aug (MS, DY et al.) was six days ahead of the species 30 Aug extreme early date. The KHW s peak Merlin count was 230 on 27 Sep and it s best Peregrine Falcon day occurred 6 Oct with 132 (KR). An Olive-sided Flycatcher was near Locustville, Accomack 23 Aug (ST); singles were at KSP 14 Sep (ZP, SK) and at Indiantown Park, Northampton 24 Sep (DB). One Yellow-bellied and one Least Flycatcher were part of a modest passerine flight at Sunset Beach 23 Aug (ESB). An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER made a brief appearance at the KHW 15 Nov (KR, BT). Reported Western Kingbird encounters included one at the junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. 600) and Cedar Grove Rd., Northampton 17 Oct (BA, DDo, m. obs) and one near KSP 22 Nov (BA, JSp). An Eastern Kingbird was at Captain s Cove, Chincoteague, Accomack 6 Oct (CM). A hatch-year male Scissor-tailed Flycatcher attracted numerous birders to the junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. 600) and Cedar Grove Rd., Northampton 11 Oct (ZP, ESB, m. obs) through 14 Oct (DC). A White-eyed Vireo was at Captain s Cove, Chincoteague, Accomack 16 Oct (CM); another was in lower Northampton 19 Oct (AB). Philadelphia Vireo posts placed singles at Chinc. 15 Sep (BHd); at Sunset Beach 23 & 24 Sep (ESB); at CCCHNAP 23 Sep (ESB); at Chinc. 27 & 28 Sep (LGu); and at NNP 7 Oct (DY). Four Purple Martins over the ESVNWR 23 Sep were eight days in arrears of the species average late date (ESB). A Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Devil s Ditch, Northampton 28 Oct (ESB) exceeded the species 10 Oct late date by eighteen days and a Bank Swallow at Craney 5 Oct (AB et al.) was 10 days beyond that species 25 Sep mean late date. There were two Cave Swallow sightings, both uncharacteristically off Shore, that is, not from lower Northampton where the species is most often detected in the fall; two were at East Oceanview and 23 rd St., Norfolk 9 Nov (ABa) and one was off York St., Norfolk 13 Nov (TJ). A Barn Swallow near Capeville, Northampton 9 Nov (PB, TD) was almost a month beyond that species 10 Oct late date. Not unexpectedly, Red-breasted Nuthatches were scarce this fall; one was at KSP 6 Nov (KR). A predawn migrant thrush count at Cape Charles tallied 145 Veerys 6 Sep, the 4 th largest count there since 1998 (ESB). A carefully described Bicknell s Thrush was on the Matteson Trail, Hampton 11 Oct (DY). Snow Bunting reports were limited to one at Chinc. 24 Oct (DD), one at Back Bay 4 Nov (PM), two in Cape Charles 5 Nov (ZP) and one on the CBBT fourth island 9 Nov (BA, HA). An Ovenbird at Chinc. 25 Oct (LG) was ten days past the species typical 15 Oct late date. A Prothonarty Warbler banded as a nestling on the Northwest River, Chesapeake 25 Jun 2013 (SDe) was recovered 6 Sep in Alabama. This is only the second migration record for a bird banded from any of the Virginia Prothonotary Warbler sites in the nearly 30 years since the original site began at Presquile NWR, Chesterfield. It is the first hatch year. (fide BR). Evidence of the grounding effects of the inclement weather off the mid-atlantic 8 15 Oct was 13 Ovenbirds on the Matteson Trail, Hampton 11 Oct (DY) and 20 American Redstarts plus 40 Northern Parulas at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Hampton 12 Oct (BB). An early Tennessee Warbler was at Craney 15 Aug (BW, DY). One to 2 Connecticut Warblers were detected at separate Chinc. sites 15 Sep (LA) & 16 Sep (DS). A Blackpoll Warbler was a boat guest ~100 mi. e. of Virginia Beach at , ( , ) on 27 Oct (RL). A Wilson s Warbler was a pleasant find on the Matteson Trail, Hampton 11 Oct (DY). A very tardy Yellow-breasted Chat was at First Landing 4 Nov (ABa). Single Claycolored Sparrows were reported at Chinc. 15 Sep (TH) and at Back Bay 15 Nov (BA). A Vesper Sparrow was at First Landing 4 Nov (ABa); two were at Latimer Siding Rd./Jones Cove Rd., Northampton 9 Nov (AD, PG, TTr) and three were at KSP 24 Nov (VL). A Lark Sparrow at Chinc. 15 Aug (JB, CM, LN) was five days ahead of the species more expected 20 Aug early date. Possibly the same bird was present 24 Aug (MM) and 6 Sep (JB, CM); at least two pleased VSO Chinc. field-trippers 14 Sep (m. obs, ph. JE). Others reported were one on the CBBT Thimble Shoal Island (#1) 24 Oct (S&DD) and one near the junction of Seaside Rd. (Rt. 600) and Nathan Lane, Northampton 26 Oct (MAK, GK). A Lincoln s Sparrow was at Custis Tomb, Northampton 11 Oct (DM). A Scarlet Tanager at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk 14 Oct (DSr, JW) narrowly missed that species 15 Oct late date. On the other hand, 2 Blue Grosbeaks in lower Northampton 19 Oct (AB), one at Magotha Rd. and one at KSP, were nine days beyond the species 10 Oct late date. A motion-activated camera documented the season s only Painted Bunting report, this one at a Signature at West Neck, Virginia Beach feeder in Nov (PM). Three Dickcissel reports revealed one at Craney 15 Aug (BW, MS), one at the KHW 15 Oct (ZP), and one in Cape Charles 29 Nov (RW). A Yellow-headed Blackbird, initially detected in a bird bath, was at Checonessex Schooner Bay, Accomack Sep (LG). The near absence of northern finches this fall was as obvious as their abundance was in Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 15

16 The lone Pine Siskin report was of six that visited a Chincoteague, Accomack feeder 24 Sep (DW). Purple Finch reports consisted of nine at Sunset Beach 24 Sep (ESB, SK, SR), 20 at KSP 8 Nov (HA), and nine at KSP 21 Nov (BAn, BT, SK, TT). Contributors: Lee Adams, Bob Ake, Bob Anderson (BAn), Harry Armistead, Andrew Baldelli (ABa), Bryan Barmore, Scott Barnes, Joe Beatty (JBt), Ruth Beck, David Bent, Lance Biechele, Perri Borowiecki, Arun Bose, Virginia and George Boyles, Edward S. Brinkley, Susan Brown (SBr), Joelle Buffa, Elaine Carwile, Bob Chapman, David Clark, Todd Day, Susan and David Disher, Adam D Onofrio, Diana Doyle (DDo), Jim Elder, Elisa Enders, Peggy and Mike Eubank, Darol Flahart, Nick Flanders, Jan Frye, Lynn Gillingham, Paul Glass, Arthur Goldsmith, Lizzie Goodrick (LGo), Linda Gum (LGu), Vickie Gullet, George Harris, Michael Hartley, Ben Hodgkins (BHd), Bill Hohenstein (BHo), Teri Holland, Barbara Houston, David Hughes, Cheryl Jacobson, Tom Johnson, Peter Kaestner, Roberta Kellam, Barry Kinzie, Mary Alice Koeneke, Steve Kolbe, Glenn Koppel, Krystal Krejcik, Robby Lambert, Alex Lamoreaux, Alex de Latour (ALa), Allen Larner (ALr), Vic Laubach, Chris Ludwig, Linda and Frank Mantlik, Gabriele Maple, Jim Marcum, Valerie Maragos, Larry Meade (LMe), Ernie Miller, Greg Miller (GMi), Geralyn Mireles (GMr), Alex Minarik, Deapesh Misra, Pamela Monahan, Clyde Morris, Matthew Muir, Larry Niles, Ellison Orcutt, John Pancake, Zak Poulton, Susan Rice, Bob Reilly, Katie Rittenhouse, Nick Schmedding, Debi Schroeder (DSr), Joe Sebastiani, Brad Singer, Mark Smithson, Dixie Sommers, John Spahr (JSp), Kathy Spencer, Robert Steele, Lindsey Stone, Brian Taber, Russ Taylor, Sharon Thomas, Thuy Tran, Tina Trice (TTr), William Voigt, Penny Warren, Jason Weaver, Audrey Whitlock, Diane Wien, Alex Wilke, Bill Williams, Tony Wood, Rick Wright, Dave Youker, Matthew Young Page 16 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

17 North Winter Reporting Period December 2013 February 2014 Editor VACANT 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: Carvins (Carvins Cove, Botetourt); Claytor L. (Claytor Lake, Pulaski); Greenfield L. (Greenfield Lake, Botetourt): L. Shenandoah (Lake Shenandoah, Rockingham) GEESE-DUCKS Many observers had the opportunity to see Greater White-fronted Geese with two remaining near Stuarts Draft 23 Dec 2 Feb and two at Fishersville, Augusta 7 Jan 1 Feb; seven were also found in Spottswood, Augusta 8 Feb (AL). Snow Geese (all singles except where noted) were seen near Swoope, Augusta, 7 Dec (MF); near Dublin, Pulaski 11 Dec (MB & SB); two near Timberville, Rockingham 22 Dec (WL); in Waynesboro 25 Dec (VL); at L. Frederick, Frederick 1 Feb (DL); and two near Elkton, Rockingham 10 Feb (GM). Cackling Geese reports from Stuarts Draft, Augusta, were of five 24 Dec (VL) and 13 the same day (AL) and 11 on 25 Dec (GM). Seven were at a quarry pond near Fishersville 7 Jan (VL); two at Bath Pump Storage Facility, Bath 1 Feb, (GMo); and two at a pond on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery Feb (KD, TD, & DP). Four Mute Swans were at a pond in Bath County 22 Feb (PE) and six were at Parrott, Pulaski the same day (MB & SB). Four Trumpeter Swans were found in Augusta Feb including one f. that had been tagged in Ontario Canada (m. obs) Four were also seen throughout Augusta 26 & 30 Jan and 8 Feb (AL). Seven Tundra Swans were at Claytor L. 8 Dec (MM); while three were seen in Bridgewater, Rockingham 7 Jan, (GM) and 20 at Stuarts Draft, Augusta, 10 Jan (AL). Gadwall sightings included 14 at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 9 Dec (BK); 35 at Fishersville, Augusta 7 Jan (VL); seven at L. Moomaw, Bath 12 Jan (GM); and 163 in several locations in Augusta for a new county peak count 11 Jan (AL). A Blue-winged Teal was at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (LB). Three Northern Pintails were at Greenfield L. 1 Jan (BJ & KJ); six on a pond on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery (TD); and two at Fishersville, Augusta 30 Jan (VL). Fifteen Green-winged Teal were found at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (BK); 28 were at Fishersville, Augusta 7 Jan (VL); and six at Third Battle of Winchester trails, Frederick 22 Feb (BL & JL). Four Canvasbacks were seen at DeHaven Park, Pulaski 10 Jan (MM); two at Greenfield L. 24 Jan (LB); and ten there 29 Jan (MH). Nine Redheads were Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 17

18 found in Rockingham 8 Dec (WL); 100+ at Claytor Lk 8 Dec (MM); 17 near Stephens City, Frederick 2 Jan (DT); 35 in Augusta 10 Jan (AL); 29 in Staunton 14 Jan (PW); 17 below Claytor Dam, Montgomery 25 Jan (CK); and 69 at L. Moomaw, Bath 22 Feb (DF). Ring-necked Duck reports were of 35 at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (BK); 16 at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 9 Dec (BK); 30 near Timberville, Rockingham 22 Dec (WL); 22 on L. Campbell, Rockingham 25 Dec (GMo); 49 in Augusta 10 Jan (AL); and 87 in Bath 12 Jan (GM & MM). On Claytor L. 150 Lesser Scaup were seen 8 Dec (MM). White-winged Scoter (all singles unless otherwise noted) was found at Fishersville, Augusta 30 Jan (AL); in Highland 1 Feb (DH); at Bisset Park in Radford 1 Feb (NS); in Waynesboro, 4 8 Feb (MV, AC, m. obs); nine along the New R. in Radford plus another 12 below Claytor Dam, Montgomery 1 Feb (BA, JF, DP & SP); at Willow L., Rockbridge, 9 Feb (AL); and at L. Shenandoah 12 Feb (DL). A Long-tailed Duck stayed at Willow L., Rockbridge 11 Dec 22 Feb (RR, m. obs). One was at DeHaven Park, Pulaski 10 Jan (MM); another at Bath Pump Storage Facility, Bath 12 Jan (GM & MM); and ten were on New R. below Claytor Dam, Montgomery 12 Feb (BLa). Eleven Common Goldeneyes were at DeHaven Park 10 Jan (MM). Merganser observations were of 9 Common Mergansers at Union Spring Dam, Rockingham 30 Dec (KS); 16 at DeHaven Park 11 Jan (MM); two on the Roanoke R. near Explore Park, Roanoke 21 Jan (BH); 19 at Carvins (MH); 12 at Riverview Park in Radford 15 Feb (LA & WR); 17 at L. Shenandoah 20 Feb (GMo); and 40 on L. Moomaw 22 Feb (GM); and 37 Red-breasted Mergansers at Claytor L. 8 Dec (MM) and 24 on L. Shenandoah also 8 Dec (WL). About 20 Ruddy Ducks were found at Willow L., Rockbridge 18 Dec (RR). One Red-necked Grebe was at Carvins 1 Feb (MP & WT) and 3 Feb (MH). Two were found at L. Shenandoah 6 Feb (CZ); five were there on 12 Feb (CZ). One was at Fishersville, Augusta 15 Feb (PW). Horned Grebes were represented by 14 on Claytor L. 8 Dec (MM); 12 in Rockingham 10 Jan (JSh), 21 in Augusta also 10 Jan (AL); and 15 at L. Moomaw, Bath 20 Jan (VL). HAWKS-SISKINS A Northern Goshawk was found in Highland 2 Dec (WC & MF); one ad. in Augusta 24 Jan (DM & GM) and one imm. on the Virginia Tech campus, Montgomery 11 Feb (RM).The only gulls reported were 2 Bonaparte s Gulls at L. Shenandoah 3 Jan (WL). Interesting owl observations included a Snowy Owl found near Dayton, Rockingham 3 Dec (KS) and one to two seen by many observers in Bridgewater, Rockingham 27 Dec 10 Feb; a Short-eared Owl near Weyers Cave, Augusta 12 Dec (MHo), three near Swoope Augusta 3 Jan (MA), and one near Middletown, Frederick 31 Jan (ET); and a Northern Saw-whet Owl found south of New Castle, Craig 28 Jan (DF). A Merlin was in Augusta 7 Dec (WL); one at L. Shenandoah 21 Dec (DL & GMo), and one on the Virginia Tech campus 24 Feb (CK). A Loggerhead Shrike was seen along North Fork of Roanoke R., Roanoke 3 Dec (RM). An early Tree Swallow was observed at L. Shenandoah 22 Feb (BT). A Brown-headed Nuthatch was visiting feeders at a house in Roanoke City 7 Jan (KD). Two Lapland Longspurs (one photographed) were found in Rockingham 14 Dec (WL, DL & GMo). A Snow Bunting was in New Hope, Augusta, 13 Feb (GM). A Palm Warbler was seen near Natural Bridge, Rockbridge 23 & 26 Dec and 4 Jan (WT). A single American Tree Sparrow was seen frequenting feeders in Highland 13 Dec (JS) and three were at Walnut Springs, Montgomery 14 Dec (TD). A Clay-colored Sparrow was in Staunton, Augusta 8 28 Feb (m. obs). A Dickcissel visited feeders at Weyers Cave, Augusta 15 Dec Jan15 (MHo, AL, & GM). One was seen in Fishersville on the Augusta CBC, 4 Jan (MBe, JK & DPe). Two Brewer s Blackbirds were observed 25 Dec 1 Feb in Swoope, Augusta (m. obs). A Purple Finch was found at Greenfield L. 3 Dec (BK), one in Blacksburg, Montgomery 2 Jan (TD) and six near Tub Run Road, Craig 22 Feb (KD). A Pine Siskin was seen in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 7 Jan (BT); one was in Rich Creek, Giles 14 Feb and two there 15 Feb (CS). Contributors: Bill Akers, Mary Ames, Liz Altieri, Laura Beltran, Mary Ann Bentley (MB), Marietta Beverage (MBe), Stan Bentley, Walt Childs, Andrew Clem, Kent Davis, Tom Davis, Kristi DeCourcy, Peggy Eubank Marshall Faintich, Duane Fillingame, John Ford, Michael Hartley, Diane Holsinger, Mary Houff (MHo), Bill Hunley, Bill James, Katie James, Clyde Kessler, Josephine King, Barry Kinzie, Allen Larner David Larsen, Victor Laubach, William Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, Beth Lancaster (BLa), BJ Little, Jon Little, Daniel Mapel, Gabriel Mapel, Mary Mapel, Ryan Mays, Greg Moyers, Mark Mullins (MM) Dan Perkuchin (DPe), Doug Pfeiffer, Sally Pfeiffer, Mike Purdy, Wilson Rankin, Richard Rowe (RR) Kevin Shank, John Shea (JSh), John Spahr, Chris Sokol, Nils Steika, Wes Teets, Brenda Tekin, Ed Trelawny, Deborah Tucci, Mary Vermeulen, Penny Warren, Charles Ziegenfus. Page 18 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

19 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. Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue. Incoming Editors: Janet Paisley janetpaisley@comcast.net Andrew Rapp lax3birder@live.com East Editor Fred Atwood Flint Hill School, Academic Drive Oakton, VA fredatwood@yahoo.com 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. Report delayed. Reporting period may be covered in a future issue. Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 19

20 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. During the three month period there were twenty-nine days of snow and nineteen days of rain with an average temperature of 37 F. Four days had temperatures below 0. Noteworthy species included Snow Goose, Ross s Goose, White-winged Scoter, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, and Red-breasted Merganser. Buchanan County recorded its first Roughlegged Hawk. Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles were reported from several locations. Abbreviations: BP (Breaks Interstate Park, Dickenson); Burkes (Burkes Garden, Tazewell); CBC (Christmas Bird Count); CCL (Clear Creek Lake, Washington); Compton (Compton Mountain, Buchanan); Musick s (Musick s Campground on South Holston Lake Washington); RRL (Rural Retreat Lake); SHL (South Holston Lake), SVCC (Southwest VA Community College). GEESE HERONS A white morph Snow Goose was found among Canada Geese at the Saltville Well Fields, Smyth 5 Jan (VF). An adult Ross s Goose was discovered at CCL 3 Feb (WC). Twelve Gadwall were observed at the Saltville Well Fields 8 Jan (HS, ME, LT). Two EURASIAN WIGEONS appeared on Oxbow L. at St Paul, Russell 17 Feb (BM). Two Northern Pintails, unusual for the area, were found at The Mudhole near Lebanon, Russell 17 Dec (JT) and three adult males were observed on Stuart s Pond in Rosedale 7 Feb (PH). A Greater Scaup, not commonly found in the BP was discovered there 10 Dec (DR) and raft of Greater Scaup was observed at John Flannagan Reservoir, Dickenson 21 Feb (DO). A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER appeared on the New R. at Field s Dam in Mouth of Wilson, Grayson 9 Feb (AF). A lone Ruddy Duck was at Laurel L. in the BP 3 Dec (DR). A Ruddy Duck and 3 f. Hooded Mergansers were found at the same location 11 Dec (DR). Two f. Hooded Mergansers were discovered on a small pond at Indian Creek Road near Council, Buchanan 17 Dec (DO). On 22 Feb a small flock of both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers were observed at the pond in Burkes (BCBC) and 5 Common Mergansers, found on the Clinch R. during the Blackburg CBC were a first for that count 28 Dec (DC, RM, DO, DR). Three Red-breasted Mergansers were at the Saltville ponds, Smyth 14 Feb (VF), and three were on Oxbow L. in St Paul, Russell 18 Feb (WC). A Piedbilled Grebe was a new species on the Buchanan CBC 22 Dec (DR). On 21 Feb two Horned Grebes were found at John Flannagan Reservoir (DO). In Feb nesting activity was noticed at the Great Blue Heron Rookery on Rt. 91 north of Saltville, where last year the rookery expanded to include three large Sycamore trees (VF). A new rookery consisting of 20 or more nests, 17 with Great Blue Herons on them, was found on the Clinch R. at Pounding Mill, Tazewell 14 Feb (DO). EAGLES MERLINS Bald Eagle observations (all adults unless otherwise noted) were of: one flying over a field near Speedwell,Wythe 1 Dec (JM); two ad. and two juv. in Burkes 2 Dec (S&MB); one flying along the Clinch R. near the Crab Orchard Museum, Tazewell 12 Dec (PH); two counted on the New River CBC on the New R., Grayson 24 Dec (HB); one feeding on a dead raccoon on Clifton Farm Rd., Russell Jan (TH); one over state Rte. 16, Tazewell 24 Jan (EM); one over the lodge in the BP (DO); and a pair at their nest in Burkes 22 Feb (BCBC). A Northern Harrier hunted over a field near Speedwell in Wythe 2 Dec (JM), another was observed in the BP 3 Dec (DR), and two, one an ad. male, were observed at a surface mine site at the head of Race Fork, Buchanan 31 Jan. (DO). A Rough-legged Hawk found at Southern Gap during the Buchanan CBC 21 Dec provided first record for Buchanan (DC, RM, DO). Possibly the same bird was observed there 18 Jan (DO, AO, EO). Two Rough-legged Hawks were reported in Burkes 17 Jan (CD). Golden Eagle sightings were of an imm. soaring Page 20 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

21 over Beartown Mt., Russell 1 Dec (TH) and two the same day in the Clifton Farm area of Russell (TH) where two were also seen 4 Jan perched in trees along the road (T&LH). A total of six were reported in Russell 5 Jan (TH) and two were observed in Burkes 22 Feb (NRV, BCBC). Two American Kestrels were found in Race Fork in the Hurley Area of Buchanan 31 Jan. (DO). A male American Kestrel perched on a pasture fence on Compton 5 Dec was an usual find (R&LM). A Merlin was one of several species recorded in Russell 5 Jan (TH). SHRIKES FINCHES A Loggerhead Shrike was observed in Burkes 2 Dec (S&MB); one was Across Rt. 19 from the Elk Garden School, Russell 4 Jan (T&LH); another was found on a power line east of Lebanon, Russell 29 Jan (T& LH); and four were observed in Burkes 22 Feb (BCBC). A flock of 14 American Pipits counted on Compton furnished a new species for the Buchanan CBC (DC, RM, DO). An American Tree Sparrow was reported in Richlands of Tazewell 9 Jan (CD). A Fox Sparrow was discovered on Huffman Hill in Russell 13 Feb; the species is not common to that area. (T&LH). Seasonal arrivals were noted with a Red-winged Blackbird at a feeder on Compton 21 Feb (RM) and a Purple Finch at a feeder in Lebanon, Russell 12 Feb (T&LH). Contributors: Buchanan County Bird Club (BCBC) Stan & Mary Bentley, Harrol Blevins, Don Carrier, Wallace Coffey, Clancey Deel, Mike Evans, Aaron Floyd, Vicky Frye, Peggy Herbert, Tom Hunter, Tom & Laverne Hunter, Roger Mayhorn, Roger & Lynda Mayhorn, Jim Minick, Ed Morgan, Bryan Musick, New River Valley Bird Club (NRV), Angie Owens, Daryl Owens, Emma Owens, David Raines, Hank Snow, Jerry Thornhill, Louise Tilson Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 21

22 South Central Editor Wendy Ealding 1384 Palmore Road Powhatan, VA Incoming Editor C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, 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 was cold with frequent snow events. The exceptionally prolonged cold weather to the north, which caused extensive freezing of the Great Lakes, initially brought an influx of Long-tailed Ducks and White-winged Scoters. The concentration of a significant number of ducks in limited open water proved to be a tempting source of prey for Bald Eagles, with reports of both White-winged Scoters and Common Goldeneyes falling victim. As the freeze progressed, Red-necked Grebes were reported from multiple locations around the Region. While many unusual wintering ducks were noted, winter finches were generally absent. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak that was reported to Project FeederWatch from a feeder in Blackstone was featured in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology end-of-season newsletter and provided the first December record for the Piedmont. January 2014 saw the start of Central Region Editor Mike Stinson s Prince Edward County Big Year and many of the observations from that county in this report are from him. His Big Year is documented at Abbreviations: Briery Creek (Briery Creek WMA, Prince Edward); Kerr (Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenburg); Sandy River (Sandy River Reservoir, Prince Edward) WATERFOWL DOVES Twelve Snow Geese at Waid Park, Franklin 1 Dec (AT, BT fide CK) likely provided a high count for the county. Two Ross s Geese were in Prince Edward Feb (ph. MS) There were multiple reports of unusual wintering ducks and Red-necked Grebes at several locations during the winter season; these are presented in a table on pages 23 and 24. Two Red-throated Loons at Sandy R. 22 Jan (MS) furnished a county record. Two immature Bald Eagles were at Jamison Mill, Philpott Lake, Henry 1 Dec (RC, CK). Spotted Sandpiper has been a regular overwintering species at Kerr in recent years and this winter was no exception, with up to two first reported 2 Jan (JB fide PG) and the final report of the winter season on 23 Feb (WE, PE, MA). An American Woodcock displaying 2 Feb in Amelia (MA) was early. A JAEGER, reported as Parasitic, was at Kerr 22 Feb ( ph. PG, ph. AB, ph. BR, ph. MS). This report is currently in review with VARCOM; if accepted it would be the third Piedmont record. The regularly wintering Lesser Black-backed Gull was first reported at Kerr 4 Jan (PG) and the last report for the winter season was 24 Feb (EO). After an absence of several weeks, three Eurasian Collared-Doves were at their usual location in South Boston, Halifax 27 Jan (PG) PASSERINES Loggerhead Shrike is a species that has been reported from the Palmer Springs Area, Mecklenburg in past winters. This season s reports spanned the period 4 Jan (PG) through 24 Feb (EO). A high count of 35 Brown-headed Nuthatches came from Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, Franklin 2 Dec (AT,BT fide CK). A Gray Catbird reported at Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg 2 Jan during the Kerr Lake CBC was a winter first for that count (PG, AD). A LAPLAND LONGSPUR, found among a flock of Horned Larks and American Pipits south of Prospect, Prince Edward during the Darlington Heights CBC on 5 Jan, was a first for the count and likely provides a record for the county (DS, ES and CBC party). A Palm Warbler, considered a rare early winter visitor in the Piedmont, was a first for the Banister River WMA, Halifax CBC (GM, KL fide JB). There were two reports of the Yellow hypochrysea subspecies at Kerr 25 Jan (DS, ES fide PG) and 1 Feb (PG, MF). A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK that was reported to Project FeederWatch at a feeder Dec in Blackstone, Nottoway (ph. KH) was featured Page 22 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

23 in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology end-of-season newsletter and provided the first December record for the Piedmont. A male Indigo Bunting was photographed at a feeder in Dry Fork, Pittsylvania 2 4 Feb (ph. MF); only the third winter record for the entire Piedmont. There were very few reports of winter finches. A female/ immature Purple Finch was at a feeder in South Boston, Halifax 3 Dec and a male was at the same location 9 Dec (PG); there was a report of a female at another feeder in South Boston 11 Feb (JB). Contributors: Mary Ames, Jeff Blalock, Arun Bose, Ray Callahan, Adam D Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Patty Elton, Mary Foster, Paul Glass, Kirsten Holmes, Clyde Kessler, Kathy Layne, Grace McCrowell, Ellison Orcutt, Bruce Richardson, Mike Stinson, David Spears, Evan Spears, Anne Tucker, Bill Tucker, Jason Weaver Notable South Central Region waterfowl and Red-necked Grebe reports Date Observer Species Location Number Notes 1/22/2014 MS Canvasback Sandy River 14 1/26/2014 JB, PG Canvasback Edmunds Park, Halifax 3 2/5- PG Canvasback Edmunds Park, Halifax 3 2/17/2014 2/28/2014 ph. ES, DS Canvasback Willis River Number Seven Dam, Buckingham 4 2/5- PG, JB Redhead Edmunds Park, Halifax 1 2/17/ /9/2013 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 2 Duck 12/13/2013 MS Long-tailed Sandy River 2 Duck 1/4/2013 ph. MS Long-tailed Sandy River 1 Duck 1/9/2014 ph. AD Long-tailed Kerr 1 Duck 1/22/2014 MS Long-tailed Duck Sandy River 1 2/15-16/2014 PG, ph. JB Long-tailed Duck 2/18/2014 MS Long-tailed Duck 2/22/2014 ph. PG Long-tailed Duck 2/24/2014 MS Long-tailed Duck 1/22/2014 MS Common Goldeneye 1/31/2014 MS Common Goldeneye 2/1/2014 PG, MF, JB, AD Edmunds Park, Halifax 1 Sandy River 1 Kerr 2 Sandy River 1 Sandy River 3 Briery Creek 1 ad. male; captured by 2 Bald Eagles and eaten Surf Scoter Kerr 1 2/22/2014 PG Surf Scoter Kerr 1 12/25/2013 AD White-winged Kerr 1 Scoter Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 23

24 Date Observer Species Location Number Notes 1/2/2014 JW White-winged Scoter 1/4/2014 PG White-winged Scoter 1/9/2014 ph. AD White-winged Scoter 2/1/2014 JB, MF, PG White-winged Scoter 2/18/2014 MS White-winged Scoter 2/22/2014 PG White-winged Scoter 1/10-11/2014 ph. MS White-winged Scoter 1/24/2014 MS White-winged Scoter 1/31/2014 MS White-winged Scoter 2/1/2014 MS White-winged Scoter 2/18/2014 MS Red-breasted Merganser 2/28/2014 ES, DS Red-breasted Merganser 1/4/2014 PG Red-necked Grebe 1/9/2014 AD Red-necked Grebe 2/1/2014 PG, AD, MF, JB Red-necked Grebe 2/15/2014 ph. ES, MA Red-necked Grebe 2/18/2014 MS Red-necked Grebe 2/24/2014 MS Red-necked Grebe 2/28/2014 ph. ES Red-necked Grebe Kerr 1 Kerr Lake CBC Kerr 1 Kerr 3 Kerr 5 Briery Creek 1 Kerr 6 Sandy River 2 VARCOM accepted Cat 1 Sandy River 7 Sandy River 1 female; captured by immature Bald Eagle Sandy River 1 Briery Creek and Sandy River Willis River Number Seven Dam, Buckingham Kerr 1 Kerr 1 Kerr 2 Sandy River 1 Briery Creek 1 Briery Creek 2 Willis River Number Seven Dam, Buckingham 5-20 first winter record for the county 1 ad. male, likely county record 1 county record Page 24 Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3

25 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. Although the temperature for December averaged 3.4 degrees above normal, it was a cold winter. Temperatures for January and February averaged 2.7 degrees and 1.1 degree below normal respectively. Precipitation was above normal for all three months averaging 1.12 inches above normal mostly due to high precipitation amounts in December which averaged 2.85 inches above normal. The cold winter weather, mainly in states to the north and west of Virginia, resulted in an inland influx of normally coastal winter ducks and grebes especially White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Greater Scaup and Red-necked Grebe. The 74 th Hopewell CBC and the 37 th Williamsburg CBC went off without a hitch on December 15. Both counts recorded 113 species on the day. Highlights of both counts are in the text. The Center for Conservation Biology finished 2013 with more good news for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker population at Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County. The annual winter survey of the population yielded another record high of 58 birds, up from the high of 53 birds counted on last year s survey. Rarities this season included Snowy Owl, Audubon s Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. Abbreviations: City Point (Petersburg National Battlefield, City Point Unit, Hopewell); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Fort Boykins (Fort Boykins Historic Park, Isle of Wight); Hog (Hog Island W.M.A., Surry); HoCBC (Hopewell Christmas Bird Count); Jamestown (Jamestown, James City); J.R.P. (James River Park, Richmond); Mainland Farm (Mainland Farm, James City); Ragged Island (Ragged Island W.M.A., Isle of Wight); WiCBC (Williamsburg Christmas Bird Count). GEESE GREBES A Greater White-Fronted Goose was in Charles City 1 Feb (ABr). One imm. Snow Goose was noted at Mainland Farm 5 & 6 Jan (BT, BW). A Ross s Goose, photographed at Mainland Farm 4 Dec, provided a long awaited first local record (BW, MB, BT). Four Ross s Geese were tallied on the HoCBC. A Brant, photographed at Hog during the WiCBC, was a first CBC record. Up to three Cackling Geese were recorded at Mainland Farm Dec (DC, BA, BW). Four Cackling Geese were in Henrico 1 Feb (ABr). A new high count for Canada Geese on the the HoCBC was established with 21,598 tallied. New high counts for Gadwall were 341 on HoCBC and 252 on the WiCBC; 124 Gadwall at the mouth of Gordon Creek, James City 2 Feb provided a new local peak count for one site (BW). A count of 2358 Lesser Scaup on 4 Feb shattered the old James City record (500 off Kingsmill, James City 5 Apr 1982) and was composed of 1200 off the Jamestown Ferry dock, 325 off Archer s Hope and 833 off College Creek. Two f. Harlequin Ducks were photographed off Yorktown, York 21 Dec (BW), providing a first local record. They remained in the area until 1 Jan and were enjoyed by many. A White-winged Scoter was seen in the James R. from the Wetlands section of J.R.P. 26 Jan (ph. LB). It was joined by a second bird 1 Feb (AB) and both birds remained in the area until the end of the period (m. obs). Single White-winged Scoters were noted at Dutch Gap 31 Jan (JE) and at Jamestown 15 Jan & 2 Feb (BW). Two were tallied at College Creek, James City 10 Feb (BT). Two f. Long-tailed Ducks, photographed at the J.R.P. Wetlands 8 Feb, provided a first documented record for the city of Richmond (AD, AB, JF, EO). Single Longtailed Ducks were at Little Creek Dam, James City 31 Jan (SD, BT) & 2 Feb (HB, DS) and at Jamestown Virginia Birds Volume 10 Number 2 and Volume 10 Number 3 Page 25