Virginia Birds. A quarterly journal of ornithological sightings in the Commonwealth published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology

Transcription

1 Virginia Birds A quarterly journal of ornithological sightings in the Commonwealth published by the Virginia Society of Ornithology Volume 11 Number 4 Spring Records March May 2015

2 Virginia Birds Regions Cities/towns numbered on map 1. Abingdon 2. Alexandria 3. Bedford 4. Bristol 5. Buena Vista 6. Cape Charles 7. Charlottesville 8. Chesapeake 9. Chincoteague 10. Clifton Forge 11. Colonial Heights 12. Covington 13. Danville 14. Emporia 15. Fairfax 16. Falls Church 17. Franklin Lee 18. Fredericksburg 19. Galax 20. Hampton 21. Harrisonburg 22. Hopewell 23. Lexington 24. Lynchburg 25. Manassas 26. Manassas Park 27. Martinsville 28. Newport News 29. Norfolk 30. Norton 31. Petersburg Buchanan Dickenson Bland Tazewell Wise Russell 30 Wythe Southwest Smyth Scott 1 4 Grayson 19 Washington Poquoson 33. Portsmouth 34. Radford 35. Richmond 36. Roanoke 37. Salem 38. South Boston 39. Staunton 40. Suffolk 41. Tazewell Appomattox Frederick Greene Madison Fluvanna Cumberland Clarke Culpeper Fauquier Goochland Loudoun Brunswick Fairfax Arlington 25, 26 15,16 Prince 2 William King Highland George Augusta Orange Westmoreland Bath West 43 7 Louisa Caroline East Albemarle 12 Central Northumberland 10 Alleghany Nelson 23 5 Amherst Botetourt Buckingham Powhatan New Craig 35 Kent Mathews Bedford Charles James Giles Roanoke 24 Amelia City City Prince Campbell 11 6 Edward Nottoway Surry Pulaski Charlotte Dinwiddie 20 Franklin Southeast Lunenburg Floyd Sussex Isle of 29 South Central Wight 33 Carroll Pittsylvania Halifax Mecklenburg 40 8 Patrick Henry Greensville Montgomery 42. Virginia Beach 43. Waynesboro 44. Williamsburg 45. Winchester Rockbridge Rockingham 21 Shenandoah 45 Warren Rappahannock Page North Stafford Spotsylvania Hanover Henrico Chesterfield Essex King and Queen King William Prince George Southampton Richmond Middlesex Lancaster Gloucester York Northampton Accomack Coastal 9 Virginia Birds Editors Bill Williams billwilliams154@gmail.com Louise Menges louisemenges6@gmail.com Joe Coleman joecoleman@rstarmail.com Regional Editors Fred Atwood Adam D Onofrio Mary Ann Good Clyde Kessler Mike Lott Lynda Mayhorn Roger Mayhorn Janet Paisley Andrew Rapp C. Michael Stinson Bill Williams VSO Officers President Joe Coleman, Round Hill Past President Andrew Dolby, Fredricksburg Vice President Jeff Trollinger, Gum Spring Secretary Judith Wiegand, Staunton Treasurer Terri Cuthriell, Smithfield Raven Editor Wes Brown, Parksley Newsletter Editor Len Alfredson, Arlington Membership Secretary Shirley Devan, Williamsburg VSO Board of Directors Terms expire 2015 Joelle Buffa, Greenbackville Patti Ruem, Blue Grass Russell Taylor, Vienna Terms expire 2016 Bill Williams, Williamsburg Lenny Bankester, Alexandria Daniel Bieker, North Garden Terms expire 2017 Mike Lott, Fredricksburg Bruce Johnson, Lovettsville Laura Neale, Rockbridge County 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: Articles for consideration can be sent to billwilliams154@gmail.com. Season Reports due to Regional Editors Summer ( Jun Jul) 15 Aug Fall (Aug Nov) 15Dec Winter (Dec Feb) 15 Mar Spring (Mar May) 15 Jun

3 Terms and Abbreviations Species name in bold first time mentioned (VARCOM Review Birds BOLD 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 Is. Island(s), Isle(s) imm. (imms.) immature(s) junc. junction juv. (juvs.) juvenile(s) L. Lake Ln. Lane MAPS Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship m. male m. obs. many/multiple observers Mt. Mountain, Mount NAP Natural Area Preserve NP National Park NWR National Wildlife Refuge ph. photographed by (initials) Pk. Park Pt. Point R. River Rd. Road Res. Reservoir RP Regional Park Rte. Route SF State Forest SP State Park VARCOM Virginia Avian Records Committee VDGIF Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries v. r. voice recording VSO Virginia Society of Ornithology WMA Wildlife Management Area * specimen collected On the cover: Bill Williams took this April 21 photo of a Cattle Egret at Carlton Farms, near Jamestown. Published September 2015

4 Smith Mountain Lake: One of Virginia s Under-birded Hotspots This is the first of a planned series of articles discussing places in Virginia that are good for birding, but that for various reasons are not visited by birders as often as they might be. We hope that by featuring these locations in Virginia Birds, more birders will be encouraged to visit them and report what they find and we will learn more about the distribution of birds in our state. Suggestions for under-birded areas that might be included in this series are welcome. The first of these locations to be discussed is Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake found entirely within Virginia s borders. John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is larger, but lies partly within North Carolina. Smith Mountain Lake was formed in 1963 as an impoundment of the Roanoke (Staunton) River, and lies southeast of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg, about an hour from either city by car. Its waters lie mainly in Bedford and Franklin counties. The size and age of this lake suggest that it might have been visited often by birders, and might have been the source of numerous rarity reports from the last half century, but that has not been so. It s hard to know how to quantify the degree of coverage a particular site has been given by birders. For this article I have used ebird data, particularly the number of checklists reported from a given area, and especially from those sites identified on ebird as hotspots. Suggestions for other ways to measure the number of visits by birders to a site are welcomed as this series continues. Judging by the number of checklists reported to ebird, Smith Mountain Lake is less frequently visited by birders than similar sites in Virginia. As of 31 August 2015, Smith Mountain Lake State Park (in Bedford County) had only 14 checklists reporting 76 species of birds associated with its ebird hotspot. Across the lake, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park (in Franklin County) had 11 checklists reporting 49 species. The relatively small amount of data represented by these lists can be judged in comparison with a few other sites: Lake Anna State Park had 103 checklists reporting 123 species, and Claytor Lake State Park had 91 checklists reporting 142 species. A quick check of ebird will show that several much smaller lakes in Virginia have far more checklists reported as well. While each site is different, and birding frequency at any location is a function of many factors, these numbers support the idea that Smith Mountain Lake is not visited by birders as often as it might be. More than one friend has suggested to me that Smith Mountain Lake does not attract as many birders as it might due to the large percentage of its shoreline that is privately owned. It s true that much of the lake is surrounded by subdivisions and other development, but a few sites do provide good public access. First among these is Smith Mountain Lake State Park, on the northeast (Bedford County) side of the lake. This park provides access to a large section of lake shore in the middle of the reservoir. It also includes more than 10 miles of walking trails through both forested and open habitats, as well as a campground and cabins for overnight stays. Regularly occurring birds in the park include breeding Ospreys, Brown-headed Nuthatches, breeding near the edge of their normal Virginia range, and numerous other forest species.

5 Across the lake from the state park is Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. The community park is smaller than the state park and does not offer the same lodging or hiking opportunities, but it will be easier to reach for some birders approaching the lake from the south. At some times of day it can provide better viewing conditions over parts of the lake. It provides an opportunity to scan some of the same part of the lake that can be seen from the state park, though from different vantage points, as well as some different sections. Another option for visiting birders is to view parts of the lake from the commercial areas near Hales Ford Bridge. This is the bridge on which VA 122 crosses the upper part of the lake. Several restaurants, marinas, and other establishments in that area provide parking, and some of them welcome visitors who wish to scan the lake. The lake is more narrow here than in the vicinity of the state park, and while the bird life is not as diverse as that found in the parks mentioned, waterfowl, gulls, and other species can be seen in this area. Given what we know about the birds found on other large freshwater reservoirs in our part of North America, the birding potential for a lake this size is enormous. Unusual storm events, including the passage of tropical storms, provide especially attractive opportunities for finding rare species. While a variety of waterfowl, loons, grebes, terns, gulls, and other species have been reported at Smith Mountain Lake, the rather low total number of these reports suggests that many more might be recorded. Again, though it is hard to quantify such things, compared to the amount of time Virginia s birders have spent watching the lower portions of Kerr Reservoir, the amount of time spent we have spent scanning the waters of Smith Mountain Lake seems to have been remarkably low. The few rarities that have been found there, such as the young Long-tailed Jaeger photographed there in September 1993, suggest the potential that awaits. C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA myrmecocichla@gmail.com

6 Regional Reports North Editors: Michael Lott Mary Ann Good 1729 Jefferson Davis Hwy Lincoln Rd. P.O. Box 339 Purcellville, VA Stafford, VA Arlington, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison, Prince William, Rappahannock, and Stafford counties; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park Temperatures got off to a cold start with the average temperature at Dulles Int. Airport 4 degrees below average for the month of March. By May, however, temperatures averaged over 5 degrees above average across the Region. Rainfall was slightly below normal for the 3-month period. There were several unusual sightings this season including Great Cormorant, American White Pelican, and Little Gull. Abbreviations: Belmont Bay (Belmont Bay Marina, Prince William); Dyke Marsh (Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Fairfax); Great Falls (Great Falls NP, Fairfax); Hunting Cr. Bridge (Hunting Cr. Bridge, Fairfax); Huntley Meadows (Huntley Meadows Pk., Fairfax); Jones Pt. Pk. (Jones Pt. Pk., Alexandria); Leesylvania (Leesylvania SP, Prince William); Mason Neck NWR (Mason Neck NWR, Fairfax); Monticello (Monticello Pk., Alexandria); Occoquan Bay (Occoquan Bay NWR, Prince William); Occoquan Marina (Occoquan Marina, Prince William); Phelps WMA (Chester Phelps WMA, Fauquier); Riverbend (Riverbend Pk., Fairfax); Upper Occoquan (Upper Occoquan Service Authority, Fairfax) WATERFOWL WADERS A Greater White-fronted Goose continued in the area of Hunting Cr. Bridge through 7 Mar (KG). A single Snow Goose was seen at Wakefield Pk., Fairfax 15 Mar (LPr), and 300 were reported flying in formation over e. Falls Church 24 Mar (LT). A Cackling Goose continued at Dyke Marsh until 11 Mar (EE), and another was seen at Harrison Rd., Fauquier 22 Mar (KG). Several duck species were observed well past their usual late dates. A Gadwall and an American Black Duck seen at Dyke Marsh and nearby Hunting Cr. Bridge 30 May (KG, DL) were well past their Coastal Plain late date of 20 Apr. A f. Blue-winged Teal was reported from International Conservation House, Fauquier 22 May (PS) (Piedmont late date 30 Apr). A Canvasback and 6 Redheads seen at Occoquan Marina 2 May (KG) were considerably past their Coastal Plain late dates of 10 and 15 Apr, respectively. Redheads have been observed with young in the vicinity in two previous years (fide KG). Ring-necked Ducks observed well outside the 15 Apr Regional late date included 6 at Riverbend 16 May (RY) and singles at Belmont Bay 24 May (CL) and Occoquan Marina 30 May (KG). Two Greater Scaup, a rare winter visitor and transient in the Piedmont, were seen at Riverbend 7 Mar (EM). One was seen at Hunting Cr. Bridge 18 May (SS), well past the Coastal Plain late date of 10 Apr. A few Lesser Scaup were at Dyke Marsh May (GHa) (Coastal Plain late date 20 Apr). A Surf Scoter was observed at Occoquan Marina 14 Mar (KG). White-winged Scoters were reported from several locations, including 2 at Belmont Bay 3 Mar (MR); up to 5 at Dyke Marsh through 13 Mar (m. obs.); up to 3 at various locations in Alexandria through 7 Mar (m. obs.); 2 at Mason Neck NWR 19 Mar (JS); up to 5 at Leesylvania through 21 Mar (m. obs.); and up to 5 at Occoquan Bay and Occoquan Marina through 29 Mar (m. obs.). There were a few Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 6

7 sightings of Long-tailed Ducks: one on the Alexandria waterfront 2 Mar (The Voice); 3 at Aquia Landing Pk., Stafford Mar (SK); and 3 at Occoquan Bay Mar (m. obs.). A f. Hooded Merganser was seen with 8 juvs. at Huntley Meadows 30 Apr (RV) a historically rare but increasing breeder in the Coastal Plain. A f. Common Merganser was observed with 2 juvs. at Riverbend 27 May (MT), where the species has apparently bred before. Two Northern Bobwhites, becoming rare in the Piedmont, were found on Harrison Rd., Fauquier 20 May (RR). Single Red-throated Loons were seen at Occoquan Bay 8 Mar (MR) and the same day at distant Upper Occoquan (RR), this one seen again 22 Mar (KG). Singles were also seen at Mason Neck NWR 21 Mar (KG) and Dyke Marsh 9 16 Apr (EE et al.). Single Red-necked Grebes, a rare transient in most years in the Region, showed up in a variety of locations: Jones Pt. Pk. 2 Mar (DL); Upper Occoquan 8 Mar (RR); Aquia Landing Pk., Stafford 14 Mar (SK); Huntley Meadows 14 Mar (DL); Belmont Bay 21 Mar (KG); Burke L. Pk., Fairfax (KG); and Dyke Marsh 5 Apr (RR). A juv. GREAT CORMORANT was found at Jones Pt. Pk. 3 Mar (SS, ph. GHa). Gerry Hawkins' photo of a Great Cormorant at Jones Point Park, Alexandria March 22. An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was observed at Belmont Bay 10 Apr (ph. LC). A Snowy Egret, a rare transient in the Piedmont, was observed at Claude Moore Pk., Loudoun 3 May (FJ). An early Blackcrowned Night-Heron was seen at Four Mile Run Pk., Alexandria 29 Mar (DL), and a pair appeared at Sequoia Village L., Falls Church 31 May after singles were seen there numerous times (SMe) (they are rare summer residents in the Piedmont, with only one apparent breeding record). Single Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, a rare transient in the Piedmont, were seen at L. Accotink Pk., Fairfax 10 May (SJ) and Luria Pk., Falls Church 11 May (BF). A Glossy Ibis, an uncommon to rare transient in the Coastal Plain, was reported from Gravelly Pt. Pk., Arlington 30 Mar (HM); 7 were ph. (anon.) at Huntley Meadows 17 Apr (fide DB), with one seen again 6 May (EE). RAPTORS FALCONS Two Mississippi Kites were observed along Rectortown Rd., Fauquier 9 May (EM). A nest-building pair was seen in Burke, Fairfax 17 May (TQ), not far from where pairs nested in 2013 (fide JC) and 2014 (fide TQ). A Rough-legged Hawk continued at Edgecliff Farm, Fauquier through at least 13 Mar (The Voice). A Virginia Rail was reported at Sky Meadows SP, Fauquier 30 Mar 14 May (SB, m. obs.), with 2 there 25 Apr (KG). There was a report of a Willet at Huntley Meadows (rare transient in the inland Coastal Plain) 2 May (LP, AW). A group of 7 9 Whimbrels, another rare inland transient, was found at Hunting Cr. Bridge/Dyke Marsh May (SS). A Bonaparte s Gull was observed at Mason Neck SP, Fairfax 23 May (RY), considerably outside its Coastal Plain late date of 30 Apr. An ad. LITTLE GULL was observed at Belmont Bay 28 Mar (LCh), and for the second consecutive spring, a Little Gull spent time at Dyke Marsh Apr (RY). A Glaucous Gull, rare inland in the Coastal Plain, was seen at Quantico Cr., Prince William 14 Mar (KG). Caspian Terns, a rare transient in the Piedmont, were observed at lakes in Ashburn, Loudoun, including a single bird on 11 Apr (PN) and 2 on 25 Apr (FF). A Black Tern, a rare transient in the Piedmont, was reported at Riverbend Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 7

8 16 May (RY). An early as well as uncommon Forster s Tern (Coastal Plain early date 10 Apr) was observed at Occoquan Marina 25 Mar (KG). Two Royal Terns, rare in the Region in spring, were reported at Occoquan Bay 19 Apr (SM). A Black-billed Cuckoo was reported at Laurel Hill Golf Club, Fairfax 25 Apr (SF), slightly outside of the Piedmont extreme early date of 27 Apr. One was also seen at Dyke Marsh 16 May (LC), a rare transient on the Coastal Plain. A Barn Owl was observed at roost in n. Loudoun 3 May (JC et al.). A Barn Owl photographed by Laura McGranaghan on its roost in Loudoun May 3. One of the winter s irruptive Snowy Owls lingered until 5 Mar in e. Prince William (The Voice). A Long-eared Owl was reported along Myers Mill Rd., Culpeper 5 Mar (TD). Single Whip-poor-wills, declining throughout the Region, were heard off Breckinridge Rd., Prince William 5 Apr (MR) and at a residence in Alexandria 22 Apr (AB). Single Merlins, a rare transient in the Piedmont, were reported at Rectortown Rd., Fauquier 25 Apr (KG) and Delaplane, Fauquier 2 May (KK). A pair of Peregrine Falcons was observed copulating near the site where a pair nested last year on the Wilson Bridge, Alexandria 4 Apr (EE). A single bird was also seen at Manassas Nat. Battlefield Pk., Prince William 19 Apr (KG), a rare transient in the Piedmont. FLYCATCHERS WARBLERS A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, a rare transient in the Region, was reported at Kinloch Farm, Fauquier 14 May (CK). There were scattered reports of Alder Flycatchers, a rare transient across the Region, including at Huntley Meadows 13 May (SFo) and another there 22 May (RS); Phelps WMA 15 May (TD); Julie Metz Wetlands Preserve, Prince William 16 May (KG); Occoquan Bay 17 May (LCh) and another there 23 May (SM); a condo complex in Alexandria 17 May (BP); and Great Falls 31 May (SW). A Least Flycatcher, a rare transient in the Piedmont, was seen singing at a private residence in w. Loudoun 17 May (MG). A Loggerhead Shrike was seen at Rectortown Rd., Fauquier 6 8 Mar (ph. LCh). Cliff Swallows, which may not be rare transients but are hard to find away from their colonies, were found at various places: 2 at Riverbend 23 Apr (RY), 1+ at Upper Occoquan 25 Apr (KG), 4 at Dyke Marsh 27 Apr (KG), and 4 at Rectortown Rd., Fauquier 3 May (KG). Three Red-breasted Nuthatches continued into early Apr at Oak Marr Pk., Fairfax (FA), with the last one seen 11 Apr (DLeb); one was also seen at Ft. Ward Pk., Alexandria 11 Apr (DS). A likely BICKNELL S THRUSH was well seen by m. obs. and responded strongly to playback at Monticello May (ph., v.r. BH). An unusually high number of 40-plus American Pipits was found at Rectortown Rd., Fauquier 25 Apr (KG), the species given Piedmont late date. Multiple Lapland Longspurs were reported in a mixed flock of Horned Larks and American Pipits in a field in Nokesville, Prince William 2 Mar (TB). A Louisiana Waterthrush, found at Monticello 11 Mar (TA), preceded the extreme early date of even the southern part of the state by a week. An incredible 13 Northern Waterthrushes were found in a single morning at the wetlands area of Phelps WMA 15 May (TD). A Tennessee Warbler, a fairly rare transient in the Coastal Plain, was reported at Leesylvania 3 May (MR). Single Mourning Warblers, a rare transient throughout the Region (and fewer in spring than fall) were found at a number of locations: a private residence in w. Loudoun 19 May (MG), Huntley Meadows 23 May (KG), and Great Falls 24 May (MRa). An early Chestnut-sided Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 8

9 Warbler at Huntley Meadows 13 Apr (HG) was substantially ahead of the Coastal Plain extreme early date of Apr 28. Also very early was a Palm Warbler seen 16 Mar at a private residence in Annandale, Fairfax (LC), a month earlier than the 15 Apr early date for the Piedmont. Four Canada Warblers seen at Huntley Meadows 4 May (DB) are a high count for this fairly rare Coastal Plain transient. Single Wilson s Warblers, a fairly rare transient throughout the Region, were seen at Possum Pt. Rd., Prince William 2 May (KG), just ahead of the extreme early date of 3 May for the Coastal Plain, and at a private residence in w. Loudoun 17 May (MG). SPARROWS BLACKBIRDS A Lincoln s Sparrow, a fairly rare transient in the Piedmont, was found at Bristow Battlefield Pk., Prince William 17 May (MR). Two Summer Tanagers, a fairly rare transient in the northwestern part of our Region, were found on 3 May: one at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in extreme n. Loudoun ( JC et al.) and one on a rural road in s. Loudoun (GH et al.). Individual Dickcissels were observed on Grassdale Rd., Fauquier 15 May (TD); in Nokesville, Prince William May (MR); and at Meadowood Recreation Area, Fairfax 25 Mar (DL). A high count of 1000 Rusty Blackbirds was reported from Huntley Meadows 22 Mar (BJ); the flock gradually dwindled, but about 100 remained on 23 Apr. Corrigenda The following sentence in the Winter North report was erroneously misstated by the journal editor. A few Gray Catbirds braved the winter, including one at Huntley Meadows 26 Dec and 17 Feb (KG), one at Occoquan Bay 2 Jan (PK) with 2 there on 11 Jan (KG), one at Dyke Marsh 3 Feb (EE), and one at nearby Belle Haven 25 Feb (DB). The correct wording for this sentence should have been: A few Gray Catbirds braved the winter: one was at Huntley Meadows 26 Dec and 17 Feb (KG), 1 at Occoquan Bay 2 Jan (PK), 2 on 11 Jan (KG) and 1 on 3 Feb (EE) at Dyke Marsh, and 1 again at nearby Belle Haven 25 Feb (DB). Also, the Huntley Meadows 2 Feb 2015 Common Yellowthroat observation should be credited to Harry Glasgow, Dixie Sommers, Janis Stone. Contributors: Tom Albright, Fred Atwood, Scott Baron, Dave Boltz, Ashley Bradford, Tony Bulmer, Larry Cartwright, Linda Chittum (LCh), Joe Coleman, Todd Day, Edward Eder, Sandra Farkas, Beth Fedorko, Francis Fekel, Sharon Forsyth (SFo), Kurt Gaskill, Harry Glasgow, Mary Ann Good, Gerry Hawkins (GHa), Bill Hohenstein, Gerco Hoogeweg, Farid Javidan, Ben Jesup, Stephen Johnson, Carl Kikuchi, Sally Knight, Kelly Krechmer, Daniel Lebbin (DLeb), David Ledwith, Candice Lowther, Stacey Maggard, Hugh McGuiness, Stuart Merrell (SMe), Elton Morel, Paul Nawrot, Bryan Peters, Luke Powell, Lew Proudfoot (LPr), Tony Quezon, Lynn Rafferty, Marshall Rawson (MRa), Marc Ribaudo, Richard Rieger, Paul Salaman, Robert Steele, Janis Stone, Sherman Suter, Donald Sweig, Lamya Thompson, Megan Tolosa, Ron Vogel, The Voice of the Naturalist (The Voice), Sally Wechsler, Adreanna Welch, Rob Young Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 9

10 West Editor: Clyde Kessler P.O. Box 3612 Radford, VA Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Clarke, Craig, Frederick, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties; the cities/towns of Buena Vista, Clifton Forge, Covington, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester Cold to cooler than average temperatures occurred during the first half of March, with weather conditions moderating after that. Wintering and migrating waterfowl were at first found along rivers and larger lakes because many smaller bodies of water were still frozen in early March. The Smith s Longspur continued for a few more days, and many more birdwatchers were treated to a most cooperative individual. Records for this report were gleaned from local list serves, e-bird, and a few other sources. WATERFOWL IBIS A Snow Goose was found at Luray Caverns Pond, Page 25 Apr (GM). Three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were found at a pond at Mt. Solon, Augusta 3 Mar (CZ et al., ph. DL). One Cackling Goose was observed on the New R. in Radford 7 Mar (CK) and one was in Staunton 8 Mar (ALr). Two Mute Swans were seen near New Market, Shenandoah 24 Mar (DH); two were at Gypsy Hill Pk., Staunton 22 Apr (PC). Two TRUMPETER SWANS were found near New Market, Shenandoah 2 Mar (DH). One was last seen there 29 Mar (GM). Two imms. were found near Swoope, Augusta 26 Mar (ALr). Tundra Swan reports included four in Luray, Page 8 Mar (DH); two at Riverview Pk., Radford 8 Mar (CK); one at Abrams Cr. Wetlands, Frederick 14 Mar (BLi, JL); four near New Market, Shenandoah 15 Mar (GM); and eighteen at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 21 Mar (JF). Two or three seen in Staunton 17 May set a new late spring migration date in Augusta (ALr). Twenty-one Wood Ducks were seen on the New R., Radford 7 Mar (CK); others noted were eight at Cedar Pond, Rockbridge 23 Mar (BB), thirteen at Newcastle, Craig 12 May (BK), and twenty near Luray, Page 26 May (EG). Two pairs of ads. with ten young were seen on the South R. near Crimora, Augusta 20 Aug (AWo). Fifty-five Gadwall were found in Augusta 26 Mar (ALr). A EURASIAN WIGEON was found in Harrisonburg 1 Apr (JG, ph. DL, CZ). A Eurasian Wigeon photographed on L. Campbell, Rockingham by Diane Lepkowski April 1 Eight Northern Shovelers were seen in Staunton 5 Mar (PW), and nine were in Blacksburg, Montgomery 24 Mar (CK). Thirty-two Canvasbacks were seen at Riverview Pk., Radford 1 Mar (CK). There were ten at Big Spring, Rockbridge 4 Mar ( JPa); fourteen in Staunton 5 Mar (PW); thirteen at DeHaven Pk., Pulaski 8 Mar (SB, MM); and fifteen at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 8 Mar (TG). Thirteen Redheads were at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 8 Mar (KD) and thirteen were at Willow L., Rockbridge 20 Mar ( JPa). Twenty- Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 10

11 one Ring-necked Ducks were seen in Staunton 5 Mar (PW). Elsewhere, sixteen were at Murray s Pond, Roanoke 8 Mar (KD), fourteen were at Locher Tract, Rockbridge 12 Mar (KK), and 115 were tallied at the Bath pump storage facility 1 Apr ( JS). Twelve Greater Scaup were found at L. Frederick, Frederick 24 Mar (BLi, JL). Five hundred plus Lesser Scaup were seen at Parrott, Pulaski 18 Mar (MB, SB). A m. White-winged Scoter was photographed at Delton, Pulaski 8 Mar (MB, SB); one was observed at Abrams Cr. Wetlands Preserve, Frederick 12 Mar (ET). A Common Goldeneye was seen at Bridgeview Pk., Rockingham 3 Mar ( JPa); one was at Greenfield L., Botetourt 4 Mar (WT), another was at Crimora, Augusta 7 Mar (AWo), and three were at Riverview Pk., Radford 8 Mar (CK). Fifteen Hooded Mergansers were at New Market, Shenandoah 1 Mar (DH), followed by thirty at White s L., Frederick 11 Mar (DC), fourteen at Riverview Pk., Radford 14 Mar (CK), and twenty at White Post, Clarke 27 Mar (DC). There were six Red-breasted Mergansers at Silver L., Rockingham 1 Mar (DCr), six in Warren 2 Mar ( JF), eighteen at DeHaven Pk., Pulaski 5 Mar (MM), seven at Willow L., Rockbridge 20 Mar ( JPa), seventeen in Bath 1 Apr ( JS), two at Carvin s Cove, Botetourt 17 Apr (BK), two at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 22 Apr (ASh), and one in Highland 2 May (GM). Common Merganser sightings included nine in Page 1 Mar (AL), four at Christendom College, Warren 4 Mar ( JF), four in Radford 8 Mar (CK), five in Crimora, Augusta 17 Mar (AWo), three at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 22 Mar (DL), seven in Roanoke 24 Mar (EB), two in Bath 1 Apr ( JS), one at Cool Spring Battlefield, Clarke 12 Apr (BLi, JL), one in Arcadia, Botetourt 2 May (KD), two in Goshen Pass, Rockbridge 15 May ( JPa), and one in Alleghany 20 May (BK). Twenty Wild Turkeys were found along Skyline Drive, Warren 4 Mar (FA). Fifty-nine Common Loons were seen at Carvin s Cove, Botetourt 20 Apr (BK). A Pied-billed Grebe was observed on nest and adding material to this nest at Augusta Springs, Augusta 28 Apr; one was on the nest and another singing 6 May (ALr). This is the second confirmed nesting occurrence in Augusta for this species. A Red-necked Grebe was seen in Clarke 8 Mar (BLi, JL) and one was at L. Frederick, Frederick 10 Apr (DC, WL). Twenty-five Double-crested Cormorants were found at Cool Spring Battlefield, Clarke 2 Apr (BLi, JL). One hundred nineteen along the New R. in Radford 4 Apr was a new local spring peak count (CK). There were six at Glen Lyn, Giles 7 Apr ( JP) and fifteen in Rockbridge 18 Apr (RR). An American Bittern was seen at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 6 May (DC). Thirty-seven Great Blue Herons were tallied at Cool Spring Battlefield, Clarke 6 Apr (BLi, JL). Earlier in the season (9 Mar) seven were seen in vicinity of 17 nests at this location. A Great Egret was found at Stuarts Draft, Augusta 21 Mar (BT). Subsequently, there were six in Radford 30 Mar (WR), one in Waynesboro 31 Mar (BL, HL), one at Silver L., Rockingham 31 Mar (DL), twelve at Greenfield L., Botetourt 4 Apr (BK, MS), one near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 8 Apr (ET), and one at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond, Montgomery 11 Apr (IG). Black-crowned Night-Heron reports documented one in Waynesboro 10 Mar 20 Apr ( JS et al), one at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond, Montgomery 2 Apr (IG), one along Kerr Cr., Rockbridge 20 Apr ( JB), two at Cook s Cr. Arboretum, Rockingham ( JSh), three along the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, Page 17 May (CW), and two at Third Battle of Winchester Pk., Frederick 31 May (BY). A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was observed at Smith Pk. in Roanoke 19 Mar (KD), and one was in Salem 1 Apr (EB). Two pairs were seen at two nests in Salem 22 Mar (PO). A GLOSSY IBIS was found at Greenfield L., Botetourt during a Rockbridge County Bird Club trip 18 Apr (KD et al.). RAPTORS TERNS An Osprey was photographed at a nest by the dam at Claytor L., Pulaski 4 Apr (BA). This is the first documented nesting Osprey in this county in recent decades. A Golden Eagle was found at Hematite, Alleghany 4 Mar ( JH), and three were in Highland 18 Mar (WC, MF). An imm. Northern Goshawk was observed at New Hope, Augusta 30 Apr (GM). Bald Eagles were confirmed nesting in three areas of Augusta. Records include an ad. sitting on nest 2 Mar Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 11

12 (WC, MF, BT), young in nest 22 Apr (BT), almost grown young in the nest 4 (TS, JS) and 17 May (EG, GM), and an imm. being fed at the nest 31 May (DH). Nest records for this species were also in Rockbridge, with two ads. and two nearly grown young in the nest 4 May (PC). A Rough-legged Hawk was seen near Swoope, Augusta 2 Mar (BT). Two Virginia Rails were found at Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 29 Apr (WL), and one was at Gala Wetlands, Botetourt 1 May (BK). A Sora was seen Camp Alta Mons, Montgomery 28 Apr (KD, BK, MS), and two were at Gala Wetlands, Botetourt 29 Apr (BK). One was seen at the Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 1 10 May (DW). A SANDHILL CRANE was seen in Rockingham 25 Apr (WL), and one was in Blacksburg, Montgomery 15 May ( JHi). A Semipalmated Plover was seen near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 15 May (WL); four were near Bridgewater, Rockingham 16 May (WL), and five were there 23 May (WL). One was also found in Rockbridge 21 May (RR). Twentytwo Solitary Sandpipers were found at the Roanoke City sewage treatment facility 23 Apr (KD). Thirty-two Lesser Yellowlegs were tallied at the Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 24 Apr (WL) and ten the same date were at the Roanoke City sewage treatment facility (KD). Ten were seen near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 28 Apr (KA). A Dunlin was found near Bridgewater, Rockingham 16 May (WL). Among many Least Sandpiper sightings were one near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 1 May (KA), one near Riner, Montgomery 3 May (AK, CK); two in Rockingham 5 May (WL), six near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 7 May (KA), one at McCormick s Mill, Augusta 8 May ( JPa), two near Dublin, Pulaski 9 May (AK, CK), one in Radford 9 May (CK), two near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 15 May (WL), five in Rockbridge 15 May (RR), seven near Bridgewater, Rockingham 16 May (GMo), and three in Swoope, Augusta 17 May (EG). Two Semipalmated Sandpipers were seen in Swoope, Augusta 4 May (MAn), and three were in Rockbridge 15 May (RR). Two Pectoral Sandpipers were found in Shenandoah 19 Mar (ET); another was in Shenandoah 31 Mar (DCr) and five were near Dublin, Pulaski 25 Apr (AK, CK). Two Short-billed Dowitchers were observed near Bridgewater, Rockingham 16 May (WL) and three were in Highland 21 May ( JS). A flock of 27 Wilson s Snipe was seen in a small marsh in Frederick 8 Apr (BLi, JL). One hundred twenty-seven Bonaparte s Gulls were observed at Riverview Pk., Radford 4 Apr for a new local peak count (CK). Additional reports included 45 near Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah 8 Apr (ET), two at Lake Moomaw, Alleghany 16 Apr (BW), and ten at Carvin s Cove, Botetourt 17 Apr (BK). A Caspian Tern was photographed at Silver L., Rockingham 9 Apr ( JSh); two were observed at DeHaven Pk., Pulaski 26 Apr (AK, CK). A Black Tern was seen at Claytor L., Pulaski 25 May (MM). One Forster s Tern was seen at Newman L., Harrisonburg 14 Apr (DL); two were at L. Shenandoah, Rockingham 14 Apr ( JSh), three were near Stuarts Draft, Augusta 17 Apr (ALr), and three were at Carvin s Cove, Botetourt 19 Apr (KD). CUCKOOS LONGSPURS Yellow-billed Cuckoo sightings chronicled three at Paul SF, Rockingham 5 May (DL), two at Hillandale Pk., Harrisonburg 7 May (ASh), three at L. Moomaw, Alleghany 16 May (BK), three in Montgomery 16 May (KD), two at Glen Alton, Giles 17 May (PL), and two on Wimer Mountain Rd., Highland 23 May (EF). A list of Black-billed Cuckoo observations included one at Mill Mt. Pk., Roanoke 3 May (TG), one at Hillandale Pk., Harrisonburg 9 May (ASh), two at the Confederate Breastworks, Augusta/Highland 23 May (GT), one on Paddy Knob, Bath 25 May (DF), two in Highland 25 May (fide NF, m. obs.), two near Rawley Springs, Rockingham 29 May (DH), and two on Wimer Mt. Rd., Highland 30 May (GH). Five Red-headed Woodpeckers were found in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 30 May (AR). Single Merlins were seen near New Market, Shenandoah 1 Mar (DH), near Verona, Augusta 22 Mar (AL), at Crimora, Augusta 4 Apr (AWo), near Arcadia, Botetourt 9 Apr (BK), at Crimora, Augusta 18 Apr (AWo), at Riverview Pk., Radford 25 Apr (CK), and near Mustoe, Highland 17 May (MA). A Peregrine Falcon was observed and Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 12

13 photographed near Swoope, Augusta 2 Mar (WCh, MF, BT). Additional reports, all of single birds, were from Harrisonburg 6 Mar (DL), in New Hope, Augusta 14 Mar (GM), in Shenandoah 15 Apr (ET), at Nazarene Church Wetlands, Rockingham 24 Apr (WL), and flying along the Botetourt side of Harvey s Knob 2 May (BK). Olive-sided Flycatcher reports included one in Alleghany 10 May (BW), one near Swoope, Augusta 16 May (MGo), one at Glen Alton, Giles 17 May (PL), one at Stuarts Draft, Augusta 20 May (DS), one in Shenandoah 22 May (DD), two at Sunset Field, Botetourt 30 May (MBa), and two in Augusta 31 May (DH). A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was found in Highland 23 May (DCl). Twenty-one Acadian Flycatchers were tallied during a float trip on Walker Creek, Giles 15 May (BO). An Alder Flycatcher was seen and heard singing near the West Virginia line in Highland 23 May (m. obs.), and at another location in Highland two were found 24 May (m. obs.). A Loggerhead Shrike was seen and heard at Linville, Rockingham 30 Mar (MG). Two to three were seen (one photographed) near Dublin, Pulaski in early Apr (MB, SB, RC, CK). One was near Riner, Montgomery 10 May (AK, CK). A m. was banded near Dublin, Pulaski 5 May, and the f. was observed 7 May making repeated trips with pieces of flesh from an impaled mammal and carrying these to a nest shrub (SH). This pair was noted again 9 May, and one ad. was present there 25 May (AK, CK). Noteworthy Horned Lark counts were 157 in Shenandoah 3 Mar (DH), several hundred near Mt. Crawford, Augusta 6 Mar (KR) with up to 1200 there 7 Mar (GM), and about 120 in Shenandoah 7 Mar (BLi, JL). Twentyfive Purple Martins were found at Camp Alta Mons, Montgomery 28 Apr (KD, BK, MS). Three Bank Swallows were seen at Carvins Cove, Botetourt 23 Apr (BK). Fifteen Cliff Swallows were found near Bentonville, Warren 23 May (PN). There were 50 in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 30 May (AR) and 54 at Bisset Pk., Radford 31 May (CK). A rather early Gray Catbird was observed in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 9 Mar (BT).Forty-five American Pipits were seen at Silver L., Rockingham 1 Mar (AW). Other tallies were seven at Greenfield L., Botetourt 8 Mar (AT, BTu), seventeen on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke 18 Mar (TD), 150 in Warren 24 Mar (DC), and fifty at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 10 Apr (DC). The SMITH S LONGSPUR initially discovered at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Augusta 23 Feb (MF, WCh) continued there through 11 Mar (m. obs.). Two Lapland Longspurs were found near Mt. Crawford, Augusta 7 Mar (GM) and one was at Weyers Cave, Augusta 12 Mar (DSo). WARBLERS FINCHES A Blue-winged Warbler was found at Mill Mt. Pk., Roanoke 1 May (KD, WT). There was one at the Third Battle of Winchester Pk., Frederick 3 May (BLi, JL), three in Paul SF, Rockingham 8 May (TH) and one near Headwaters, Highland 22 May (NM). A Goldenwinged Warbler was in Paul SF, Rockingham 30 Apr (DL). Others recorded were three in Highland 2 May (GM), five in Highland 12 May (EC), one at Mountain L., Giles 18 May (BK), and two in Highland 23 May (m. obs.). A Tennessee Warbler was observed in Waynesboro 10 May (EG). An Orange-crowned Warbler was seen on Mill Mt., Roanoke 1 May (KD, WT). Nashville Warbler reports included one on Poor Mt. Rd., Roanoke 25 Apr (EB), one at Boxerwood Gardens, Rockbridge 30 Apr (KK), one at Mill Mt. Pk., Roanoke 1 May (KD, WT), one on Paddy Knob, Bath 2 May (GM), two in Paul SF, Rockingham 4 May ( JSh), one near Staunton 4 May (THe), and one in Wildwood Pk., Radford 10 May (CK). A Mourning Warbler was seen at Crimora, Augusta 8 May (AWo). That preceded two on Paddy Knob, Bath 21 May (BK), one in Highland 22 May (RA), and four on Paddy Knob, Bath 29 May (GH). Single American Tree Sparrows were found in Shenandoah (DH) and Lexington 1 Mar (PCe) and at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 2 Mar ( JF). Two were at a feeder in Highland 3 Mar (RA). One was seen near Gainesboro, Frederick 6 Mar (BY) and one was photographed at a feeder in Bridgewater, Rockingham 8 Mar (WL). Three Vesper Sparrows were noted at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 6 Apr (DC). One was at Greenfield L., Botetourt 7 Apr (BK). Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 13

14 Two were near Dublin, Pulaski 11 Apr (AK, CK). One was near Hanging Rock, Roanoke 11 Apr (TG). Another was near Verona, Augusta 26 Apr (GM). One was at Mechanicsville, Rockingham 2 May (WC) and one was in Christiansburg, Montgomery 10 May (MN). Twelve Grasshopper Sparrows were found in Highland 28 May (LP). Single Lincoln s Sparrows were found at Natural Bridge, Rockbridge 2 Mar (AB), at Blandy Experimental Farm, Clarke 5 May ( JF), in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 12 May (MAn), and in Bridgewater, Rockingham 14 May (WB). A possible Oregon Dark-eyed Junco was present at a suet feeder in Warren 25 Mar (FB). Two Summer Tanagers were found on Warbler Rd., Botetourt 9 May ( JB); another was found that day near Longwood, Clarke ( JR), and one was at Sherando, Augusta 10 May (ALr). A WESTERN TANAGER was photographed in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 3 5 May (BT et al.). This is the second spring record for Augusta. One Dickcissel was found at Crimora, Augusta 7 May (AWo) and one was near Dublin, Pulaski 9 May (AK, CK). Eleven Bobolinks were seen along the Borden Grant Trail, Rockbridge 3 May (LN). About forty were in Rockbridge 5 May (RR). Ten were near Dublin, Pulaski 9 May (AK, CK). There were 45 in Blue Grass Valley, Highland 12 May (EC), six at Sky Meadows SP, Clarke 16 May (RK), and twelve at Swoope, Augusta 31 May (DH). Four Rusty Blackbirds were found in Woodstock, Shenandoah 20 Mar (ET) and four were at Waldron Pk. in Roanoke 8 Apr (BK). An Orchard Oriole nest with eggs was found at Verona, Augusta 24 May (SHe, DP, DSc). A Baltimore Oriole nest was found at Swoope, Augusta 29 May (MGo). One f. was feeding young in a nest in a sycamore at Bisset Park, Radford 31 May (CK). A total of 23 Baltimore Orioles were found during a float trip on Walker Creek, Giles 15 May (BO). Twenty-two Purple Finches were seen at the Boxerwood Gardens, Rockbridge 7 Mar (KK, et al.), and thirteen were near Winchester, Frederick 15 Apr (AS). Five Red Crossbills were found at Briery Branch Rd., Rockingham 21 Mar (DL, GMo). Three were photographed at this location 22 Mar (MF, WC) and two were photographed there 4 Apr (WL). Six Red Crossbills were in the George Washington NF, Rockingham 24 Mar (TJ). Two were in Shenandoah 28 Apr (BLi, JL) and one was in Shenandoah 30 Apr (ET). Twelve Pine Siskins were seen near Stephens City, Frederick 1 Mar (DT). Elsewhere, sixteen were in Page 20 Apr (WL), twenty were along Warbler Road, Botetourt 6 May (MA), 100 were in Stuarts Draft, Augusta 4 May (BT), and six were at Mountain L., Giles 18 May (BK). Janet Paisley's photo of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Highland May 15 Contributors: Bob Abraham, Robert Ake, Mary Ames, Kirk Andrews, Matt Anthony (MAn), Fred Atwood, M.S. Barbour (MBa), William Benish, Aimee Benitez, Mary Ann Bentley, Stan Bentley, Jeffrey Blalock, Fred Bogar, Barton Brown, John Burleson, Ed Burroughs, Paul Cabe (PCe), Ray Callahan, Paul Callo, David Carr, Daniel Carrier (DCr), Walker Catlett, Erin Chapman, Walt Childs (WCh), David Clark (DCl), David Davis, Kent Davis, Tom Davis, Marshall Faintich, Elisa Enders Flanders, Nick Flanders, James Fox, Donald Freeman, Eve Gaige, Matt Gingerich, Joe Glick, Michael Godfrey (MGo), Ian Godwin, Thomas Gray, James Hancock, Sergio Harding, George Harris, Stanley Heatwole, Jonathan Hirst ( JHi), Timothy Hodge (THe), Teri Holland, Diane Holsinger, Thomas Jones, Alan Kessler, Clyde Kessler, Kieran Kilday, Barry Kinzie, Richard Korpi, Alex Lamoreaux, Allen Larner (ALr), Phil Lehman, William Leigh, Diane Lepkowski, BJ Little (BLi), Jon Little, Beth Lumadue, Harry Lumadue, Gabriel Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 14

15 Mapel, Greg Moyers, Nicholas Moy, Mark Mullins, Laura Neale, Patrick Newcombe, Marie Nicholson, Pam Ogden, Bill Opengari, John Pancake ( JPa), Lynne Parks, Dan Perkuchin, Jim Phillips, Kenneth Ranck, Wilson Rankin, Andrew Rapp, Richard Rowe, Jordan Ryan, Darrell Schwalm (DSc), Amy Semeniuk, Andrew Sharp (ASh), John Shea ( JSh), David Shoch (DSh), Mike Smith, Tim Snyder, Dixie Sommers, John Spahr, Wes Teets, Brenda Tekin, Greg Tito, Ed Trelawny, Deborah Tucci, Anne Tucker, Bill Tucker (BTu), Penny Warren, Dave Wendelken, Andrew Wiebe, Allen Wolf (AWo), Brad Wood, Cynthia Worthington, Bill Ypsilantis, Charles Ziegenfus Central Editors: Andrew Rapp Janet Paisley 3689 Red Fox Lane 1435 Gentry Lane Keswick, VA Charlottesville, VA laxbirder@live.com janetpaisley@comcast.net Albemarle, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Caroline, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Louisa, Nelson, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania counties; the cities of Bedford, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg Following a winter period that was much colder than usual, March arrived in Central Virginia with more normal temperatures (average 45.1 ) and rainfall (3.51 inches). April s average monthly temperature was 56.9, a departure from normal of 1.6. Total monthly precipitation was 4.68 inches, a departure from normal of 1.31 inches. May continued the trend with the average monthly temperature of 68.8 for the month, which was a departure from normal of 5.6. Total rainfall for the month was 1.82 inches, 2.16 inches below normal. Species Highlights: Greater Whitefronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Anhinga, Snowy Egret, Virginia Rail, Sora, Short-billed Dowitcher, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Marsh Wren, Painted Bunting, and Dickcissel. Abbreviations: ICNA (Ivy Creek Natural Area, Albemarle); RVT (Rockfish Valley Trail, Nelson). GEESE RAILS Green Springs, Louisa put on a good showing of geese including a Greater White-fronted Goose spotted amongst a flock of 400 Canada Geese Mar (ph. AR). In the same fields Mar were two Cackling Geese (ph. AR, TJ). A Tundra Swan flock exceeding 60 birds was found on 19 Mar at Lake of the Woods, Orange (SS). A record late date Northern Shoveler was found 5 May on Hidden Swamp, Albemarle (SM). A lone Common Goldeneye was reported 3 Mar on Mill Cr., Amherst (PL). A high count of 9 Common Mergansers, an uncommon to rare winter resident, was found on 14 Mar at L. Monticello, Fluvanna (KK), and another high count of 17 Red-breasted Mergansers was reported 4 Mar from L. Anna, Louisa (AD, BS). Ruffed Grouse have strongholds in the mountains evidenced by 5 on 22 Mar reported on Doyle s R. Falls, Albemarle (PM), but an unusual report came from a drumming male far off the mountains along West Jack Jouett Rd., Louisa 24 Mar (AR). The only report of Red-necked Grebe continued 9 19 Mar from Lake of the Woods, Orange (SS). One of the season s best reports was an ANHINGA, only the second report ever for the Region, May from a private farm in Fluvanna (ph. CT). A SNOWY EGRET, a rare transient in the Region, was found feeding along Lake Hollymead, Albemarle 9 11 Apr (ph. JP, m. obs.). Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 15

16 Janet Paisley found this Snowy Egret stalking the shallows of L. Hollymead, Albemarle April 15. A lingering Northern Harrier on 10 May was flying around Greenfields, Albemarle (PM). Three Merlins were reported: one 3 Apr in Charlottesville (DS); another 5 Apr along White Diamond Ln., Albemarle (PM); and a final reported 19 Apr from Fredericksburg National Military Pk., Spotsylvania (RM). There were two reports of Peregrine Falcons: one seen 1 Mar from Woodland Trail Point, Orange (SS); the other flying over Charlottesville 21 Mar (WC). Up to three Virginia Rails were found in Hidden Swamp, Albemarle 12 Apr to 3 May (ph. PM, m. obs.). Two Sora, an uncommon to rare transient, were found: one Apr heard calling from King Family Vineyards, Albemarle (CM); and the other 5 May in Hidden Swamp, Albemarle (SM). SHOREBIRDS FLYCATCHERS Many reports came in for Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and Greater Yellowlegs. A flock of 15 Lesser Yellowlegs, four Short-billed Dowitchers, and a Pectoral Sandpiper was found 1 May in Albemarle (DW). A flock of 9 Least Sandpipers showed up 13 May at Lickinghole Cr., Albemarle (PM). A high count of 20 Wilson s Snipes came on 3 Apr from East Green Springs Rd., Louisa (AR). An early displaying American Woodcock started on 8 Mar in Keswick, Albemarle (AR). Reports for Bonaparte s Gull came in from Albemarle, Louisa, and Orange; the high count being seven 15 Apr along Terry s Run, Orange (TJ). Two Caspian Terns were found: one reported from several locations around northern Albemarle on 9 Apr; the other 21 May from L. Anna, Louisa (AD, BS). A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, a sign of their invasion into the state, was found at feeders in Lynchburg on May 5 (MJ). A Black-billed Cuckoo, an uncommon transient, was found 7 May at ICNA (SH, JP). A Barn Owl in a private barn in Albemarle was reported 29 Apr to 11 May (CM, JP). Two Short-eared Owls were found 6 Mar flying around the fields off of East Jack Jouett Rd., Louisa (AR). Four Common Nighthawks were recorded: three of the birds on different dates 29 Apr to 11 May in Keswick, Albemarle (AR); the other was seen flying over Charlottesville 7 May (DS). A pair of Chuck-will s-widows was found 31 May along Stony Point Pass, Albemarle (AR). A high count of 6 Eastern Whip-poor-wills was reported on 29 Apr on Secretary s Rd., Albemarle (CM). Four Olive-sided Flycatchers were located: two reported from ICNA, the first 5 May (TJ) and the second 7 May (AS), were possibly the same bird; another along the RVT 10 May (DH); and the final one 16 May in Glenmore, Albemarle (SK). Five Willow Flycatchers were recorded: one along Secretary s Rd., Albemarle 10 May (PM); another 13 May at Hidden Swamp, Albemarle (SM); the third 16 May on Cold Mt., Amherst (KKi); a fourth in Belmead, Powhatan 27 May (MC); and finally one 27 May at Mill Cr., Caroline (GT). A high count of 5 Least Flycatchers came on 23 May at Pocosin Cabin, Greene ( JB). An early Eastern Kingbird was found 13 Apr at Chris Greene L., Albemarle (TJ). SHRIKES WARBLERS A Loggerhead Shrike, a rapidly declining species in the Region, was found 27 May along Kelso Mills Rd., Bedford ( JE). All six vireo species, White-eyed, Yellowthroated, Blue-headed, Warbling, Philadelphia, and Red-eyed, were recorded this spring. A high count of 4 Warbling Vireos was reported at Warren Ferry, Albemarle on 23 May (WC). Two Philadelphia Vireos, Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 16

17 an uncommon transient, were found: one on 9 May in Glenmore, Albemarle (SK); and another 15 May in Broken Is., Fluvanna (EG). Two Horned Larks were spotted 11 May around Greenfield Farm, Albemarle ( JP). There were several reports of individual Bank Swallows but there was a high count of 5 on 16 May in Glenmore, Albemarle (SK). Two nesting colonies of Cliff Swallows were recorded: one along the Rivanna Reservoir, Albemarle with at least 3 individuals 9 May (AR, CL); and another along the James R., Albemarle/ Nelson viewable from Howardsville Boat Landing with at least 13 individuals 22 Apr (CM). Two reassuring reports of Brown-headed Nuthatch show that the species is still holding on to inland locations: one on 9 Mar in Spring Cr., Louisa (ph. DM); and the other along a Beaver Pond, Caroline recorded 10 May (GT). A Marsh Wren was found on 2 May during the Albemarle Spring Bird Count (BP, JC). Graycheeked Thrush, the least common thrush migrant through the area, was reported three times: the first 13 May in Keswick, Albemarle (ph. AR); another was found 17 May along the Mint Spring Valley Trails, Albemarle (PM); and the third at Riverview Pk., Charlottesville 22 May ( JP). Four Swainson s Thrushes were found 16 May at Ragged Mountain Natural Area, Albemarle ( JP). This spring brought sightings of 33 warbler species: Ovenbird, Wormeating, Louisiana and Northern Waterthrush, Blackand-white, Tennessee, Nashville, Blue-winged, Prothonotary, Kentucky, Mourning, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded, American Redstart, Cape May, Cerulean, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Baybreasted, Blackburnian, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue, Palm, Pine, Yellowthroated, Yellow-rumped, Prairie, Black-throated Green, Wilson s, Canada, and Yellow-breasted Chat. The only Tennessee Warbler of the season was found along the Rivanna Trail, Charlottesville on 2 May (WC). Three Nashville Warblers were reported: one in the Greenbrier neighborhood, Charlottesville 27 Apr (TJ); another in Keswick, Albemarle (AR); and the third seen on 2 May at Preddy Cr. Trail Pk., Albemarle. There were two reports of Mourning Warblers: one at ICNA 16 May (PM); the other at Riverview Pk., Charlottesville 21 May ( JP). There were a surprising four reports for Wilson s Warbler, an uncommon transient usually more common in the fall: two were found in Charlottesville on 7 May, one in Belmont and the other in the Greenbrier neighborhood; one was present at ICNA May (TJ, JP, PM); and the fourth was in Ivy, Albemarle 17 May (TJ). SPARROWS SISKINS Five Vesper Sparrows were recorded: one along East Green Springs, Louisa from Mar 27 to 3 Apr (AR); two at Old Trail, Albemarle on 31 Mar (PM, CM); another was seen Apr on Jones Mill Rd., Albemarle (CM, PM); and the fifth 18 Apr on Langhorne Rd., Albemarle (PM). There were only two reports of Lincoln s Sparrows: one being in Edgehill, Albemarle 6 Mar (AR); the other continuing from May at ICNA (TJ, PM, JP). A late White-crowned Sparrow was found at Riverview Pk., Charlottesville on 21 May ( JP). The PAINTED BUNTING was seen again on 27 Mar at private feeders in Charlottesville (RL). A Dickcissel was found 16 May along Spicer s Mill Rd., Orange (TJ). Three Bobolinks were found along East Jack Jouett Rd., Louisa 6 May (ShS). An extreme late-date Purple Finch was recorded 17 May on private property in Albemarle (MC). A large flock of 40 Pine Siskins was found feeding on 2 May in a Southern Cypress in Charlottesville (AR). Contributors: Joanne Bricker, Walker Catlett, Jim Childress, Mary Coker, Marlene Condon, Amy Dispanet, Jim Elder, Eve Gaige, Sam Harrison, Diane Holsinger, Mark Johnson, Thomas Jones, Kieran Kilday (KKi), Susan Kirk, Kim Kozella, Carson Lambert, Ron Loque, Peggy Lyons, Rober Mains, Donna McAuliffe, Stauffer Miller, Christopher Murray, Pete Myers, Janet Paisley, Barbara Payne, Andrew Rapp, Bradford Schmonsees, David Shoch, Suzanne Stewart, Sherman Suter, Carl Tanous, Greg Tito, David West Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 17

18 East Editor: Fred Atwood Flint Hill School Academic Drive Oakton, Virginia Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties After a frigid winter, bodies of water were late to thaw, influencing distribution of waterfowl, and a slightly colder and wetter spring did not appear to have an effect on neotropic migrants as hinted at by the nine records of early warbler species. A total of 228 species were noted in the Region this season, slightly higher than the average for the past few springs. Nine waterfowl species either set or were very close to new high counts and nine set new late dates, making for a riveting spring for this family group. Exciting highlights include: the highest number of Ruddy Ducks reported in the state, two pairs of Sandhill Cranes, a Black-necked Stilt, the first Regional record of Western Grebe, Common Raven, Vesper Sparrow, nesting Peregrine Falcons, Painted Bunting, Western Tanager, and Brewer s Blackbird. Data was sourced from the Virginia Birds listerv, ebird *, NNASnet (Northern Neck Audubon Society listserv), and s to the editor. *A note about ebird data, which is referenced throughout the report: ebird is a rapidly growing database containing an extraordinary number of bird records; however, it is heavily biased towards more recent data and as such does not include many historic high counts or occurrences of species that used to be more abundant, occur more regularly, etc. Abbreviations: Beaverdam (Beaverdam Pk., Gloucester); Belle Is. (Belle Island SP, Lancaster); Bethel (Bethel Beach NAP, Mathews); Beulahville (King William); Caledon (Caledon Natural Area, King George); Dameron (Dameron Marsh NAP, Northumberland); Dogue (Cleve Rd. area, Dogue, King George); Guinea (Guinea Marsh, Gloucester); Hughlett (Hughlett Point NAP, Northumberland); K. G. Ponds (ponds along Rte. 3 near Sealston, King George); Lands End (Lands End WMA, King George); Leedstown (Westmoreland); Middle Peninsula (Middle Peninsula SP, Gloucester); Mothershead (Mothershead Unit of Rappahannock R. NWR, Westmoreland); New Point Comfort (New Point Comfort NAP, Mathews); North Haven (North Haven Beach, Mathews); The Pocket (in Pamunkey Indian Reservation along Pamunkey R., King William); South Haven (South Haven Beach, Mathews); Wilna (Wilna unit of Rappahannock R. NWR, Richmond); Washington s Birthplace (George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Westmoreland); Westmoreland (Westmoreland SP, Westmoreland); Windmill Pt. (Windmill Point Resort, Lancaster) WATERFOWL QUAIL Despite several large flocks of Canada Geese, like one 4400 strong along Leedstown Rd., Westmoreland, 8 Mar (FA), a single Cackling Goose at Dogue 8 Mar was the only member of the Branta genus not of the canadensis flavor (FA). Two escaped yet free-flying Black Swans at Mosquito Cr., Lancaster, 24 Mar 2 Apr were an exotic sight ( JW). Peak Tundra Swan migration occurred from approximately Mar and was marked by a high count of 328 at Washington s Birthplace 16 Mar (FA). This migration seems to be about five days later than last year s possibly because of the harsh winter keeping bodies of water frozen. Also for that species on the same date, 228 and 245 individuals were recorded at separate locations in Westmoreland and King George, respectively (both FA). Two reports of Tundra Swans Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 18

19 fell outside of the extreme late date listed in the Gold Book, two observed at Washington s Birthplace 28 Apr (KR, DF) and a single bird at Dameron 18 Apr (EO, BO). It was a decidedly average spring for Wood Ducks with the high count a mere 20 in Westmoreland 4 Apr (FA). A grouping of 160 Gadwall on their migration north in Leedstown 16 Mar represented a strong Regional showing for this species (FA). Eight lingering Gadwall and an American Wigeon, also in Leedstown 19 Apr were notably late (FA). Blue-winged Teal were only recorded on four occasions this spring; 10 spotted in Leedstown 19 Apr represented the most seen at one location (FA). Per ebird the 53 Northern Shovelers seen at Hughlett 8 Mar was the second highest total ever recorded during the spring (BBl); this species typically drops off dramatically in numbers during the first week of April and this year was no exception with 32 recorded in Leedstown 4 Apr and no subsequent reports (FA). An estimated 200 Green-winged Teal at Dameron 12 Mar was the second highest spring ebird count for this species, trailing the high count by a mere 35 individuals (M&JC). Washington s Birthplace hosted a whopping 475 Canvasbacks, a number more typical of winter counts, 16 Mar, surpassing the previous ebird high count by 75 (FA). Three of these ducks were found lingering 12 Apr just south of Tappahannock on the Rappahannock R. in Essex, a new spring late date for the area by a day (FA). For a species that can now be difficult to find in large numbers, a raft of 111 Redheads in Dogue 8 Mar was notable as the spring high count per ebird (FA). An extremely late f. Redhead was spotted 17 May in Dogue (FA). Slightly less abundant than in most springs, 185 Ring-necked Ducks in Leedstown 8 Mar represented the highest count for this season (FA). A m. of this species was detected the second to last day of the count period, 30 May in King and Queen, a month and a half after the expected departure date listed in the Gold Book (FA). Four Greater Scaup 4 Apr at K. G. Ponds occurred approximately one week later than the typical departure date for this waterfowl species (FA). A significant count of 1000 Lesser Scaup at Washington s Birthplace 7 Apr is more than triple the all time ebird high count for this species in all seasons. However, it falls significantly short of the high count of 3400 Scaup sp., which were likely predominantly Lessers (M&JC). Similarly notable, two Greater/Lesser Scaup found 3 May also at Washington s Birthplace were present after either of these two species are expected to occur (GT). Bethel continues to be one of the best locations in the Region to view sea ducks with a raft of 270 Surf Scoters and two White-winged Scoters 15 Mar (BO, EO) and late reports of both Surf and Black Scoters 3 May consisting of eight and one, respectively ( JF). Remarkable for being so far up river, an adult male White-winged Scoter was discovered on the Rappahannock R. in Leedstown 16 Mar (FA). Not far from Bethel at South Haven five Long-tailed Ducks were present 15 Mar (BO, EO). On the bayside of the Northern Neck, 16 Long-tailed Ducks were spotted at Windmill Pt., 20 Mar, the Region s only other report of this sea duck (FA). A seasonally large raft of 250 on Nomini Cr., Westmoreland, was notable (CC). A single Common Goldeneye was found lingering at Washington s Birthplace 28 Apr a month past its expected departure date, per the Gold Book (KR). In the Rappahannock R. at Leedstown, a new ebird spring Regional high count of 250 Red-breasted Mergansers was found 16 Mar, surpassing the old record by approximately 80 individuals (FA). A staggering count of 4450 Ruddy Ducks 12 Apr in a flock consisting of 70 % m. and 30 % f. along the Rappahannock R. just south of Butylo, Middlesex, was the largest flock reported in the state this spring and 1550 individuals more than the previous spring high count from the same location last year in early Mar (FA). Despite experiencing a general decline, 51 Northern Bobwhite reported from 20 locations from 7 of 11 counties was within a few individuals of counts from the past two years. Two coveys of this eastern quail totaling 10 individuals which were spotted running from a soybean field to a regrowing clear cut in Beulahville, King William, represented the highest count for this spring 20 Mar (FA). A flock of 52 Wild Turkeys crossing the road at Gardner Cr., Westmoreland, 3 Mar, was a new spring high count by 10 individuals (BBi). Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 19

20 LOONS SANDPIPERS A Common Loon in non-breeding plumage 30 May at The Pocket was unusual for being so far up river so late (FA). Often a smattering of this species will spend the summer in the Chesapeake Bay or on the coastal Atlantic. More than tripling the previous spring high count, 65 Pied-billed Grebes carefully counted 16 Mar at Beaverdam fit in nicely with a trend of increasing numbers of this species regionally (G&RH). Despite it being another above average winter for Red-necked Grebes, only two were detected, one appearing in full breeding plumage in the Pamunkey R. 14 Mar as viewed from a private property in King William (FA) and the other at Bethel 19 Mar (GG). A WESTERN GREBE, a review species throughout the state, was the first record for the Region, reported from a private location along the Rappahannock R. near Tidewater, Richmond, 7 Apr (ph. LA). A large congregation of 1200 Double-crested Cormorants at Windmill Pt. marks a new all time ebird Regional high count (BO, EO). At New Point Comfort, 57 Brown Pelicans on the fishing weirs 25 May made for an above average high count for the Region (EO). A Great Blue Heron colony with at least 40 nests on Marl Bank Rd, Essex, held 48 incubating and displaying birds 12 Apr (FA). A smaller colony consisting of six nests was recorded along the Mattaponi R. at the bridge to West Point, King and Queen, 12 Apr (FA). A group of ten Snowy Egrets at Brown Bay Rd. and Kings Cr. Rd., Gloucester, surpasses the previous ebird high count for the Region during all seasons by three (G&RH). Outside of the fall, 12 Great Egrets at South Haven 10 Apr is notable (G&RH). Despite being recorded almost every spring, Little Blue Heron is never to be taken for granted so a pair of birds flushed from the side of the road leading to Bethel Beach 3 May was notable ( JF). In contrast, Tricolored Herons are not annual spring migrants so a report of one from Guinea 10 Apr was significant ( JSt). Two reports totaling three Cattle Egrets indicated a robust spring for this species. Two were at South Haven 10 Apr (G&RH) and the third was discovered in Middle Peninsula 3 May (BB). The American Birding Association s Bird of the Year, the Green Heron, was first found 13 Apr along Rixey Rd., King George, on par with the average arrival date for the Region (TM). A pair of ad. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons at Bethel 3 May was the only Night- Heron sighting reported in the Region this spring ( JF). An ad. White Ibis found at North Haven 10 Apr was only the second spring report for the Region per ebird (G&RH). Slightly more common, but still not typically found in large numbers, two Glossy Ibis were recorded at South Haven Beach the same day 10 Apr (G&RH), four at Balls Neck, Northumberland 15 Apr (TS) and two in Leedstown 15 May (CT, fide FA). The first Osprey of the season arrived 4 Mar at Glebe Pt. Bridge, Northumberland, a couple of days later than is typical (M&LJ). A 30-minute stationary count from a private yard in Westmoreland recorded an impressive 20 of this species (MG). Remarkably, there are two reports of SANDHILL CRANE pairs, representing both a first county record for King George and a second record for Lancaster. The first pair was found in White Stone, Lancaster 15 Apr (ph. JO). The second pair was found at Dahlgren Airfield (no public access), King George 18 May (ph. WL, TW, KR).The John O Shaughnessy photographed this pair of Sandhill Cranes at White Stone, Lancaster April 15. Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 20

21 first Lancaster record was accidentally omitted from this report when it occurred 4 Aug, 2012 on Rte. 3 across from Regina Rd. (FS). Seen every couple of years in the Region, a Black-necked Stilt stayed at Guinea 4 5 May (ph. JSt). Representing a seasonal high count, 34 Semipalmated Plovers in Leedstown 17 May was notable for its location far up the Rappahannock R. (FA). A wet field in King William held 86 Killdeer 14 Mar (FA). An early Spotted Sandpiper arrived in Richmond 14 Apr about a week before expected (LA). An unusually large congregation of Least Sandpipers totaling 75 individuals was in Leedstown 17 May (FA). Uncommon in the spring, a White-rumped Sandpiper was also in Leedstown 17 May (FA). At Bethel 25 May, 43 Semipalmated Sandpipers were tabulated (EO) representing a sizeable total for a Region lacking the wide-open mudflats that typically attract this species. There were two reports of Short-billed Dowitchers this spring, two birds at Dameron 18 Apr (EO, BO) and nine at K. G. Ponds 17 May (FA). An additional dowitcher was noted at K. G. Ponds 4 Apr, but was too distant to determine its species (FA). A new alltime Regional ebird high count of 107 Wilson s Snipe was established at a private farm in King William 14 Mar (FA). Sadly, only one report of American Woodcock was submitted this spring, which consisted of 11 displaying birds at Mothershead 8 Mar (FA), a historical stronghold for this species. GULLS FALCONS Often considered one of the harbingers of spring, Laughing Gulls showed up right on schedule with three at Beaverdam 11 Mar (G&RH). A total of 5565 Ring-billed Gulls were counted in King George at 6 locations 8 Mar foraging in wet farm fields and loafing at K. G. Ponds, with a single location count of 3300 at one of the private K. G. Ponds (FA, TM). Large flocks of Herring Gulls are typical of the winter months, so 190 found at K. G. Ponds 4 Apr were remarkable for being in large numbers this far into the spring (FA). Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to become more common in the Region, especially in the spring. This species was recorded three times with a high count of 6 in King George. One report of a breeding plumaged ad. in King William 14 Mar is most likely a first county record (FA). A single Common Tern, difficult to find in the reporting area, was documented this spring from Bethel 3 May (G&RH). Sandwich Terns were reported once at New Point Wharf, Mathews, 25 Mar (EO). A large number of this species with young was reported at Bethel last August so it is interesting that none were seen on a trip there 25 May by an experienced observer (EO). The only Black Skimmer sighted this spring was at Bethel 25 May (EO). Barn Owls were reported twice, at John s Pt. Landing, Gloucester 5 Apr, and two individuals at a private location in Gloucester 11 Apr (R&EB). According to the observer, the former individual was exercising its wings like a juv., which suggests potential breeding nearby. A lone Common Nighthawk flying over Bethel on the evening of 9 May was the sole member of this sparse spring migrant to be spotted ( JSh). A high count of 6 Eastern Whip-poor Wills was recorded on a nine-mile Center for Conservation Biology Nightjar survey near Newtown, King and Queen, 30 May (FA). Six Chuck-will s-widows were detected on six of eight stops on a survey along Winter Harbor Rd., Westmoreland, 17 May (FA). The first Chimney Swift of the spring was noted 2 Apr in Gloucester, the earliest report of this species in the Region for the past few years (G&RH). A much-anticipated sentinel of spring, the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird, an ad. m., was seen at a private residence in Gloucester 9 Apr (G&RH), about on par with arrival dates of the past few years. It was a slightly more productive spring for finding Red-headed Woodpeckers with 32 reports, compared to last year s 14, with a high of six at Caledon Natural Area, King George, 4 Apr (PN). American Kestrels continue to hold on in this Region of many fields, however, despite being detected the same number of times as last year, there were only 34 individuals reported this year, down from 48 last year. On a private farm in Leedstown 4 Apr six of these delicate falcons were sitting on wires and poles around the fields (FA). As it turns out, it was a great year for the other falcons. Three reports of Merlins Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 21

22 were reported from three counties, Westmoreland, Mathews and Lancaster 2 and 19 Mar and 18 Apr, respectively (GG, MG, EO, BO). Five Peregrine Falcons from four sites were noted with a pair found 12 Apr on the Tappahannock Rte. 360 bridge, Essex, that later hatched two chicks (FA). Other locations and dates: Horner s Mill Rd., Westmoreland, 8 Mar (FA); Guinea, 10 Apr ( JSt); Bethel, 3 May (G&RH). FLYCATCHERS PIPITS The earliest arrival of Eastern Wood-Pewee since 2011 occurred this 25 Apr when two were found at Cedar Pt., Middlesex (M&JC). The arrival of Acadian Flycatchers was a couple of days later than usual with the first individual not arriving until 1 May in King George (RM). A productive trip to Beaverdam 25 May tallied 20 of this quaint Empidonax flycatcher (EW). Only one Willow Flycatcher report was confirmed this spring of a bird in King George 1 May (RM). Two other reports of Alder/Willow Flycatcher in Richmond 4 May (LA) and Hutchinson Tract, 9 May ( JS), may have also been this species, but they did not vocalize, the only way to definitively tell these two species apart. The first Great Crested Flycatcher wasn t detected until 19 Apr in Westmoreland this year, a few days later than most years (FA). Two early Eastern Kingbirds were reported this spring about half a week ahead of when they typically show up; one was in Essex 12 Apr (FA) and the other along Rixey Rd., King George the next day (TM). There were three sightings of solitary Blue-headed Vireos, a species that has been missed each spring since 2011, from three counties; 23 Apr, Pepper Mill Cr., King George, (TM); 24 Apr, Beaverdam (G&RH); 3 May, Washington s Birthplace (GT). Similarly, the first spring sightings of Warbling Vireo since 2012 occurred this year of single birds from three counties; Washington s Birthplace, 2 May (KO); Cedar Pt., Middlesex, 16 May (M&JC); Westmoreland Berry Farm, Westmoreland, 23 May (RM); Caledon, 24 May (WL). The arrival of two Red-eyed Vireos at Beaverdam 14 Apr was on par with previous years (G&RH). Common Ravens continued their push into the northeastern reaches of the reporting Region with a pair apparently coming from the landfill near LaGrange Ln., King George 8 Mar (FA). Northern Rough-winged Swallows arrived about a week ahead of schedule in Gloucester 16 Mar ( JSt). Remarkable for its early date, a m. Purple Martin, the first for the Region this year, was spotted 20 Mar flying over Beulahville (FA). A large flock of 145 Tree Swallows swirling over LaGrange Ln., King George 4 Apr was carefully searched, turning up the first Barn Swallow of the year (FA). Five Bank Swallows appeared to be nesting along the riverbank at Washington s Birthplace 26 Apr (LM). Thirty Cliff Swallows had arrived by 10 May and were again nesting on the bridge as seen from Walkerton Landing, King and Queen (BA, FA). No Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported this spring. Despite being more or less expected in the southern and eastern part of the Region, two Brown-headed Nuthatches in Essex, just south of Tappahannock 12 Apr, were notable for being further up the middle peninsula (FA). An early House Wren at Washington s Birthplace arrived 7 Apr, a week and a half before the next member of this species was reported (M&JC). Because of their secretive habits migrant Sedge Wrens can easily be overlooked, so it was heartening that one was found at Guinea 12 Apr (G&RH). Although they do breed in the Region in some numbers, only three Marsh Wrens were detected this spring: in Essex just south of Tappahannock 12 Apr (FA); at Bethel 3 May (LC); on a farm in Urbanna, Middlesex 22 May (TH). Often the first spritely being to grace the leafless woods, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were first detected when a single bird flitted through a yard in Gloucester 26 Mar (G&RH). Possibly because of mortality due to the harshly cold winter, there are fewer Eastern Bluebirds nesting at King Carter Golf Course, Lancaster. As of the end of May, 38 boxes had fledged only 34 bluebirds as opposed to 93 by this time last year (TT). Although both Veery and Swainson s Thrush move through in greater numbers in the fall than the spring it was surprising that only one report of each species was noted this year with one of the former along Rixey Rd., King George 7 May (TM) and two of the latter detected by flight calls in King George 17 May (FA). A lingering Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 22

23 Hermit Thrush was at Pepper Mill Cr., King George 23 Apr (TM). The first classic summer flute-like melody of the season graced the forests 14 Apr in the form of a Wood Thrush song at Beaverdam (G&RH). A Gray Catbird at Belle Is. 21 Mar was probably the first spring migrant of this species, which overwinters in low numbers in the Region (KB). Despite their status as an undesirable invasive species, European Starlings are nonetheless birds, so 450 seen along Leedstown Rd. 8 Mar was notable for the size of a single flock (FA). A flyover American Pipit 17 May at K. G. Ponds established a new late date for this species in the Region (FA) and a flock of 95 in 14 Mar King William was a larger group than usual for this time of year here (FA). WARBLERS FINCHES Although none of the expected warbler species were missed essentially none of the more uncommon species were sighted. Only 22 species of warbler were found this spring with a few records of birds arriving several days prior to their expected arrival date per the Gold Book: Ovenbird 10 Apr at South Haven, five days early (G&RH); Northern Waterthrush from Beaverdam 24 Apr (G&RH), one day; two Black-and-white Warblers at Beaverdam 3 Apr (G&RH), two days; Common Yellowthroat 4 Apr in Leedstown (FA), six days; Northern Parula 3 Apr in Gloucester (R&EB), seven days; Palm Warbler 22 Mar at Lands End (TM), 18 days; Prothonotary Warbler 2 Apr at Wilna (LR), 7 days; Kentucky Warbler at Beaverdam 14 Apr, 11 days (G&RH); Prairie Warbler 13 Apr at Wilna, 2 days (LA). The first American Redstart of the spring did not appear until 12 May at Westmoreland (ES), almost two weeks later than is expected. A grand total of 27 Common Yellowthroats were found on a private farm full of marshes and thickets in Leedstown 19 Apr (FA). Beaverdam proved to be a hotbed for warblers, both breeding and transient, hosting 12 species in total. High counts at this location were of 13 Prothonotary, 14 Ovenbird, 16 Northern Parulas 25 May (EW). The only Magnolia Warbler was reported in Leedstown 17 May (FA). The largest pre-breeding flock of Chipping Sparrows this spring was of 30 found at Washington s Birthplace 26 Apr (LM). In Beulahville 22 Field Sparrows were seen along the road 14 Mar (FA, NN). Not reported every spring, a Vesper Sparrow found along Wilmont Rd. 4 Apr was also the first ebird record for King George (FA). A large concentration of Savannah Sparrows totaling 47 individuals was spotted on Marl Bank Rd., Essex, 12 Apr (FA). On the same date at that location, a Grasshopper Sparrow appeared 3 days before its expected early date per the Gold Book and a week before last year s first sighting (FA). Wilna continues its streak of hosting large numbers of grassland nesting birds with 12 Grasshopper Sparrows there 24 May (BBa, SB). Two mentions of Nelson s/saltmarsh Sparrows came from the Region this spring, one of four birds 21 May at Guinea (GG) and the other of a single bird at Bethel 16 May (FR). The last two White-throated Sparrows departed 9 May, last seen at Fickle Fen Rd., Mathews (MS). The Williamsburg Spring Bird Count drummed up two reports of White-crowned Sparrows at Roswell Plantation and Middle Peninsula SP 3 May (FR, BBl). Four lingering Dark-eyed Juncos at Westmoreland 28 Apr were detected nearly two weeks after their expected local departure date (KR). An ad. m. Painted Bunting which has spent six consecutive winters at Wicomico Church, Northumberland, departed 22 Mar ( JC). Incredible is not quite the word to describe the scope of the invasion of WESTERN TANAGERS into s.e. Virginia this winter, and it seems that effect spilled over into this Region when a well-described individual made a brief appearance at a feeder 19 Apr in Gloucester (G&RH). Three Dickcissels were seen at K. G. Ponds 17 May (FA), but there were no reports from Wilna, a former stronghold for this species despite a trip there 24 May (BBa, SB). This trip did, however, find a total of 75 Bobolinks. Two thousand Red-winged Blackbirds seen at Muse Rd., Westmoreland, 8 Mar was a new ebird high count for the spring (FA). The Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz had another successful spring with 30 reports, including a high of 33 individuals on Magnolia Dr., Gloucester, 6 Mar (G&RH). This was up from 25 reports last year where the high was 35 and the year before, 12 reports with Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 23

24 a high of 140. A m. Brewer s Blackbird at Muse Rd., Westmoreland, 8 Mar was one of almost a dozen records in the past five years and the first spring ebird record (FA). An overwintering Baltimore Oriole at a residence in Lottsburg, Northumberland, was last seen 18 Mar after being seen daily since 27 Jan (M&PK). A second Baltimore Oriole visited a feeder in Gloucester 17 Mar to 6 Apr with another bird joining it 4 Apr (G&RH). Purple Finches were reported from 12 locations on 32 occasions with a maximum of six birds in Gloucester 5 and 12 Apr (R&EB). Pine Siskins were only reported sporadically from one location in Gloucester after a strong push last fall, with the last sighting of 2 birds on 9 Apr (G&RH). A f. Evening Grosbeak that had been sporadically visiting a feeder all winter was last sighted 5 Mar at Merry Pt., Lancaster (FS). Contributors: Lee Adams, Bob Ake, Fred Atwood, Roy & Eirlys Barker (R&EB), Karen Beatty, Bryan Barmore (BBa), Byron Birtman (BBi), Bill Blair (BBl), Sharon Burton, Luke Cannon, Catherine Casey, JoAnne Chewing, Maeve and Joey Coker (M&JC), David Farner, Janice Frye, Geoff Giles, Melissa Gross, Tom Hardman, George and Rosemarie Harris (G&RH), Maryalyce and Lance Johnsen, Mary and Porter Kier, Walter Legg, Wayne Longbottom, Robert Mains, Leigh McDougal, Tim Metcalf, Paul Nasca, Nick Newberry, Kennett Offill, Ellison Orcutt, Beth Oristian, John O Shaughnessy, Kyle Rambo, Felicity Rask, Ken Rosenthal, Les Roslund, Tom Saunders, Frank Schaff, Mark Sopko, James Shelton ( JSh), Evan Spears, Jason Strickland ( JSt), Tom Teeples, Greg Tito, Clark Trader, Elizabeth Wilkins, Judson Williams, Thomas Wray II Southwest Editors: Roger and Lynda Mayhorn HC Box 44A Pilgrims Knob, VA rmayhorn@hughes.net Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties; the cities/towns of Abingdon, Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Tazewell Highlights for the period were Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese in Tazewell and Washington, several duck species in the Region, two newly discovered Great Blue Heron colonies in Washington, the first Bald Eagle nest in Grayson in 100 years, a late Northern Harrier in Buchanan, a rare Marbled Godwit in Tazewell, and a late Short-eared Owl in Buchanan. Abbreviations: MRNRA (Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Grayson/Smyth); RRL (Rural Retreat Lake, Wythe); SHL (South Holston Lake, Washington) WATERFOWL EGRETS Two Greater White-fronted Geese were reported in Tazewell 14 Mar (CD). Also in Tazewell 2 Snow Geese were found in Burkes Garden 14 Mar (CD). A Snow Goose was observed in a field in Washington 5 Mar (EM). A Cackling Goose was reported in Washington 28 Mar (RC). Six Gadwall, a species not common to Russell, were found at L. Bonaventure 21 Mar (RCBC). A pair of Blue-winged Teal was observed in a flooded field in Breaks, Buchanan 16 Apr (DR). A f. Northern Shoveler was found at that location 26 Apr (DR). Two Northern Shovelers were discovered at L. Bonaventure, Russell 21 Mar (RCBC). Two Green-winged Teal were discovered Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 24

25 at The Mudhole near Lebanon, Russell 13 Mar ( JT). Thirteen Canvasbacks were found in Burkes Garden, Tazewell 6 Mar (CD). Two Canvasbacks were observed near Glade Spring, Washington 12 Mar (UTWS). A single Canvasback was observed at a small pond near Elk Garden, Russell 24 Mar ( J&JT). Redheads were found at several locations throughout the period with 18 at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 6 Mar (CD), 106 at Nicewonder Pond, Washington 6 Mar (WC), 2 on the New R. in Grayson 6 Mar (CS), and 7 at Lincolnshire Pk., Russell 11 Mar (CD). Redheads were found in a field near Lebanon, Russell 5 Mar ( J&JT), and Redheads made up a substantial number of a flock of 190 ducks at the CGI pond in Lebanon, Russell 4 Mar (TH). A Greater Scaup, a very unusual species for Buchanan, was discovered 24 Mar on the Dismal R. at Pilgrims Knob (DO). A pair of Greater Scaup was found at Falls Mills, Tazewell 29 Mar ( J&JT). Hooded Mergansers were identified at 5 locations during March; 15 in Washington 5 Mar (EM), 11 at Gose Mill Pond, Burkes Garden, Tazewell 6 Mar (CD), 6 on New R., Grayson 6 Mar (CS), 5 at Elk Garden Mill Pond, Russell 11 Mar ( JT), and one at L. Bonaventure, Russell 21 Mar (RCBC). Two Common Mergansers were found at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 21 Mar (CD). A lone Common Merganser flew over the Breaks SP, Dickenson 18 Apr (BCBC). Redbreasted Mergansers were also found at 5 locations in the Region; 17 at Lincolnshire Pk, Tazewell 11 Mar (CD), one in the Carbo area, Russell 21 Mar (RCBC), 7 on Laurel L. in Breaks SP, Dickenson 4 Apr (DO), 15 at RRL, Wythe 4 Apr ( J&RM), and one at Hungry Mother SP, Smyth 1 May ( JK,SH). Ruddy Ducks appeared in several locations in the Region, with 2 on the CGI pond in Lebanon, Russell 4 Mar (TH), 3 near Glade Spring, Washington 12 Mar (UTWS), one at Lincolnshire Pk., Tazewell 14 Mar (CD), one at L. Bonaventure, Russell 21 Mar (RCBC), 7 at Falls Mills, Tazewell 29 Mar ( J&JT), and one at RRL 3 Apr (RC). Two Northern Bobwhites were discovered at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 29 Mar (MA). A Common Loon was found at Witten L., Tazewell 29 Mar ( J&JT). A Common Loon was observed at RRL 3 Apr (RC). A Common Loon was discovered on John Flannagan Reservoir, Dickenson 13 Mar (DO). On 24 Mar a Horned Grebe was found on Lincolnshire L., Tazewell ( J&JT). An Eared Grebe was observed on SHL 4 Apr (MS). Eared Grebes have wintered there for 14 years. A new Great Blue Heron colony was discovered 20 Mar on the North Fork Holston R. near the North Fork Holston Bridge on US 19, Washington (DO). Seven active nests were observed with 9 birds present. More Great Blue Heron nesting activity was found on a ridge just south of Abingdon 10 Apr ( JK, SH). Four nests were spotted with 3 or 4 birds. A Green Heron, a rather rare visitor to Buchanan, dropped into a flooded field in the Breaks community 26 Apr (DR). Two more Green Herons were found in the same general area 20 May (DK, DR). Three Great Egrets, another unusual species for Buchanan, were observed at the Willowbrook Country Club 26 Apr (DR). A banded Great Egret was discovered in a pond in Russell 8 Apr ( JT). RAPTORS LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE Ospreys were reported in several parts of the Region during April and May. One was observed 3 Apr at Bridle Cr. boat landing, Grayson ( JP). A FOS Osprey was found on Big Cedar Cr. in Lebanon, Russell 12 Apr (PH). Another was discovered in Burkes Garden, Tazewell at the Snap Dairy Farm 12 Apr (CD). An Osprey was found along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon 17 May ( JK, SH). The first Bald Eagle nest in 100 years in Grayson was discovered 3 May on the New R. (R&EK). The nest was located on an island in a large sycamore tree. Two ad. eagles were perched nearby and an eaglet was observed in the nest (R&EK). Bald Eagles have nested in Burkes Garden, Tazewell for several years. An ad. was observed sitting on a nest there 6 Mar (CD). On 2 May two ad. birds were at the same nest feeding young (CD). A Bald Eagle was observed flying down the New R. above Fields Dam, Grayson 6 Mar (CS). Two imm. Bald Eagles were found near Rte. 80, Russell 13 Mar ( JaT). One ad. and one imm. Bald Eagle were observed at RRL 4 Apr ( J&RM). An imm. Bald Eagle was found on the New R. in Grayson about 7 mi. above Mouth Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 25

26 of Wilson 3 Apr ( JP). A Bald Eagle was noted in Richlands, Tazewell flying parallel to Rte. 460 bypass 6 Mar (CD). A Bald Eagle was observed at Mouth of Wilson on the New R. in Grayson 19 Mar (CH). An imm. Bald Eagle was found perched along Big Cedar Cr. 23 Mar ( JT). A mature Bald Eagle was discovered in a plowed field at The Cove, Tazewell 8 May (CD). An ad. Bald Eagle was found on the New R., Grayson 10 May (HB). An ad. Bald Eagle was observed flying across the highway at Cliffield, Tazewell 21 May (CD). A late Northern Harrier was observed at Southern Gap, Buchanan 21 May (DK, DR). A Rough-legged Hawk was reported off I-77 two mi. n. of the community of Bland, Bland 28 Mar ( JW). A Golden Eagle was reported near Gose Mill Pond in Burkes Garden, Tazewell 6 Mar (CD). Another Golden Eagle was observed at Skull s Gap Overlook e. of Chilhowie, Smyth 17 Mar (CS). A juv. Golden Eagle being mobbed by 3 Red-tailed Hawks was discovered on Green Valley Rd. in Elk Garden, Russell 17 Apr (PH). Two Greater Yellowlegs and 3 Lesser Yellowlegs were reported at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 25 Apr (CD). A Greater Yellowlegs was found at Southern Gap, Buchanan 26 Apr (DO). A Marbled Godwit, a very rare find for the area, was discovered in Burkes Garden, Tazewell 23 Apr (ph. CD). A Least Sandpiper was reported at Hungry Mother SP, Smyth 8 May (BK). Four Pectoral Sandpipers were found at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 3 Apr (DO). Two Pectoral Sandpipers were reported at Bridle Cr. Boat Landing, Grayson 7 May (AH). A flock of 19 Wilson s Snipe was found foraging at The Mudhole at Elk Garden, Russell 16 Mar (PH). A lone Wilson s Snipe made an appearance at a home in Breaks, Buchanan 23 Mar (DR). Ten Bonaparte s Gulls were found at RRL 3 Apr (RC). FOS Blackbilled Cuckoos were found in Baywood, Grayson 5 May (MD) and on Compton Mt., Buchanan 6 May (RM). A Black-billed Cuckoo was heard at Breaks, Buchanan 26 Apr (DR). A Black-billed Cuckoo was discovered at The Cove, Tazewell 28 May (CD). A Short-eared Owl that had wintered at Southern Gap, Buchanan was still there 1 Apr (DR). A Great Horned Owl was heard on Dismal R., Buchanan 12 Mar (DO). A FOS Whip-poor-will was heard in Breaks, Buchanan 27 Apr (DR). A Whip-poor-will was found in Hungry Mother SP, Smyth 1 May ( JK, SH). Four Whip-poor-wills were discovered on East Fork Stony Cr., Wythe 4 May (LG). FOS Chimney Swifts appeared in Abingdon 21 Apr (EM). The FOS Ruby-throated Hummingbirds returned to Buchanan 8 Apr on Compton Mt. (R&LM), to Abingdon 13 Apr ( JK,SH), to Grayson on the New R. 14 Apr (CS), and to Woodlawn, Carroll 19 Apr (RP). Burkes Garden, Tazewell was the location for 2 Redheaded Woodpeckers 2 May (CD). Red-headed Woodpeckers have a history of nesting in Burkes Garden, but are harder to find in recent years. A Redheaded Woodpecker was found on Mock Knob Rd., Washington 6 Apr (MS). An ad. Peregrine Falcon flew over a backyard on Compton Mt., Buchanan 22 Mar (RM). Three American Kestrels, a species not common to Buchanan, were found at Southern Gap 26 Apr (DO). A Loggerhead Shrike was observed in the Forty Foot area of Russell 25 Mar ( J&JT). Another Loggerhead Shrike in Russell was found at The Mudhole in Elk Garden 28 Apr (RCBC). VIREOS WARBLERS The FOS Yellow-throated Vireo appeared on Compton Mt., Buchanan 12 Apr. A FOS Warbling Vireo was found at Bridle Cr. Public Boat Landing, Grayson 6 May (AH). The FOS Blue-headed Vireo showed up in Breaks SP, Dickenson 12 Apr (DR) and in Grayson 4 Mar (S-JR). The FOS Red-eyed Vireo was found on Compton Mt., Buchanan 18 Apr (BCBC). A Fish Crow was reported in Scott 25 Mar (RC). On 14 Mar, 4 Common Ravens were noted in Burkes Garden, Tazewell (CD). A Common Raven flew over the Mountain Top Golf Course, Buchanan 3 Apr (RM). Ravens have been known to nest a couple of miles east of that location (RM). A Common Raven was observed at the State Line Overlook, Breaks SP, Dickenson 4 Apr ( JB, DO). Ravens have been nesting in that area for the past few years. Two Common Ravens soared over New R. near Independence, Grayson 3 Apr ( JP). Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 26

27 Three Common Ravens were found at Natural Tunnel SP, Scott 6 Apr ( JWe). Five Northern Rough-winged Swallows were observed at RRL 3 Apr (RC). The FOS Northern Rough-winged Swallow in Buchanan flew over the Levisa R. in Grundy 12 Apr (RM). The FOS Purple Martin circled over Compton Mt., Buchanan 30 Mar (RM). A FOS Tree Swallow passed over Chestnut Grove RD., Grayson 9 Mar (CS).The FOS Tree Swallow on Compton MT., Buchanan appeared 16 Mar (RM). One hundred Tree Swallows and six Barn Swallows were at RRL 3 Apr (RC). The FOS Barn Swallow for Grayson was observed near Rugby 14 Apr (CS). Two Red-breasted Nuthatches were discovered at East Stony Fork Cr., Wythe 4 May (LG). A FOS House Wren came to a home in Abingdon 13 Apr ( JK, SH). A FOS House Wren returned to Rugby, Grayson 18 Apr (AH). A House Wren attempted to nest in a bluebird box on Compton Mt., Buchanan 20 Apr, but after a few weeks of not finding a mate, left. There are no records of the species ever having nested successfully on the mountain (fide RM). The FOS Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was discovered at Bridle Cr., Grayson 4 Apr (S-JR). The FOS Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Dickenson was observed at Breaks SP 12 Apr (DR). A FOS Wood Thrush, Grayson was heard 19 Apr (S-JR). Three FOS Wood Thrushes were heard at Oakwood, Buchanan 20 Apr (DO). The FOS Gray Catbirds came to a home in Abingdon 12 Apr (EM). A FOS Brown Thrasher came to a suet feeder on Compton Mt., Buchanan 24 Mar (RM). A FOS Ovenbird was found at Rugby, Grayson 25 Apr (AH). A FOS Worm-eating Warbler was found at Breaks SP, Dickenson 18 Apr (BCBC). On 7 May at Rugby, Grayson a FOS Northern Waterthrush was discovered (AH). A FOS Black-and-white Warbler was heard on Dismal R., Buchanan 8 Apr (DO). A Swainson s Warbler was heard on Garden Hole Rd./ Camp Branch, Dickenson 20 May (DK, DR). The FOS Common Yellowthroat made an appearance at Rugby, Grayson 18 Apr (AH). A FOS American Redstart was discovered at Rugby, Grayson 25 Apr (AH). On the Early White Bluebird Trail near Keen Mt. Pk., Buchanan a Cerulean Warbler was heard 29 Apr (DO). Two FOS Cerulean Warblers were identified at East R. Mt., Bland 6 May ( JPh). Three Cerulean Warblers were found near the Mary Kelly Cemetery on Compton Mt., Buchanan 16 May (RM, DO). A Cerulean Warbler was singing on a farm at Keen Mt., Buchanan 27 May (AO, DO). A FOS Magnolia Warbler was found at Rugby, Grayson 7 May (AH). A Blackburnian Warbler was found singing on territory at the Visitors Center, Breaks SP, Dickenson 18 Apr (BCBC). This species was first recorded nesting there at 1700 ft. elevation in 2011 (fide RM). A f. Blackburnian Warbler carrying nesting material was observed at the MRNRA Grindstone Campground 9 May (MD). A Blackburnian Warbler was found at Bark Camp L., Wise/Scott 30 May (DO). The FOS Yellow Warbler was heard at Vansant near Rte. 460 in Buchanan 27 Apr (DO). Two FOS Blackpoll Warblers were found in Rugby, Grayson 13 May (AH). A Pine Warbler came to a suet feeder on Compton Mt., Buchanan 10 Mar (RM). A FOS Yellow-throated Warbler was observed at the Mountain Top Golf Course, Buchanan 3 Apr (RM). Three singing Prairie Warblers were discovered at Southern Gap, Buchanan 28 Apr ( JB, RM, DO). A FOS Black-throated Green Warbler was discovered at the Garden Hole in Breaks SP, Dickenson 4 Apr ( JB, DO) and one was found near Rugby, Grayson 14 Apr (CS). A Wilson s Warbler, an unusual sighting for the area, was discovered at the Mountain Top Golf Course on Compton Mt., Buchanan 16 May. The bird was in view for several minutes (ph.rm, DO). TANAGERS BLACKBIRDS Two American Tree Sparrows came to feeders during the period, one at Oakwood, Buchanan 6 Mar (VR), and one in the Breaks community, Buchanan 7 Mar (DR). In Buchanan FOS Chipping Sparrows appeared at feeders in Oakwood 24 Mar (VR) and on Compton Mt. 24 Mar (R&LM). Vesper Sparrows were discovered at Southern Gap, Buchanan 2 Apr (DR) and at MRNRA 24 May (JS). A White-throated Sparrow was heard singing at Hidden Valley L. WMA, Washington 18 May (SE, RH, DK). A partially leucistic ( white headed ) Dark-eyed Junco came to a feeder Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 27

28 near Lebanon, Russell 29 Mar (JT). Three FOS Scarlet Tanagers were observed in Breaks SP, Dickenson 18 Apr (BCBC). FOS Rose-breasted Grosbeaks came to feeders on Compton Mt., Buchanan 9 Apr (RM), in Rugby, Grayson 25 Apr (AH), and in Breaks, Buchanan 26 Apr (DR). Surprisingly, a f. Blue Grosbeak was found at Southern Gap, Buchanan 20 May (DK, DR). Two singing m. Blue Grosbeaks were found at that location 20 Jun (BCBC). There are no records of this species nesting in Buchanan. A Blue Grosbeak was observed at Natural Tunnel SP, Scott 25 Apr (JK, SH). A FOS Indigo Bunting came to a home on Compton Mt., Buchanan 9 Apr (R&LM). Three Bobolinks were found at Southern Gap, Buchanan 28 Apr (RM, DO). This is an uncommon species for that county. A single Bobolink was found at Burkes Garden, Tazewell 2 May (CD). Thirteen Bobolinks were observed at a farm at Baywood, Grayson 5 May (MD). Four Rusty Blackbirds were observed on Dismal R. Rd., Buchanan 16 Mar (DO). Six Rusty Blackbirds were found at Breaks SP, Dickenson 17 Mar (DR). Four Rusty Blackbirds were found just outside the park in the Breaks community, Buchanan 19 Mar (DR). Fourteen Rusty Blackbirds were observed at Rugby, Grayson 20 Mar (AH) and one Rusty Blackbird was found at that location 6 May (AH). A FOS m. Orchard Oriole was discovered in a yard on the Dismal R., Buchanan 25 Apr (DO). A FOS imm. m. Orchard Oriole came to a yard on Compton Mt., Buchanan 6 May (RM). Also on 6 May 2 m. Orchard Orioles flew across a lawn at Elk Garden, Russell (JT). Contributors: Michael Altizer, Josh Blackmon, Harrol Blevins, Buchanan County Bird Club, Russell County Bird Club, Wallace Coffey, Rack Cross, Clancey Deel, Margaret Dunson, Sam Evans, Laura Gooch, Ron Harrington, Peggy Herbert, Sheri Hiter, Cheyenne Holman, Anita Huffman, Tom Hunter, John Kelly, Dan Kendrick, Barry Kinzie, Roald and Ellie Kirby, Roger Mayhorn, Roger and Lynda Mayhorn, Ed Morgan, Judy and Richard Moose, Alyssa Owens, Daryl Owens, Robert Perkins, Jesse Pope, Jim Phillips ( JPh), David Raines, Veronica Ratliff, Scott-Jackson Ricketts, Mike Sanders, James Shelton, University of Tennessee Wildlife Society, Cathy Spencer, Jerry Thornhill, Jane Thornhill ( JaT), Jerry and Jane Thornhill, Jason Weaver ( JWe), John Whittaker South Central Editor: C. Michael Stinson 437 Wildflower Lane Dillwyn, VA myrmecocichla@gmail.com Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward counties; the cities/towns of Colonial Heights, Danville, Emporia, Martinsville, Petersburg, and South Boston Waterfowl, loons, and grebes provided some highlights early in the season, though nothing as shocking as last spring s influx of Red-necked Grebes and ducks. Migrant shorebirds were scarce as usual in this Region. Many migrant songbirds were reported in low numbers or not at all, including several warbler species (e.g. there were no reports of Chestnut-sided or Worm-eating warblers away from the Blue Ridge). By contrast, a few songbirds made early appearances and returned in good numbers, including some tanagers and vireos. Most reports summarized here were gleaned from the Vabird list and from ebird. Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 28

29 Abbreviations: Kerr ( John H. Kerr Res., Charlotte [upper lake only], Halifax [upper lake only], and Mecklenburg [lower lake]); SRR (Sandy R. Res., Prince Edward) BLUE-WINGED TEAL AMERICAN BITTERN Blue-winged Teal were reported in low numbers, beginning with seven at James R. SP 4 Apr (KK). The only other reports were five at Banister R. WMA, Halifax 11 Apr (PG) and three at Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg 1 May (AD, PG). Three m. Northern Pintails were at SRR 3 Mar (ES), where the species is locally uncommon; the only other report was 10 at Palmer Point, Kerr 7 Mar (AD, PG). The only scoters reported were White-winged Scoters with 3 at Palmer Point, Kerr 7 Mar (AD, PG, MI), one 10 Mar at Briery Cr. L., Prince Edward (ph. CMS), and three at Holliday L. SP (Appomattox/Buckingham) 30 Mar (DP). This would be a good Regional total most years, but is far less than last year. Continuing since January, four Common Mergansers lingered at SRR through 7 Mar (ES); the only other Regional report was of four near the dam at Kerr, also 7 Mar (AD, PG, MI). Red-throated Loons were reported only from Palmer Point, Kerr with one or two birds there 7 (AD, PG, MI) through 21 Mar (GK, TF). A single PACIFIC Loon was at Palmer Point, Kerr 15 Mar (AD, PG, et al.), continuing from the winter at the site that has become associated with this species, and perhaps this individual, in the past decade. In dramatic contrast to the unprecedented numbers seen in spring 2014, this season there was only a single Red-necked Grebe report with 2 at the dam area of Kerr 7 Mar (AD, TT). An Anhinga was seen over Taylors Millpond, Greensville, 11 Apr (E&NF), a site with previous records of this species that is rare in the Region. Uncommon regionally, an American Bittern was at Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg 6 Apr ( JB) and another was at Banister R. WMA, Halifax 11 Apr ( JB). MISSISSIPPI KITE EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE Prince Edward s second Mississippi Kite appeared briefly at Wilcks L., Farmville 5 May, flying overhead just long enough to be photographed (ES). The only other reports this season were 16 May at an unspecified location in Greensville (DC), and 28 & 30 May along Wolf Trap Rd., Halifax, a location that has yielded several records in previous years ( JB). Although Spotted Sandpipers have wintered at Kerr recently, a migrant near the dam at SRR 14 Mar (ES) was earlier than expected. Three Greater Yellowlegs at Edmunds Memorial Pk., Halifax 23 Apr ( JB), with one lingering there the following day (PG), represented the only reports of the species this season. That location also provided the only reports of Lesser Yellowlegs, with six appearing there 23 Apr ( JB), followed by several reports, ending with four there on 4 May ( JB). Edmunds Pk. also produced the season s only Least Sandpipers, with one there 2 May ( JB) and six on 15 May ( JB). A wintering adult Lesser Black-backed Gull lingered in the dam area at Kerr until at least 15 Mar (AD, PG), while a locally remarkable total of five of this species was tallied there on 7 Mar (AD, PG, MI). The only Caspian Terns were three at Dick Cross WMA, Mecklenburg 1 May (AD, PG), and one Forster s Tern, a scarce regional migrant, was at SRR 14 Apr (ph. ES). The non-native Eurasian Collared-Dove continues to maintain a foothold in at least two counties within the Region; two were courting 8 Apr and three seen 12 May in South Boston, Halifax ( JB), while two were in Crewe, Nottoway 31 May (AD). LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE PINE SISKIN A Loggerhead Shrike was reported 7 (AD, PG, MI) & 29 Mar (ph. MC) near Palmer Springs, Mecklenburg, a reliable area for finding the species in recent years; another was seen along US 15 just north of US 360 in Charlotte 4 Mar, continuing there since Jan (CMS). Yellow-throated Vireo reports included an early one 7 Apr at Twin Lakes SP (ES). Common Ravens nested on High Bridge in High Bridge Trail SP, Prince Edward, Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 29

30 with one fledged and two remaining in the nest 20 May (ph. CMS). This was the second Prince Edward nesting record. The first Tree Swallows reported, 4 at SRR 6 Mar (ES), were not as early as in some recent years. The only Bank Swallow noted was one in a mixed-species flock of swallows at SRR 27 Apr (CMS). Only two Veeries were reported, singles at Eagle Point, Kerr 1 May (JB), and Wilcks L., Prince Edward 18 May (CMS). Also, only two Swainson s Thrushes were reported, singles at Wilcks L., Prince Edward 5 May (CMS), and at Holliday L. SP, Appomattox 17 May (ES). Early Black-and-white Warblers were at Holliday L. SP, Appomattox 28 Mar (ph. ES) and Staunton R. Battlefield SP, Halifax also 28 Mar (JB, PG). The only Kentucky Warbler reported away from the Blue Ridge was one at Holliday L. SP, Appomattox 3 May (ES). A Northern Parula 3 Apr at Willis R. Dam No. 7, Buckingham (DS) was locally early. The only Magnolia Warbler reported was a single at Wilcks L., Prince Edward 6 May (CMS). The only Blackburnian Warbler was a single bird 2 May at Dry Fork, Pittsylvania (MF), and there were four reports of single Black-throated Green Warblers, all on 28 or 29 Apr (m.obs.). A m. Scarlet Tanager was reported from Banister R. WMA, Halifax on the remarkably early date of 11 Apr (JB, PG); a more normal arrival date would be in the last third of the month. A m. Rusty Blackbird was foraging and singing at Wilcks L., Prince Edward on the surprisingly late date of 22 May (CMS). At least four Dickcissels were in a large field along Heights School Rd., w. Prince Edward 19 May (ph. CMS), including at least one female. At least one singing male remained through the end of the reporting period, raising hopes that the species was breeding there. Pine Siskins were widely reported early in the season; the latest individual lingered at a feeder in South Boston, Halifax until 8 May (JB). Contributors: Jeff Blalock, Mary Coker, Adam D Onofrio, Tom Feild, Elisa and Nick Flanders, Mary Foster, Mike Iwanik, Geraldine King, Kim Kozella, Daniel Puckette, Evan Spears, C. Michael Stinson, Tina Trice Southeast Editor: Adam D Onofrio Smith Grove Road Petersburg, VA bigadfromlb@comcast.net Charles City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York counties; the cities of Franklin, Hopewell, Richmond, and Williamsburg Temperatures averaged 1.1 degrees below normal in March, at or slightly above normal in April, and 4.6 degrees above normal in May. Precipitation for the three months averaged just slightly below normal, with April getting the lion s share of the precipitation. In contrast to recent years, spring migration seemed late, with reports of many migrants still passing through in the latter half of May after a slow period in early to mid May, typically the peak time of migration. Rarities this season included Anhinga, American White Pelican, and Western Tanager. Abbreviations: College Creek (College Creek Hawkwatch, James City); Dutch Gap (Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield); Hog (Hog Island WMA, Surry); Jamestown ( Jamestown Island, James City); J.R.P. ( James River Park System, Richmond) GEESE PELICANS A Greater White-fronted Goose was in the fields on Turkey Island Rd., Henrico 7 Mar (ph. EO). Two Ross s Geese continued from the winter season at Little Creek Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 30

31 Res., James City 1 & 2 Mar (SG, FD, AH). Four Ross s Geese were observed during a Richmond Audubon Society field trip to Curles Neck Farm, Henrico 8 Mar (m.obs.). Three Cackling Geese were gleaned from the large flock of Canada Geese on Turkey Island Rd., Henrico 7 Mar (ph. EO). A lingering m. Northern Shoveler was noted at Hog 3 May (BT). Also lingering at Hog on 3 May was a f. Green-winged Teal (BT). After a brutally cold February in Virginia as well as in other states to our north, inland White-winged Scoter observations peaked in March with two at Jamestown 1 Mar (BW), one off Yorktown, York 2 & 5 Mar (SG, AHa), two at Robious Landing Pk., Chesterfield 4 Mar (JF), nine at Belle Isle, Richmond 4 Mar (SM), four at Brown s Is., Richmond 6 Mar (ph. EO) and one at Hog 16 Mar (AD, ST). Single White-winged Scoters continued to be observed on the James R. in Richmond throughout March with the latest one reported from the Wetlands section of J.R.P. 8 Apr (JF). A f. Hooded Merganser, seen at Bryan Pk., Richmond 27 May, was intriguing in regards to possible breeding, although no breeding was confirmed (BG). Three Ruddy Ducks lingered at Hog 3 May (BT). Unlike the White-winged Scoters and despite the freezing weather in February, the only report of a Red-necked Grebe this season came from College Creek with a single bird there 2 (BW) & 3 Mar (BT). Two ANHINGAS were seen circling over Dutch Gap 26 Apr (JK). This species seems to be making a push north in recent years and there is speculation that they may be nesting in more places in Virginia than is currently known. Evidence of that possibility was the sighting of 7 Anhingas circling over Jamestown 3 May (PS et al.), a new local peak count. Another new trend seems to be the appearance of multiple American White Pelicans at and near Hog in spring and late summer. The peak count this season was nineteen birds that were seen over Hog 31 Mar. Sixteen of those birds crossed the James R. to James City with five of the sixteen returning to Hog (BW, BT). The first sighting occurred 18 Mar with five birds seen over Hog. These birds drifted to Kingsmill, James City and then returned to Hog (BW, AH). Various numbers of these birds were seen off and on in this area until 17 May (m.obs.). EGRETS VIREOS A Cattle Egret, a declining species in Virginia, was seen at Mainland Farm, James City 20 Apr (BW). The following day three Cattle Egrets were present there (ph. BW). Glossy Ibis sightings from College Creek included two on 18 Mar (BW, AH), one 6 Apr (BW), fourteen 10 Apr (BW), three 22 Apr (BW) and one 10 May (BW). Five Glossy Ibis were noted at Mogarts Beach Rd. mud flats, Isle of Wight 20 Apr (TC). Single Mississippi Kites cruised by College Creek 10 (BT) and 15 May (BW). An imm. Northern Goshawk, a very rare spring migrant, flew over College Creek from Hog 4 Apr (BT, BW), furnishing a first local Apr record and the sixth record overall. A Common Gallinule was a good find at Dutch Gap 22 May (WE). The bird was seen again later that same day (ph. JK, JE et al.). Another Common Gallinule was noted at Harwood s Mill Res., York 31 May (BB, SB). Another good find was a pair of Black-necked Stilts, rare inland, at Hog 23 May (WE, ph. PD, GW). Noteworthy shorebird sightings at Goodwin Islands, York on 29 May included ten American Oystercatchers with one incubating three eggs, seven eastern Willets and nine Ruddy Turnstones (EW). A Red-necked Phalarope was discovered at Harwood s Mill Res., York 31 May (BB, SB). This bird represented a long awaited second county record. The first record of a single bird came on 11 Sep A Glaucous Gull was reported near Hopewell 8 Mar by observers flying Bald Eagle surveys (BWa, MB). Two Common Terns were seen from College Creek 12 May (BW). A tailless, recently fledged Mourning Dove was observed at Settler s Mill, James City on the very early date of 12 Mar (BW). Ten Chuck-will s-widows were counted while surveying the Newsoms Nightjar Survey Network route, Southampton 30 May (N&EF). Two northbound Chimney Swifts at College Creek 22 May were late migrants (BW). A Peregrine Falcon pair was discovered nesting at the former Yorktown Refinery site, York, a first for that location (fide MB). A Peregrine Falcon observed at Goodwin Islands, York 29 May (EW) may have been from that pair. A Loggerhead Shrike, very rare on the Coastal Plain, was found on Burwells Bay Rd., Isle of Wight 19 May (ph. EM, JA, Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 31

32 JS). This is the same location where one was found last spring. The bird was seen again 20 (JS), 24 (JS, AB) and 25 May (N&EF). A Warbling Vireo, fairly rare in the western Coastal Plain, was off Cedar Bluff Rd., Charles City 24 May (ph. IC). A Nelson s Sparrow was singing at College Creek 23 May, furnishing a first James City record (BW). Four Seaside Sparrows, with one carrying nesting material, at Goodwin Islands, York provided the first confirmed evidence of nesting for the county (EW). Inge Curtis' photo of a Warbling Vireo in Charles City May 24. SWALLOWS GROSBEAKS Five northbound Purple Martins at College Creek 22 May were late migrants (BW, BT). Also late were three northbound Barn Swallows at College Creek 23 May (BW). A Bicknell s Thrush studied extensively at College Woods, Williamsburg 13 May provided a second local spring record (ph. TS, MA, EC). Seven American Pipits were noted in upper James City 3 May (N&EF, DS, NG-T). An early Black-and-white Warbler was found at Dutch Gap 22 Mar ( JF). A Swainson s Warbler, rare away from the Great Dismal Swamp, was detected near the Meherrin R. on Rte. 730, Southampton near the county line 14 May (NF). Swainson s Warblers have been noted at or near this area occasionally in past years. An Orange-crowned Warbler, a rare spring migrant in the Piedmont, was observed on the Monacan High School Loop, Chesterfield 3 May ( JE). Another Orange-crowned Warbler was at Bryan Pk., Richmond 16 Apr (RB). Four Vesper Sparrows were found along Turkey Island Rd., Henrico 28 Mar (ph. ABr). A Seaside Sparrow photographed by Elizabeth Wilkens at Goodwin Islands, York May 29 Two White-throated Sparrows lingered in the area until the end of the period. One was off Beecham Dr., York (AH) and the other was in Rolling Woods, James City (fide DC). The long staying m. WESTERN TANAGER at Settler s Mill, James City remained through 21 Mar (B&AW). Another Western Tanager, a f., arrived at a New Kent feeder 5 Mar and remained there until at least 12 Mar (ph. L&TB). A recently deceased Rose-breasted Grosbeak was picked up at Little Creek Dam Park, James City on the very early date of 5 Mar (fide DC). A Blue Grosbeak was slightly early at Cobham Bay, Surry 17 Apr (GH). At least one Baltimore Oriole continued from winter at a Stratford Hills residence, Richmond, last recorded 26 Apr (AS). Another Baltimore Oriole was at Settler s Mill, James City 31 Mar (BW). A very late Pine Siskin was photographed at a feeder at Ginter Park, Richmond 25 May (ph. SBr). A f. Evening Grosbeak, a true rarity these days, appeared at an eastern Henrico feeder 5 Mar and remained until at least 9 Mar (ph. S&DA, ph. JE). Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 32

33 Contributors: Shirley & David Adams, Matt Anthony, Jessica Ausura, Bryan Barmore, Robert Beard, Paul Bedell, Lynda & Tom Blair, Adam Bollinger, Sally Brown (SBr), Allen Bryan (ABr), Sharon Burton, Mitchell Byrd, Erin Chapman, Dan Cristol, Inge Curtis, Terri Cuthriell, Fenton Day, Adam D Onofrio, Wendy Ealding, Jack Esworthy IV, Nick & Elisa Flanders, Janice Frye, Ben Griffon, Stephen Grimes, Nancy Gruttman- Tyler, Adrian Hanline (AHa), Andy Hawkins, Gennette Huber, Julie Kacmarcik, Ernie Miller, Steven Miller, Ellison Orcutt, Dot Silsby, Trevor Sleight, Peyton Smith, Anita Storino, Jason Strickland, Brian Taber, Susanna Treesh, Bryan Watts (BWa), Gerry Weinberger, Elizabeth Wilkins, Arlene Williams, Bill Williams Coastal Editor: Bill Williams 154 Lakewood Drive Williamsburg, VA billwilliams154@gmail.com Accomack and Northampton counties; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; Pelagic area; the cities/towns of Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Chincoteague, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Spring conditions arrived slowly across the Region making it easy to rationalize late departures for some species, especially waterfowl. However, what shook the record books most was the number and diversity of species whose arrival or breeding dates considerably preceded those previously documented. Note the first sightings of Solitary and Stilt sandpipers, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Wood Thrush, and more significantly, the nesting dates of Great Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, and Royal Tern. Among starringrole species this spring were Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, White-faced Ibis, Swallow-tailed and Mississippi kites, Roseate Tern, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Western Tanager. Spring conditions arrived slowly across the Region, making it easy to rationalize late departures for some species, especially waterfowl. However, what shook the record books most was the number and diversity of species whose arrival or breeding dates considerably preceded those previously documented. Note the first sightings of Solitary and Stilt sandpipers, Eastern Wood-Pewee and Wood Thrush, and more significantly, the nesting dates of Great Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron and Royal Tern. Among starring-role species this spring were Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, White-faced Ibis, Swallow-tailed and Mississippi kites, Roseate Tern, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Western Tanager. Abbreviations: Back Bay (Back Bay NWR, Virginia Beach); Beasley (Beasley Tract, Princess Anne WMA, Virginia Beach); CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, s. of Northampton); CCB (Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary/Virginia Commonwealth University); Chinc. (Chincoteague NWR, Accomack); Craney (Craney Island, Portsmouth); Dismal (Dismal Swamp NWR, Chesapeake/Suffolk); False Cape (False Cape SP, Virginia Beach); Grandview (Grandview Nature Preserve, Hampton); HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, Hampton/Norfolk); KSP (Kiptopeke SP, Northampton) WATERFOWL IBIS A BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK was off Upshurs Neck Rd., Accomack 19 May (ph. PC). The season s last Snow Goose report was 3 at the Oyster Landfill, Northampton 23 Apr (BH, LB). A single Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 33

34 Ross s Goose was among 830 Snow Geese (69 of them dark morphs) near Rte. 13 milepost 121 in Accomack 22 Mar (HA). One Cackling Goose was at Heritage Park, Virginia Beach 7 Mar (EF). Two Tundra Swans were at Chinc. 11 Apr (JA, EM); one of those stayed through 31 May (m. obs.). A m. Eurasian Wigeon lingered at Chinc. through at least 8 Apr (MB). One of 2 at Craney 19 Mar (DY et al.) was last observed there 2 Apr (RB et al.); another was found in Cape Charles 23 (ph. VK) & 29 Mar (ph. LB). Up to 4 American Wigeons at Chinc. through 23 May (CO) exceeded the species typical 10 May late date by almost two weeks. Craney s EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, still on site 2 May (m. obs., ph. AD), set a new extreme late date (previously 7 Apr) for this nominate subspecies. At least 8 Common Eiders and 8 Harlequin Ducks were off the CBBT 1 Mar (DCr et al.). Two of the eiders were present there 19 Mar (RP, SM fide HA) and a Harlequin Duck remained to at least 6 May (BA). Clearly migrants, 42 northbound Black Scoters passed off Virginia Beach 20 May (RBi); 15 April is the species normal late date. Although widespread geographically, the number of Red-necked Grebes was surprisingly low. The season s peak count was 8 off the CBBT islands 1 Mar (DCr et al.) with 2 on hand there through 21 Mar (ph. KK). Other reports included one at Sherwood L., Virginia Beach 7 Mar (EF); one to 2 at Chinc. 8 (EF) to 25 Mar (2) (JB, CM); 2 at Willis Wharf, Northampton 22 Mar (HA); and one at Chinc May (CR, WW). An Eared Grebe was at Chinc. 29 Mar (ph. SD). A Sooty Shearwater passed off Chinc. 24 May (JB, CM). During the third week of May an Anhinga was at the Blackwater Rd., Chesapeake site where a pair successfully raised young in 2014 (KR fide EF). Seven American White Pelicans cruised over Factory Pt. at Grandview 2 May (NF, SS). This spring a CCB nesting phenology study at several Tidewater heronries documented significant new early incubation dates for two species. A Great Egret incubating 11 Apr was seven days earlier than the previously known 18 Apr early date, and a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron incubating 28 Mar (BWa) was 14 days earlier than the previously acknowledged 10 Apr early date. A Yellowcrowned Night-Heron at Back Bay 7 Mar (MEN) may have over-wintered there. A WHITE-FACED IBIS at Chinc. 5 Apr (JB, ph. CM) made the 7th consecutive spring/summer and 13 of the last 17 years this species has been found in the Region. Another, or possibly the same bird, was on that refuge 15 (ph. EMo) through 27 May (GS). RAPTORS ALCIDS Four different Swallow-tailed Kites were reported, including one at Beasley 18 Apr ( JS), another at KSP 22 Apr (L&CB), and 2 near the Pungo Ferry Bridge, Virginia Beach 15 May (PD). An ad. Mississippi Kite near L. Smith, Virginia Beach 4 May (ESB) was likely one from a nest-building/copulating pair reported at nearby Burroughs Rd. 7 May (TT); at least one could be found at that location through 31 May (m. obs.). This site was where a pair with a probable fledgling spent summer Elsewhere, singles were noted in Norfolk 19 May (BA), over the Dismal Canal Trail, Chesapeake 24 May (TT), and over the Kings Grant section of Virginia Beach, ~4.5 km from Burroughs Rd., 24 & 27 May (RF, MM). A Sandhill Crane was detected at Chinc. 12 Apr (ph. LJ) and 7 May (m. obs.). Six Black-necked Stilts were at Craney 16 Apr (RB et al.). The total by 21 May was 33, including a nestbuilding pair and 2 already incubating (BW et al.). Up to 5 were at Chinc. 25 Apr (2) (BB) to 18 May (5) (MMa), with 2 there 23 May (BHo). A dozen were off the Chincoteague causeway, Accomack 20 (AW) & 23 May (BHo) and 2 were at Back Bay 29 May (RBi). Craney s American Avocet count rose from 3 on 21 Mar (m. obs.) to 30 on 4 Apr (m. obs.); only one was present 28 May (LS et al.). A leg-tagged (white MM on black band) American Oystercatcher at Chinc. 19 Apr ( JB) had been banded on Assawoman Is., Accomack in Jun Resightings confirmed it spent Jan 2013 in South Carolina and summer 2013 on Assateague Is. (fide JB). Single American Golden- Plovers were at Chinc. 15 May (ph. EMo) and at Queen Anne s Landing, Accomack 17 May (PR). A remarkably early Solitary Sandpiper at the southern end of L. Drummond Causeway, near Ballahack Rd., Chesapeake 12 Mar (EF) erased the species former 23 Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 34

35 Mar extreme early date. The highest reported Willet count was 400 off Magotha Rd., Northampton 21 Mar (HA). An Eastern Willet pair with 3 downy young off Poquoson Rd., Poquoson 29 May (ph. V&GB) was a noteworthy western shore find. A total of 2316 Whimbrels was recorded between hours at Box Tree Cr., Northampton 24 May (BWa et al.). There were 405 Marbled Godwits at Willis Wharf, Northampton 20 Mar (HA). The former extreme early date (24 Mar) for Stilt Sandpiper became obsolete with one at Craney 21 Mar (m. obs.). Single Wilson s Phalaropes were at Craney 26 Apr (AB, ph. TT) and 21 May (BW); one was at Chinc. 3 ( JW) & 15 May (KG). A Red-necked Phalarope at Chinc. 23 May (SK) was just ahead of 2 at Craney 28 May (BW et al.). A fly-by Razorbill skirted Chinc. 13 Mar ( JB, CM). GULLS FINCHES Iceland Gull reports included one at Wallops Is., Accomack 8 Mar (ph. TB), one off the CBBT 20 Mar and 13 Apr (ESB), and one at Back Bay 26 Mar (BA). A second-cycle Glaucous Gull was on the HRBT 24 Mar (ph. RB, M&JA). A Roseate Tern was off the CBBT first island 14 May (ESB) and 3 were at Chinc. 29 May (GS). Royal Tern nests with eggs were on the HRBT 24 Apr (RB), 8 days ahead of the species previously known 1 May first-egg date. Early arrival Sandwich Terns included at least one near Hampton (ph. V&GB) and 6 off False Cape (BA) 15 Apr and one off Windsor Pt., Norfolk 19 Apr (DC); the species extreme early date was set at Craney 10 Apr A Short-eared Owl delighted m. obs. at Saxis, Accomack 29 Mar. Two Common Nighthawks were at Craney 21 May (BW et al.) and one was in Onancock, Accomack 31 May ( JSh). An Eastern Wood-Peewee at Dismal s Railroad Ditch 21 Apr (BA) was 2 days ahead of the species former 23 Apr Coastal Plain extreme early date. A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was photographed at Back Bay 18 May (ph. ML). An exceptionally early Wood Thrush was in Virginia Beach 28 Mar (RF, MM). There were 9 Snow Buntings at Grandview 1 Mar (MA, EC); 8 were there 8 Mar ( JWe). The peak Snow Bunting count was 15 at Chinc. 7 Mar (EC). Singles were at Craney 12 Mar (RB et al.) and at Chinc. 17 Mar (LG, ph. DR). The life span of Prothonotary Warblers averages 2.5 years (maximum 8.1 years). So there was great excitement at Northwest R. Pk., Chesapeake 5 May when a f. banded there as a second-year bird 14 Jun 2009 was recaptured (SDe), confirming that grand lady was in her 7th year! The peak reported Swainson s Warbler count was 6 at Dismal 21 Apr (BA). An Orange-crowned Warbler in the Coastal Plain after 25 Apr is considered late. Therefore, one singing at Weyanoke Sanctuary, Norfolk 15 May (TT) was very special. The extreme late date for this species is 30 May. A Lark Sparrow was along Bailey Ln., Virginia Beach 14 & 27 Mar ( JS). Three Vesper Sparrows were on Wallops Is., Accomack 3 Mar ( JB) and one was off Interior Ditch, Dismal 1 Apr (BA, TT, RBr). The f. WESTERN TANAGER that appeared at a Chesapeake feeder 28 Feb stayed through 12 Mar (ph. KK). Painted Buntings were chronicled well into the season from several locations. A m. was at KSP through at least 5 Mar (AP). Of 2 in Great Bridge, Chesapeake through 19 Mar, one tarried until 8 Apr (BM). A m. was off Resh Ct., Chesapeake 20 Mar (KH, MMi). Three were at Chesapeake Golf Course, Chesapeake 22 Mar (fide AH) and a m. was in Norfolk 8 Apr (LR). A f. in Hampton Apr was likely the same Green PABU that spent the last two winters in this area (ph. EM, JA). The period s highest reported Rusty Blackbird count was ~300 at Jericho Ditch Ln., Suffolk 13 Mar (DG). A Common Redpoll was in Chincoteague, Accomack 18 Mar (SD). Contributors: Marilyn and John Adair, Bob Ake, Matt Anthony, Harry Armistead, Jessica Ausura, Lynn and Curtis Badger, Andrew Baldelli, Marygrace Barber, Tara Bardar, Ruth Beck, Barry Bergey, James Berry, Rob Bielawski (RBi), Lynda Blair, Virginia and George Boyles, Edward S. Brinkley, Rexanne Bruno (RBr), Joelle Buffa, Paula Cameron, Erin Chapman, David Clark, Emily Cook, Dan Cristol (DCr), Shirley Devan (SDe), Sally Dick, Peter Doherty, Adam D Onofrio, Elisa Flanders, Nick Flanders, Ron Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 35

36 Furnish, David Gibson, Kathy Glyshaw, Lisa Gurney, Kalah Hancock, Andy Hawkins, Bill Hohenstein (BHo), Barbara Houston, Larry Johnson, Stefan Karkuff, Karen Kearney, Victor Klein, Michael Linz, Mark Magistro (MMa), Sharon Meeker, Mark Miles (MMi), Ernie Miller, Bob Mislan, Elton Morel (EMo), Clyde Morris, Marie Mullins, Mary Ellen Newport, Clark Olsen, Ruth Pfeffer, Andrew Philpot, Pam Rasmussen, Louis Rajnys, Chris Risley, Keith Roberts, Dick Rowe, Jason Schatti, James Shelton ( JSh), Gary Smith, Stuart Sweetman, Tracy Tate, Joy Walker, Bryan Watts (BWa), Jason Weaver ( JWe), Walter Wehtje, Bill Williams, Andy Wilson, Dave Youker George Boyles documented this Sandwich Tern in Hampton April 15. Virginia Birds Volume 11 Number 4 36