FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Dickcissel returns

[Phoebetria@xxxxxxx]

The adult male Dickcissel (breeding plumage) returned to the feeders here at 
the house briefly this morning at 0701, the first visit I'm aware of in well 
over a week.  It's possible the bird is attending feeders elsewhere in town (at 
least 8 other houses have feeders with millet), but I expect it's able to 
forage in fields on most days.  Cold rain here may have brought it back for an 
easier meal.  The female Sharp-shinned Hawk that was in transitional plumage 
and 
attended the feeders for much of the winter is now in adult plumage 
(assumption here is that the same bird is involved, based on behavior).  On the 
Bay, 
flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls (basic plumage), Northern Gannets, and scatterings 
of Common Loons (all plumages) are increasing, often seen moving southward just 
off the beach in Cape Charles.  The loons' calls echo loudly in the harbor 
most days (and some nights), a very pleasant sound, if startlingly loud at 
times.  

Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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