FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] RN Phalarope, OS Flycatcher / Clarke Co

["Jon Little" <littlejon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While birding northern Clake Co today, we found a small cattle pond with a 
single RED-NECKED PHALAROPE along with a few other shorebirds (Least SP, 
LY-Legs, Solitary SP, Killdeer).  

Right as we got there and started to sort through the birds, a Bald Eagle 
arrived and spooked everything up before we could get a decent look at the 
Phalarope. That's probably the first time I've ever been disappointed & 
actually upset to see an Eagle! However, eventually he left and the birds 
settled down. In spite of the misty air and dreary light, I was able to get a 
few decent photos of the Phalarope.

Later, along Swift Shoals Rd (river road, S of Hwy 50), we came upon a very 
active OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. While at first we found it on a powerline wire, 
eventually it did what most Olive-sided do - perch at the very tip-top of a 
tall tree along the river. They've always been one of my favorite birds! One 
mystery bird was a silent empid that I think may have been a Least FC.

We found 6 Great Egrets along the Shenandoah, which basically, is quite 
unusual. Also, as mentioned by other folks, there were 1000s of Swallows 
everywhere along the river - 5 species.

Jon & BJ Little
Winchester