FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] First Post - Short Pump Birding

[Ben Griffon <bengriffon@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

This is my first post to the RAS list. Hope to meet
some of you on a birding trip soon. 

I live out in the Short Pump area of Richmond, one of
the epicenters of rapid residential development in
this area. It seems every month a new stand of trees
goes down to make way for houses that noone can
afford. I'm lucky enough to live in an apartment
complex that still has a fair amount of trees and is
bordered by a large tract of undeveloped land. I've
seen and heard brown headed nuthatches (an ABC green
list species) on my neighbor's suet feeder over the
last few weeks. I am wondering if they have a nest
nearby. 

Sunday, I walked down Three Chopt road behind the
abandoned farm across from the Short Pump Home Depot
on Broad St. I here this land is supposed to be
developed pretty soon which is a shame. I think the
farm has only been out of use for about a year.
Already, the overgrown field and empty buildings are
providing useful habitat for birds. I watched a
red-tailed hawk scouting the fields. Also caught sight
of an American Kestrel hovering and stooping in the
high wind. Every few minutes, it flew over and poked
its head in a small hole in the side of the barn where
I presume there was another on the nest. Very cool. I
will have to go back and follow their progress. I hope
they at least make it throught the breeding season
before the farm comes down.

Ben


        
                
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