[va-richmond-general] Fisherman's Island and Eastern Shore Halloween Blitz
From: juliekazz@xxxxxxxxxxx
To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Richmond Birds)
Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 02:22:18 +0000
Thank goodness we set the clocks back an hour this weekend because I sure
didn't want to leave the Eastern Shore. 12 of us had one of the most incredible
bird walks I have ever experienced on Fisherman's Island Saturday morning
under brillant sunny skies. The number of Tree swallows was staggering as they
swarmed and flocked overhead in an aerial display that almost eclisped the sun.
Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks. Merlins, Osprey, Bald Eagles and Red Tails
flew in so quickly even the most skilled air traffic controller would have been
challenged to provide safe passage. Although not as balmy as last year's
trip-the day was spectacular and much was learned about the history and ecology
of the refuge from our leader Yvonne Schultz and Intern Brad
Iforgothislastname.
A hearty group of 6 campers re-capped the day around the campfire as well as
sharing other folklore, exploring the "etiology of our names" and sampling
some incredible Pumpkin Ale. Bald Eagle walkway provided us a great observatory
for exploring the night sky and viewing many constellations.
A pleasant visit to the Banding Station and Hawk Platform Sunday morning just
topped off the weekend before our final wrap up lunch at Stingray's.
Highlights from the weekend:
Brown Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
White Ibis
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Hooded Merganser
Osprey
BALD Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
American kestrel
Clapper Rail
Black-bellied Plover
> Yellowlegs
Sanderling
Forster's Tern
Royal tern
Eurasian Collared Dove
Screech Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Tree swallow or 2
Brown creeper (many)
Hermit Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped warbler.........
Towhee
Field sparrow
White-throated sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
.. and the other usual woodland/beach residents.
This was our 2nd annual Halloween Fisherman's Island Trip-I am already looking
forward to next year. Don't let the weather-men "scare" you away next time.
Thanks to the crew that turned out.
Julie K.
Chester
