VA Birders,
Last Monday, Mar. 27, I took an overnight trip to the Northern Neck to
check a few of my favorite birding spots and see what I could find there. All
of the places mentioned are included in the VA Birding & Trail Guide, Coastal
Area, booklet.
I went first to Washington's Birthplace National Monument, Westmoreland
Co., where I found 4 FORSTER'S TERNS, my first of the year. I also found at
least 100 TUNDRA SWANS off the Picnic Area, along with at least 8 MUTE SWANS.
Next I drove to Vir-Mar Beach, Northumberland Co., to see what birds
might be in the bay there at the end of March. The answer: none! However,
just
up the road from the beach, I found a flock of 30 WILD TURKEYS at the back of
a field. By this time it was late afternoon, probably a good time to find
them. Then, while driving down Rt. 200, I saw 3 more turkeys standing out in
the
middle of a bare field. As soon as they realized they were being watched,
they flew across the road and into some trees. These birds were in Lancaster
Co., just north of Kilmarnock, where I spent Monday night at the very nice
Holiday Inn Express.
On Tuesday morning, March 28, I went to Belle Isle State Park, Lancaster
Co., where I was surprised to see an adult NORTHERN GANNETT flying around in
the Rappahannock River from the park's picnic area. OSPREYS were out in
force--I counted at least 10 at the park. I also saw an adult BALD EAGLE, an
EASTERN MEADOWLARK, and my first 3 CHIPPING SPARROWS of the year.
Good birding,
Val Kitchens
Arlington, VA
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