Took a late morning walk in Bells Mill Park Easter Sunday and saw a Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher flitting about the shrub and thicket near the marsh edge. He was
very busy; his bluish gray head and back were beautiful in the sunlight. Our
second bonus for the day was a sub-adult Northern Harrier eating a rabbit on an
open hill. We slowly approached and got within 35 feet. He stayed on the hill
eating for about 10 minutes. It gave us the opportunity to view his features
quite well. He was really enjoying his Easter bunny. Our evening walk behind
Tidewater Community College was equally wonderful. The Eastern Towhees were
singing loudly; the Marsh wren made a brief appearance; and the two Northern
Flickers were obviously feeling a bit randy. Spring is definitely here.
