[va-bird] Chincoteague, 10/29-30

I visited Chincoteague with my wife and son this past weekend, and noted many 
migrants among the 91 species tallied.  Notable sightings were pine siskin 
(head flying overhead but not seen against a painfully blue sky), long-tailed 
ducks (pair heading south), tons of scoters (surf and black) heading south, 
scores of gannets fishing just offshore (all juveniles), unbelievable numbers 
of yellow-rumped warblers, marbled godwit on the beach, and good numbers of 
loons and horned grebes in Tom's Cove.  What was surprising to me was the lack 
of snow geese and other waterfowl.  Snow Goose pool held only 5 snows when I 
drove the wildlife drive.  One sizable flock flew over, but I did not see where 
they landed.  I did not see any swans or brant.  There were small flocks of 
ducks throughout the refuge, but not the numbers I anticipated.  I have not 
birded Chinc. this time of year before, so I guess I was early for peak 
waterfowl numbers.  Still, it was a most enjoyable weekend.

Marc Ribaudo
Woodbridge, VA

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