After 3 days of poor flight conditions, today's good flight in seemingly marginal weather was a nice surprise. The forecast said northeast winds, but they were southerly and the sun even shined briefly before the cold drizzle set in. There were 88 birds, the second best total of the season, of 6 species in less than 3 hours, including 6 Bald Eagles, 5 Black Vultures and 3 Northern Harriers. As usual, Turkey Vultures made up the bulk of the flight, though that should begin to change in the next 2 weeks as Sharp-shinneds and American Kestrels arrive. Ring-billed Gulls and Tree Swallows were moving north by the dozens and a few new arrivals like Rough-winged Swallows, Royal Terns and Laughing Gulls were appearing as well. The first butterfly of the season at the site, a small orange one, escaped unidentified. Unsettled, but warmer air is on the way next week. Brian Taber College Creek Hawkwatch is located on the James River near Williamsburg and is sponsored by Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory. You are subscribed to VA-BIRD. To post to this mailing list, simply send email to va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe, send email to va-bird-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field.