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.
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