VA Birders,
To add to Ben Copeland's report about the Hampton Roads Bird Club field trip
yesterday to the Eastern Shore...
We arrived at Kiptopeke in time for the second and third rounds at the banding
station. Jethro and team treated us to great looks at Gray-cheeked Thrush,
Blue-headed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe and Scarlet Tanager. Warblers included
Black-throated Blue, Prairie, American Redstart, Northern Parula and of course
an abundance of Yellow-rumps.
Walking around Kiptopeke we had close-up views of both Kinglets and a Pine
Warbler. Blue Jays and Northern Flickers were plentiful.
The winds were from the West, so we saw more raptors at EVNWA than at the hawk
station. Tree Swallows were in the 100s or 1,000s everywhere we went.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so my husband Lee and I decided to explore
Magotha Road after the other club members left. We were not disappointed. At
the end of the road we heard, then saw, a Belted Kingfisher calling repeatedly
and shortly afterwards watched a Northern Harrier fly out right in front of us.
It stayed low and close for several seconds, allowing us to watch its movement
in awe. Also along this road, we saw Palm and Common Yellowthroat Warblers,
Downy Woodpecker and Song Sparrow.
It was one of those days that you hate to see end.
Meredith Bell
Hayes, VA
merandlee@xxxxxxx
