Hogg Island, Surrey County, VA
Thursday, May 1, 2003
It has been a very long day that began early this morning checking
Observatory Hill (O-Hill) and then driving to Hampton to visit my mom.
On return trip I went by way of Rt. 10 to check out Hogg Island.
Entrance is by way of passing security checkpoint at the Surrey Nuclear
Plant. No alcohol or guns are permitted and vehicles are
searched. Driver's licence must be presented. (When National Security
alert is code orange or red, access is not permitted.)
Arriving by 4:15 p.m., there was still plenty of daylight to practice
digiscoping a few birds that included Bobolink. A very large flock in
excess of 50 birds calling and actively feeding in first wide open field
about 1/2 mile down on left.
Three female Red-breasted Merganser and a single adult male Ruddy Duck in
breeding plumage were swimming around.
The big surprise however, was a Least Bittern that began calling from the
first pond to right as you enter refuge. Approximately 7:15 p.m. I was
finally heading out, driving slow. At the first pull-off on the right side
coming in (to my left as I was heading out), I heard a Sora which was very
close to the road. I pulled over and turned engine off. Water levels are
very high but I finally managed to locate it. As I was watching and
listening to the Sora, from the same pond but further back closer to stand
of trees, I clearly heard the distinct call that immediately took my
attention away from the Sora. A call that was NOT a Black-billed Cuckoo. It
just so happened I had been listening to the Peterson's More Birding by Ear
CD's that day. I pulled out the CD and pulled up Track 2 and skipped to
the Least Bittern. With windows rolled down and driver door open, I sat
inside listening to a Least Bittern duet!
Highlights:
Least Bittern
Sora
Bobolink
Blue Grosbeak (quite a few)
Indigo Bunting
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Eastern Kingbird (quite a few)
White-rumped Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper (rufous ear patch and rufous on crown)
Solitary Sandpiper
(O-hill report is being written up separately.)
Brenda Tekin
Charlottesville, VA
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