Tina Trice and I birded around Kerr Reservoir in Mecklenburg County
today. Overall, there were very few loons down there, all COMMON
LOONS. There was no sign of a Red-throated or Pacific Loon. However,
at Palmer Point there was a small scaup flock with about 18 GREATER
SCAUP and only 2 LESSER SCAUP. Normally, I would expect it to be the
other way around. In with the scaup were 4 CANVASBACKS (1 male, 3
females) and a few BUFFLEHEAD. Several FISH CROWS were calling at the
point and the resident RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was also in attendance.
Groups of HORNED GREBES were scattered around the lake.
At Tailrace Park below the dam, best bird was a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
among a few HERRING GULLS and many RING-BILLED GULLS. My best guess is
that the LBBG was a third winter bird and it was the first one I've seen
down there in 3+ years. However, there was one seen there by Brian
Bockhahn during the Kerr Lake CBC in 2005. Also there were a few
GADWALL, BUFFLEHEAD and a good showing of HOODED MERGANSERS.
Surprisingly, we did not see a Bald Eagle at that location or anywhere
else today.
Dick Cross WMA was fairly quiet but a FOX SPARROW sat up nicely in
response to a little pishing. A NORTHERN HARRIER cruised over the
wetlands behind the dog kennels and the Clyde's Pond marsh held a large
group of RING-NECKED DUCKS, some MALLARDS and another 10 GADWALL or so.
A nice day out. Good birding.
Adam D'Onofrio
Dinwiddie Co.
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