The heavy rains and winds of Ernesto abated suddenly around 14:30, enough so
that residents could get out by kayak (or in my case chest-waders) and survey
the damage. Not many trees down (mostly smaller ones) but lots of completely
flooded basements, etc. Almost 10 inches of rain means that streets are
still flooded up to and beyond front steps for most people.
In town, large numbers of migrant warblers are zipping around calling, some
foraging through the crape myrtles. I counted 35 Northern Waterthrushes in
five blocks, 20 Yellow Warblers, 13 American Redstarts, one Magnolia Warbler,
and a Veery.
On the beach, small numbers of dowitchers and Western Willets were flying
southward (now into the wind), one Red Phalarope came past (nearly landed in
the
harbor), 8 Sanderlings and many Ruddy Turnstones were moving, and nearly 1000
terns were passing southward along the beach, some pausing to feed in the lee
of the new fishing pier here (a great seawatch spot). Among these terns, a
Bridled Tern and 9 Least Terns, superb close-range looks at these.
White-rumped Sandpiper (not common in town) and several Spotted Sandpipers
(common in
town) were also around, with sundry Killdeer and Semipalmated Plovers. The
beach has been devastated by the storm, unfortunately - this after a
million-dollar restoration project that was just completed. As of 16:45, the
waters
have not come down a half-inch since the peak of flooding.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
