[va-bird] Orange-crowned Warbler, Pacific Loon, White-winged Dove in Norfolk

    On Tuesday, November 21, an Orange-crowned Warbler appeared at the suet 
feeder in our yard.  This is the seventh year out of the past eight that we've 
had this species at our feeder.  This individual appeared to have a brighter 
broken eye-ring than any of the individuals we've had before.  However, the 
underparts were not sufficiently yellow for it to be the Pacific race.
    On Wednesday during our noreaster I was scoping the Lafayette River in back 
of our house and saw a bird I believed to be a Pacific Loon.  However, it 
disappeared in the extremely choppy waters on the river.  About 45 minutes 
later I saw a group of loons drifting upriver.  I got them in the scope and 
confirmed three Common Loons and one Pacific Loon.  The significant difference 
in size was readily apparent.  Checking details in the scope showed a dark, 
rounded head, small bill, no significant eye outline, white throat, demarcated 
by a easily seen dark throat band.  The loons stayed in view for about ten 
minutes.  I haven't seen the Pacific Loon again.
    Today, Friday, a White-winged Dove appeared at my feeders in the company of 
up to a dozen Mourning Doves.  I got some reasonable digital pictures.  It flew 
off and I scattered some additional birdseed to try to keep it around.  The 
bird returned twice more during the afternoon.
    Anyone interested in seeing the feeder birds is welcome to stop by.  It's 
better if you ring the doorbell and come in the house, but if we're not home, 
feel free to go around to the south side of the house where the feeders are.  
We'll be attending the VSO field trips next weeked. Those coming to the VSO 
weekend should feel free to stop by even though we probably won't be home.  By 
the way there was an immature Ross' Goose at Back Bay NWR on November 14.  It 
might still be there for the VSO weekend.

Cheers,
Bob

Robert L. Ake
6603 Catherine Street
Norfolk VA 23505

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