[va-bird] Razorbills at Fort Story

The exteme southeastern part of the state lucked out over the past few days
and received mostly rain rather than the blanket of snow that inundated most
of Virginia and elsewhere.  With gray skies, intermittent rain, and a strong
wind out of the northeast, it seemed like good conditions for sitting in the
car and looking out over the ocean.  So, I went to Fort Story in Virginia
Beach yesterday and watched a parade of Gannets, Red-throated Loons and
other seabirds battling the elements.  During a brief lull in the rain I was
able to roll down my car window for just a few minutes without getting
myself, my binoculars, or my potato chips drenched.  The timing was
excellent as a group of 4 Razorbills took that opportunity to make a break
for it, flying parallel to the shore directly in front of me and heading out
to sea. 

The waves were incredible, especially offshore. Through binoculars you could
see huge waves occuring where ocean and bay waters were at odds with each
other and with the wind.  Several of the breaking waves offshore were more
than twice as high as the channel marker bouys, which means the waves were
probably in the 25 to 30 foot range.  It was truly awesome!

In addition to providing me a new life bird (the Razorbills), the nasty
weather added to my yard list as well.  The storm was accompanied by
above-normal tides, which led to a flooding of the marsh area behind my
house. This made conditions good for ducks, so I was able to spot Mallard,
Black Duck, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, Canvasback, Greater Scaup
(new) and Amerian Coot (new) from the comfort of my den.   

Good birding everyone.  Try to keep warm and dry.

David Clark
Norfolk, VA

  

   


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