Thanks to Big Sit Leader/Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory Hawkwatcher
Sam Stuart, we managed 69 species in rather damp, cool and windy conditions at
Kiptopeke. We have been averaging above 70 for several years and almost got
there anyway due to a few surprises in addition to the birds that are usually
around. Some of the highlights were a Red-breasted Nuthatch at the feeders,
an early Common Loon and 9 birds new to the event at Kiptopeke including
Stilt Sandpiper,Yellow-billed Cuckoo, hummingbird sp. (2 quick flybys),
Empidonax
flycatcher, likley an Acadian, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Nashvile Warbler,
Magnolia Warbler, Black and White Warbler and Baltimore Oriole. The 7 year
cumulative total now stands at 134.
Big Sitters who spent a large part of the day besides Sam included Ariel
White, Bob Anderson, Bob Ake and me. Thanks to many others who came out for a
while, too.
Brian Taber
Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
