[va-bird] The ladies have arrived! (Ben Jesup)

I noticed a significant shift in the demographics of migrants in northern 
Virginia beginning this weekend.  I began seeing numerous female blackpolls 
and black-throated blues at several locations.  I have also happened upon a 
female scarlet tanager, a female magnolia, and many non-singing red-eyed 
vireos.  All of these, with the exception of the vireos, I had not seen 
previously this spring.  Also, there seems to be a higher percentage of 
yellowstarts to redstarts (albeit a fair number of them are singing 
first-year males).

I'm curious if others were struck by this.  I guess it's not a surprise, as I 
understand that with many migrants the males arrive first to stake out 
territories, but it is still interesting to see (anecdotal) confirmation of 
this.

BTW, the arrival of the ladies have made White Oaks Park more interesting 
Monday and Tuesday.  I have had twice as many species or more than last week 
(you may recall my whining . . .), including a non-singing worm-eating 
warbler hanging out with two female black-throated blues.  I also had late 
sparrows: 2 white-throats and 1 swamp.

Vive la difference!

Ben Jesup


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