[va-richmond-general] Piney Grove Sunday Dec 9-late post

Nothing sure was finer than to eat at the Virginia Diner after seeing more Red-cockaded Woodpeckers than we could count on Sunday Dec. 9. The weather was truly spring-like and the 4:30 alarm clock call was soon a distant memory as 13 of us took to the woods of The Nature Conservancy's Piney Grove Preserve. We watched the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers emerge from their cavities right on the sunrise cue and and entertain us as they flew in their tight clusters amongst the pines. A privilege to see this bird which currently numbers approx. 36 in the state. A life bird for some and still a wonder to us all.
 
Many Brown-headed Nuthatches squeaked in the canopy as well as Bluebirds, Pine warblers and both Kinglets. Many of us had good looks at Fox sparrows and Towhees in a brushy area beyond the pines. After all that hard work we enjoyed great food and conversation at the Virginia Diner.
 
Huge thanks to Bobby Clontz of The Nature Conservancy who's hard work in maintaining habitat and educating the public on this bird is certainly to be commended. Also appreciation to Gary for traveling from Virginia Beach to help guide us through the preserve and give us colorful breakfast conversation.
 
An outstanding day!
Julie Kacmarcik
Chester
 

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