I haven't seen much posted from Chincoteague lately, so I thought I'd post a
few birds (seen by Bob Ake and myself yesterday) for folks who might be coming
up for the shorebird spectacle, etc. in coming days. Conditions in Swan Cove
and Snow Goose Pool yesterday were good for studying shorebirds and ibis, and
though nothing rare was found, it's very pleasant to study hundreds and
hundreds of Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers in
breeding dress (small numbers of Whimbrel, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied
Plover
as well). Bev Leeuwenburg saw 2 Stilt Sandpipers in Black Duck Marsh 15 May;
we did not see these, but there were thousands of shorebirds to look through,
and by midmorning the heat haze was intense. Highlights of the day were:
Red Knot - 3 at Chinc. in Snow Goose Pool
White-rumped Sand - 2 at Chinc. (1 in Snow Goose, 1 in Swan - low!)
Cattle Egret - 1 at Chinc. in Snow Goose Pool (getting scarce)
Piping Plover - 1 on outer beach
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 first-spring in Swan Cove
Black-necked Stilt - 1 ad. on causeway
Surf Scoter - 2 (m., f.) in Swan Cove
Green-winged Teal - 1 (also present at Eastern Shore NWR)
There was a male Bufflehead at Oyster, and 2 Hooded Mergansers continue
there. A Black Skimmer also at Oyster. We did not see Brant, Northern
Shoveler,
Northern Harrier, or other birds we were looking for but had a good day, all in
all. Good lunch at "Not Just Salads" in town.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, Virginia
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