Hello all,
We enjoyed a quick getaway to Chincoteague Thanksgiving Day (the 24th) and
Friday the 25th.
When we got to the refuge on the 24th, it was warm enough to bird without
jackets. Friday was another matter--cold and windy in the open areas. There is
plenty of water in the various pools and quite a variety of waterfowl.
Our total for the trip was 65 species.
Highlights included:
Watching a juvenile PEREGRINE FALCON taking a bath in Shoveler Pool; great
looks from the Wildlife Loop Road near the Snow Goose Pool Overlook of an adult
PEREGRINE perched in a tree (this bird caused quite a traffic jam for about 15
minutes); watching and listening to at least 50 TUNDRA SWANS in Snow Goose Pool
and enjoying the sight of thousands of SNOW GEESE. They were all the more
stunning against clear, blue skies. Among the ducks we expected to find, the
only one we did not see was the Blue-winged Teal. The pools and canals were
also great places to find SNOWY and GREAT EGRETS. It seemed as if several of
these, as well as one or two GREAT BLUE HERONs, were the designated "photo op.
birds" for all the photographers who were out and about. There were even som
RUDDY DUCKS who were in the canal along Beach Road near Swan Cove and did not
mind all the photographers.
The Woodland Trail was a great place to find BROWN HEADED NUTHATCHES, along
with BROWN CREEPERS, GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS, and a BROWN THRASHER.
We don't go the Chincoteague every Fall, but we saw the most BRANTS this trip
for any of our Fall visits. Therer were also several AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS
poking around in the oyster beds near the causeway.
Good birding to all,
Jay and Carol HadlockGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download :
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