Gordy Adamski, Betty, Pat Alther and I toured the Blue Grass Valley area of
Highland County today. First stop was at the hairpin curve just below the
Conferderate Breastworks overlook. Group from Richmond Audubon was already
there seeking out the elusive Red Crossbills. It was quite brisk with temps
around 11 degrees and snow squalls passing over. When we first stepped out
of the vehicle I heard what sounded like Crossbill's pip-pip-pip and then
silence. Several minute followed and then the unmistakable flight call of a
male RED CROSSBILL as it flew out and continued NW out-of-site. Most of us
were able to at least see RED! The other crossbills remained hidden from
view and after several long minutes we decided to head on down the mountain.
Just as I was turning the ignition on I head a crossbill and then noted the
Richmond folks were honing in something of interest. A single crossbill
flew in and landed atop a tree next to the road where it remained for
several long minutes providing great views. Several other crossbills were
seen and heard. Web link below to a few pics.
The further west we drove, the more snow squalls passed over with
intermittent periods of sunshine. By mid-day the snow moved out with mostly
sunny skies. We tallied no less than 5 GOLDEN EAGLES (2 adults, 2 juveniles
and 1 underdertmined) and 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (both light phase) in the area
between Blue Grass and Hightown. (Sunday week ago I had at least 5 Golden
Eagle and 2 Rough-legged in one spot along Rt. 543 at 542 (Laruel Fork Road)
Along Rt. 640 south of Blue Grass near Rt. 250 we found one adult Golden and
one immature. Each one flew over and across the road providing great views.
The adult was observed first during late morning. The juvenile was located
on return trip back to Blue Grass near area we had the ault. We also found
a light phased Rough-legged in this same area (5+ miles south of Blue
Grass).
One juvenile Golden Eagle was found flying over 644 near 642. We observed
it land on the ground next to a good size critter that may have been a
ground hog. Even with spotting scope it was difficult to identify. I
thought it too cold for a ground hog (24 degrees but we're not sure whatelse
it could have been. Whatever it was, it sqidaddled across the top of the
ridge leaving the young eagle standing in the same spot. The eagle
eventually took to the air flying across toward top of the ridge in back of
Margaret O'Bryan's place.
This area along 644 at 643 is same area of the 2nd Rough-legged Hawk.
On return trip we stopped in McDowell. Here we observed a BROWN CREEPER
working the Maple Tree in front of the house with the feeders. There are
several outer branches that either broke off or were trimmed and sap has
oozed out forming icicles. The Brown Creeper worked it's way up and over to
the sap where it was observed and photographed enjoying this sweet treat.
Last weekend I observed a Black-capped Chickadee doing the same thing. WEB
LINK below for pick of the Brown Creeper with sweat beak.
Back in Augusta County we came across a recent road kill (today) about 1.5
miles west of West Augusta. We circled back and removed it from center of
the road and discovered it was an AMERICAN BITTERN. What a shame!
WEB LINK TO RED CROSSBILL:
http://www.birdsofvirginia.com/image_links/RedCrossbill4_link.htm
WEB LINK TO BROWN CREEPER:
http://www.birdsofvirginia.com/image_links/BrownCreeper2_link.htm
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Brenda Tekin
Charlottesville, VA
"Leave behind what you find; if you must take something, take pictures."
Digital Photography, including Birds of Virginia:
http://www.birdsofvirginia.com
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