For the Hampton Roads Bird Club's March field trip, we explored Hog Island in
Surry County on Saturday morning, March 11.
Highlights of the day were large numbers of BALD EAGLES, OSPREY, and singing
PINE WARBLERS. At least once every 10 minutes, it seemed, a Bald Eagle would
fly overhead - most were immature, but we did see two mature flying together.
Other raptors were SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL.
The most abundant duck species was RING-NECKED DUCK. In the various
impoundments we also logged GREEN-WINGED TEAL, HOODED MERGANSER, PIED-BILLED
GREBE and MALLARD.
We had great looks at an EASTERN PHOEBE and heard an EASTERN PEEWEE along the
main road. Woodpecker species included RED-BELLIED, DOWNY AND NORTHERN FLICKER.
Large flocks of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and CANADA GOOSE flew overhead several
times.
Other birds of note include BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH, EASTERN TOWHEE, TREE
SWALLOW, SONG SPARROW, BELTED KINGFISHER and BROWN PELICAN.
Our next field trip is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, at the Great Dismal
Swamp. We'll meet at the entrance to Jericho Ditch at 7:30 AM. Feel free to
join us if your schedule permits!
Meredith Bell
Field Trip Coordinator
Hampton Roads Bird Club
merandlee@xxxxxxx
