This morning from 0515 to 0730 Gene Burreson and I conducted our third and
final volunteer tidal marsh breeding bird surveys in Mathews County (a
project of the VA Bird Conservation Initiative).
We did point counts along the upper portions of Garden Creek (GC) and the
road leading to Bethel Beach (BB). Overall, things were MUCH slower than
the previous two rounds and the no-see-ums were far more persistent and
numerous. But, the weather was much nicer (open, clear skies and low wind)
and listening conditions more ideal (no dogs barked at us, and only a few
cars).
Calling rails were surprisingly sparse at Garden Creek. In the previous
rounds CLAPPER RAILS greeted us immediately by sounding off throughout the
marsh. We only recorded one Clapper across the four GC sites and it only
responded briefly to the CD playback. We recorded two KING RAILS here, one
at each of two sites. We also had a single CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW calling when
we arrived.
Rails were much more numerous at Bethel Beach, as usual, but were generally
less vocal than previous rounds. We had at least 21 Clappers across the
four sites, including 7 youngsters (6 ran across the road with both of
their parents during one of the point counts - neat to see). We had 4 King
Rails - what appeared to be pairs calling to each other, one at each of two
sites.
Other interesting sightings:
Seaside Sparrows - at least 3 along the road to BB
Sharp-tailed Sparrow - 1 at BB (this bird is determined to go
unidentified... it sounds like a Nelson's but won't come out of the grass)
Dave Hewitt
Gloucester, VA
