This evening I found a Ruffed Grouse feeding (I sincerely hope on Japanese
beetles) in our vineyard. I decided to leave her alone and watch for
Nighthawks. Tonight I wasn't disappointed. There was a decent flight that
lasted only briefly. At 7:45, nothing. At 7:55 they began to fly over, only 100
feet above the field, heading due south. By 8:05 I had counted 100 nighthawks,
and I probably missed a few stragglers down at the end of the field.
There was also a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds (200 or so) and 400-500 Common
Grackles flying NW, presumably to roost in the pine trees above Pine Spur
Overlook, since I heard cackling from that quarter for some time afterwards.
Another Belted Kingfisher and about 40 Canada Geese were at the ponds again
this morning.
Father John Sebastian
Syon Abbey
Blue Ridge Parkway
Franklin County
