Hi all,
I spent the day chasing a few birds that had popped up in the central and west
parts of the state that I wanted to see. First off, Janet Paisley, Andrew
Rapp, and I checked the Lark flock in the Scholars Rd field in Rockingham
County (near the railroad tracks). After a good deal of scoping, Janet and I
got a good look at 1 Lapland Longspur among the large Lark flock. Andrew and I
think we picked up on a second Longspur flying but we cannot confirm that.
From Scholars Rd we drove down to Willow Lake in Rockbridge County in hopes
that the previously-reported Long-tailed Duck and Common Merganser would be
present. We got the Long-tailed but dipped on the Merganser. Other birds
present included 5 Buffleheads, 14 Ruddy Ducks, 1 female Lesser Scaup, and a
Belted Kingfisher.
In the afternoon Andrew, my mom and I headed up to the Woodward Turf Farm in
Fauquier County for a shot at the Say's Phoebe (and a closer look at a
Longspur, the Rockingham birds are quite distant). The Say's Phoebe was
present upon arrival at the house at the end of Norman's Ford Rd (aka Stordes
Mill Rd) showing off wonderfully for us as well as several other birders
present. After getting satisfied from the Phoebe, the 3 of us as well as
several other birders stopped on Norman's Ford Rd (about half way back to
Summerduck Rd) to scope a flock of ~125 Horned Larks for previously-reported
Lapland Longspurs. We found 2 Longspurs among the Lark flock, giving nice
looks, and certainly a lot closer by then the Rockingham birds!
In all a great day of chasing with a life bird for Janet and a couple for
Andrew (oh, and I can't forget about a couple for my mom :)). A big thanks to
Janet, and my mom for driving Andrew and I around today. Good birding to all,
Gabriel Mapel
New Hope, VA
