Hello all ,
I birded yesterday and today mainly along the Virginia Beach coast line. But on
Monday Bob Ake called me about a Yellow Headed Blackbird that Nick Flanders
found. To make a long story short Bob located the bird and it was great
spotting on his part. The Blackbird flock I guessed was between 6 and 8
thousand birds . Thanks again to Nick Flanders for the great find .
On Monday I saw the 1st year male King Eider at Rudee Inlet . The bird is still
under bridge and to the west of bridge in marina area .
Today I was searching the gulls between First Landing SP and Fort Story and
south along coast to 84th street.
I came across an adult Thayer's Gull in winter plumage . The gull flock in this
area right now is fairly large , my guess on a number would be 3 to 6 thousand
gulls . The Thayer's was east of First Landing platform , at the start of Fort
story's property along the beach.
The gulls have been sitting in this location for many weeks now.
When looking for this bird view the flock from many angles to see as many birds
as possible, there are alotta birds packed in tight so it is difficult . My
best advice work the birds in small groups and keep moving along beach without
flushing the flock.
Other highlights include 42 Forsters Terns , 1 Imm. Royal Tern 1 White Winged
Scoter , 125 Bonapartes Gull ,3000 Northern Gannet , 1 adult Bald Eagle , 15
Horned Grebe , 55 Red Th. Loon , 19 Common Loon
Also of note I must mention the numbers of Lesser Blacked Backed Gulls in this
area , not a rare bird but if anyone wants to learn the different ages and
plumages of this gull this would be a great spot to do so.
Cheers
Andrew
