[va-richmond-general] Change of seasons
- From: Lewis Barnett <blbarnett3@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Richmond Audubon Society mailing list mailing list <va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 09:59:32 -0400
So, it's Spring, and it's still snowing.
The birds are still out there, though - a nice mix of the usual suspects,
winter residents, spring migrants, and some birds pushed out of the midwest by
the polar vortex.
Rusty Blackbirds have been seen within the last few days at the Wetlands, most
recently on Sunday. They will be heading north any day now. Many ducks have
already flown, though a few remain - Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Lesser
Scaup and Gadwall are still hanging out at Byrd Park.
The first Red-necked Grebes for the city this winter were found on Sunday at
City Dock and Byrd Park - Swan Lake. This species has been relatively plentiful
in the surrounding counties (high count of 23 on Swift Creek Reservoir a couple
of weekends ago), but these were the first that had been noted in the City of
Richmond.
Yellow-throated Warblers have been reported at James River Park - 42nd St.
section and Bryan Park, and Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows
are back.
I checked out the Wetlands this morning on the way to work. There was a lot of
bird song as the flurries fell - especially enchanting were Hermit Thrushes (4)
and Winter Wrens (2) who have started singing in preparation for their spring
flight. Other than that, there were a fair number of Eastern Phoebes. I checked
the "Bittern Spot" - the marshy extension of the pond, but didn't find anything
of interest. The park staff have cut a good bit of brush in that area this
winter, which makes it easier to see, but maybe makes it less appealing as a
place for birds to be seen.
Spring migration is about to kick in (if winter will ever let go) - buckle your
seat belts.
Lewis Barnett
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